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San Bernardino, CA

5 min read

Busser Salary in San Bernardino, CA

Bussers in San Bernardino, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $16.00 per hour, which translates to about $640.00 per week, $2,773.33 per month, and $33,280.00 per year.

The demand for Bussers in San Bernardino is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job market with increasing opportunities in the hospitality sector.

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Find out how your salary compares to the average Busser salary.
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Location
Your Salary
Average Busser Salary in San Bernardino, CA:
Your salary is the same as the San Bernardino, CA salary average.
$16
Your Salary
$16.00
$0.00
$16
$32.00
Market Average
$16

How Much Does a Busser Make in San Bernardino, CA?

The salary of a Busser in San Bernardino varies depending on experience level and establishment type. Below is a breakdown of earnings across different levels of experience.

Experience levelHourly payWeekly payMonthly payYearly pay
Entry-level (~25th percentile)$16.00$640.00$2,773.33$33,280.00
Mid-level (average)$16.50$660.00$2,860.00$34,320.00
Top earners (90th percentile)$18.50$740.00$3,203.33$38,480.00

Do Bussers in San Bernardino Earn Tips?

Bussers often earn tips in addition to their base pay, though the amount varies by establishment. Typically, a Busser in San Bernardino can earn an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips, contributing significantly to overall earnings.

Busser Salary in San Bernardino vs. National Average

Nationally, Bussers earn an average of around $14.50 per hour and approximately $30,160.00 per year.

Comparatively, Bussers in San Bernardino earn a higher hourly wage at about $16.00 per hour, with yearly earnings of roughly $33,280.00, reflecting the region's competitive hospitality labor market.

Highest-Paying Areas Near San Bernardino for Bussers

Nearby areas have varying pay rates for Bussers:

  • Downtown San Bernardino: $17.00 per hour
  • University District: $16.80 per hour

Bussers working in Downtown San Bernardino tend to have the highest pay, while other districts also offer competitive rates close to the city average.

High-Paying Cities for Bussers

The table below showcases four of the best cities to work in as a Busser. You can see the average annual wage for a Busser in each of these cities.

City

Avg Salary

Avg Hourly Wage

Chicago, IL

$32,819

$15.78

Los Angeles, CA

$28,230

$13.57

Miami, FL

$25,223

$12.13

NYC, NY

$33,498

$16.10

What Influences a Busser’s Salary in San Bernardino?

Several factors can significantly affect a Busser's salary in San Bernardino:

  • Experience: More experienced Bussers can command higher wages due to their efficiency and reliability.
  • Skills: Strong customer service and multitasking skills enhance employability and pay potential.
  • Type of Establishment: Upscale or fine-dining restaurants generally pay higher wages and better tips compared to casual dining or fast-food places.
  • Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts may offer higher pay or tip opportunities.
  • Certifications: Although not always mandatory, certifications in food handling or hospitality can increase job prospects and pay.

How To Become a Busser in San Bernardino

Becoming a Busser involves a combination of basic skills, training, and sometimes certifications. Here are steps to get started:

  • Complete Basic Food Safety Training: Obtaining a California Food Handler Card is mandatory for all food service employees and establishes knowledge of food safety practices.
  • Consider Additional Certifications: The ServSafe Certification is nationally recognized and often valued by employers.
  • Join Hospitality Education Programs: Enroll in programs such as the San Bernardino Valley College Culinary Arts Program which offers comprehensive training in food preparation and kitchen management.
  • Hospitality Management Education: Pursuing studies at the California State University, San Bernardino Hospitality Management Program can deepen understanding of restaurant operations and customer service.
  • Gain On-the-Job Experience: Starting as a Busser allows you to learn key skills and provides a base for advancing within the hospitality field.

Top Employers Hiring Bussers in San Bernardino

Several prominent restaurant chains actively hire Bussers in San Bernardino, including:

  • Olive Garden
  • Red Lobster
  • PF Chang's
  • Islands Restaurants
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Establishments That Bussers in San Bernardino Work At

Bussers typically work across a variety of hospitality establishments, including:

  • Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments offer moderate wages with typical tip earning potential.
  • Fast Casual Restaurants: These venues usually provide steady work with less tipping but more predictable schedules.
  • Fine Dining Restaurants: Bussers here often earn higher wages and more substantial tips due to the upscale nature of the service.
  • Hotels and Resorts: Larger establishments may provide better benefits and overall compensation packages.

The type of establishment impacts salary through base pay differences and the potential for tips, where fine dining environments typically pay the most.

Related Hospitality Jobs in San Bernardino for Bussers

Many hospitality roles share similar skills and may serve as career advancement opportunities for Bussers:

Job Title

Avg Salary

Backwaiter

$32,636

Server

$35,457

These positions include Cashier, Server, and Backwaiter, each offering different scopes of responsibility and earning potential in the hospitality industry.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Bussers in San Bernardino

Bussers should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax regulations to protect their rights and understand their obligations.