Busser Salary in Santa Ana, CA
Bussers in Santa Ana, CA, in 2026, earn approximately $15.72 per hour, which translates to about $628.80 per week, $2,724.80 per month, and $32,697.60 per year.
The demand for Bussers in Santa Ana is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job prospects in this role within the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Busser Make in Santa Ana, CA?
The salary for a Busser in Santa Ana can vary depending on experience and employer, but here is a general overview across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.50 | $540.00 | $2,340.00 | $28,080.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.72 | $628.80 | $2,724.80 | $32,697.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.50 | $700.00 | $3,033.33 | $36,400.00 |
Do Bussers in Santa Ana Earn Tips?
Bussers typically do earn tips as part of their compensation. On average, a Busser in Santa Ana can make an additional $5 to $10 per hour in tips, depending on the establishment’s tipping culture and customer volume.
Busser Salary in Santa Ana vs. National Average
Nationally, Bussers earn an average of about $14.24 per hour, which corresponds to roughly $29,619.20 annually.
Compared to the national average, Bussers in Santa Ana earn slightly more at $15.72 per hour and $32,697.60 per year, reflecting the city’s higher living costs and demand within the local hospitality market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Santa Ana for Bussers
Bussers looking for higher pay near Santa Ana might consider the following cities:
- Fullerton: $20.73 per hour
- Orange: $17.81 per hour
Among nearby cities, Fullerton offers significantly higher wages for Bussers compared to Santa Ana, potentially making it an attractive option for those willing to commute.
What Influences a Busser’s Salary in Santa Ana?
Several factors can influence how much a Busser earns in Santa Ana, CA:
- Experience and Tenure: Bussers with several years of experience or excellent service skills can earn higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Dining Establishment: Upscale restaurants and hotels generally pay more than casual dining or fast food places.
- Shift and Hours: Working peak dining hours, weekends, or holidays can increase earnings through shift differentials and higher tips.
- Skills Beyond Busser Duties: Employees who can assist with additional tasks, such as light food running or customer service, may earn more.
- Local Economic Factors: The overall cost of living and local demand for hospitality staff in Santa Ana also play a role.
How To Become a Busser in Santa Ana
Starting a career as a Busser in Santa Ana involves several key steps that can boost your employability and earnings potential.
- Obtain Basic Food Safety Certifications: Acquiring the California Food Handler Card is mandatory for restaurant employees and ensures knowledge of safe food handling practices.
- Consider Additional Training: Programs such as the Santa Ana College Culinary Arts Program or the Orange Coast College Hospitality Program offer valuable skills in restaurant operations and hospitality that can help Bussers advance their careers.
- Get ServSafe Certification: This nationally recognized food safety certification can enhance your understanding and appeal to employers.
- Gain On-the-Job Experience: Many Bussers start with little formal training but build valuable experience working in restaurants.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Bussers who interact respectfully and efficiently with guests often receive better tips and career opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Bussers in Santa Ana
Several well-known establishments in Santa Ana frequently look for qualified Bussers, including:
- Olive Garden
- Lazy Dog Restaurant
- Great Wolf Lodge
- BJ's Restaurants
- Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ
Establishments That Bussers in Santa Ana Work At
Bussers in Santa Ana find employment across a variety of food service venues. These establishments include:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These venues pay competitive wages and provide opportunities to refine service skills.
- Fast Casual Places: Often have more fast-paced environments with moderate pay and tipping expectations.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger hospitality venues may offer higher pay and more consistent work hours.
- Banquet and Event Venues: Bussers can earn more during special events from both wages and tips.
The nature of the establishment directly impacts the Busser’s salary and tip potential, with upscale environments generally offering better compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Santa Ana for Bussers
If you are interested in exploring careers related to being a Busser, there are several similar roles in the hospitality sector worth considering.
These include Server, Backwaiter, and Fine Dining Server positions, which involve similar service-oriented tasks and offer varying salary levels.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bussers in Santa Ana
Bussers should be aware of the labor laws and tax regulations that apply specifically in Santa Ana and California.
- Information on federal labor laws and regulations can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor official website.
- For California-specific labor laws and workplace standards, visit the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
- The City of Santa Ana official website provides local employment resources and regulations important for workers.