Busser Salary in Milwaukee, WI
Bussers in Milwaukee, WI, in 2025, earn approximately $13.07 per hour, which translates to about $522.80 per week, $2,265.47 per month, and $27,185.60 per year.
The demand for Bussers in Milwaukee is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and expanding opportunities for this role in the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Busser Make in Milwaukee, WI?
The salary of a Busser in Milwaukee varies based on experience and employer. Here’s a breakdown of expected earnings at different levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $13.07 | $522.80 | $2,265.47 | $27,185.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.39 | $695.60 | $3,002.13 | $36,171.20 |
Do Bussers in Milwaukee Earn Tips?
Bussers often earn tips in addition to their base salary. This can range approximately to an extra $3 to $5 per hour in tips, depending on the volume and type of establishment.
Busser Salary in Milwaukee vs. National Average
Nationally, Bussers earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to approximately $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Bussers in Milwaukee earn slightly less at about $13.07 per hour and $27,185.60 annually. This difference may reflect local market conditions and the cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Milwaukee for Bussers
Nearby cities offering competitive salaries for Bussers include:
- Brookfield: $13.09 per hour
- Oconomowoc: $11.73 per hour
Brookfield offers a marginally higher wage compared to Milwaukee, while Oconomowoc’s pay is slightly lower but still competitive within the region.
What Influences a Busser’s Salary in Milwaukee?
Several factors affect the salary a Busser can earn in Milwaukee:
- Experience and Tenure: More experienced Bussers typically command higher wages and better tips.
- Skill Level: Efficiency, customer service skills, and the ability to handle high-pressure environments can increase earnings.
- Type of Venue: Higher-end restaurants and upscale hotels generally offer better pay and tipping potential than casual dining or fast food.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts often provide opportunities for increased tip income.
- Local Economic Conditions: Cost of living and local demand for hospitality staff influence hourly pay rates.
How To Become a Busser in Milwaukee
Starting a career as a Busser in Milwaukee is accessible but can be enhanced by education and certification:
- Consider Formal Training: Programs like the Milwaukee Area Technical College Culinary Arts Program provide foundational knowledge in restaurant operations and hospitality service, which can be valuable for career advancement.
- Hospitality Management Education: Waukesha County Technical College offers a Hospitality Management Program covering aspects of food service management important for career growth.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: The widely recognized ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures understanding of proper food handling and safety procedures.
- Complete Responsible Beverage Server Training: Required in Wisconsin for staff interacting with alcohol service, this training covers legal requirements and best practices.
Top Employers Hiring Bussers in Milwaukee
Some of the top employers in Milwaukee actively hiring Bussers include:
- BJ's Restaurants
- Chili's
- Capitol Cafe
Establishments That Bussers in Milwaukee Work At
Bussers in Milwaukee commonly find employment across these types of venues:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Provide steady opportunities with moderate pay and tipping.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Often faster-paced with less tipping but good base wages.
- Upscale Restaurants and Hotels: Typically offer higher base salaries and greater tipping potential.
- Banquet and Event Venues: Characterized by flexible shifts and variable income depending on event scheduling.
The pay scale can differ based on establishment type, with upscale venues usually offering the highest earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Milwaukee for Bussers
If you are considering roles similar to Busser, here are some related careers in Milwaukee:
These include Backwaiter, Food Runner, and Dishwasher, jobs that share responsibilities in hospitality and food service support roles.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bussers in Milwaukee
Bussers should be aware of local and federal labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance and understand rights:
- Visit the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for comprehensive information on employment standards.
- Check the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development for state-specific labor laws, wage regulations, and worker protections.
- The City of Milwaukee's official website offers local labor resources and employment regulations guidance.