Busser Salary in Santa Maria, CA
Bussers in Santa Maria, CA, in 2026, make around $16.50 per hour, approximately $660.00 per week, $2,860.00 per month, and $34,320.00 per year.
The job outlook for Bussers in Santa Maria is quite positive, with a growth rate of about 5% per year, indicating expanding opportunities in this vital hospitality role.
How Much Does a Busser Make in Santa Maria, CA?
The earnings of a Busser in Santa Maria can vary depending on experience level and employer. Below is a breakdown of typical salaries for different experience tiers.
| 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) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,434.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,947.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Bussers in Santa Maria Earn Tips?
Bussers in Santa Maria typically earn additional tips besides their hourly wages. They can make approximately $5 to $10 per hour in tips depending on the restaurant and shift, which can significantly boost their overall earnings.
Busser Salary in Santa Maria vs. National Average
Nationally, Bussers earn about $14.24 per hour and approximately $29,619.20 per year. Compared to these averages, Bussers in Santa Maria earn slightly more per hour at $16.50 and make a higher annual salary of $34,320.
This difference reflects the regional cost of living and demand for hospitality workers in Santa Maria.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Santa Maria for Bussers
Nearby neighborhoods offer varied pay rates for Bussers:
- Downtown: $17.50 per hour
- North Santa Maria: $16.80 per hour
Bussers working in Downtown Santa Maria tend to earn the highest wages, making it an attractive area for job seekers.
What Influences a Busser’s Salary in Santa Maria?
Several factors can affect how much a Busser makes in Santa Maria:
- Experience: More experienced Bussers often earn higher pay and better tips.
- Skills and Efficiency: Quick, attentive Bussers are valuable to restaurants and may be rewarded accordingly.
- Type of Establishment: High-end or fine dining restaurants usually pay better than casual or fast-food venues.
- Shift Hours: Evening and weekend shifts may pay a premium or yield more generous tips.
- Local Market Demand: Areas with more tourist traffic or busy restaurant scenes typically offer higher wages.
How To Become a Busser in Santa Maria
Becoming a Busser in Santa Maria involves some key steps to enter and succeed in this hospitality role.
- Gain Basic Food Service Knowledge: Many employers appreciate candidates with familiarity in food handling and hygiene.
- Consider Culinary Arts Programs: Programs like the Allan Hancock College Culinary Arts Program provide helpful foundational knowledge relevant to food service roles.
- High School Programs: Students in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District’s ROP Culinary Arts program gain practical experience and skills suited for food service jobs.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: A California Food Handler Card is typically required for employment in food service to ensure safe food handling practices.
- Earn ServSafe Certification: This well-recognized certification boosts your credentials and understanding of food safety standards.
Top Employers Hiring Bussers in Santa Maria
Several popular establishments in Santa Maria frequently hire Bussers:
- Olive Garden
- Red Lobster
- North China Restaurant LLC
Establishments That Bussers in Santa Maria Work At
Bussers commonly find roles across various dining establishments, each influencing pay differently.
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These are the most common workplaces and offer moderate wages with consistent hours.
- Fast Casual: Faster service and higher turnover but typically lower pay and tips.
- Fine Dining: Higher-end venues tend to pay higher base wages and offer larger tips.
- Hotels and Banquet Facilities: May offer steady pay and opportunities for benefits.
The type of establishment strongly affects both hourly wages and tip potential for Bussers.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Santa Maria for Bussers
Exploring roles similar to Busser can broaden your career prospects in the hospitality industry.
These include Backwaiter, Server, and Dishwasher positions, roles commonly found alongside Bussers in the food service industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Bussers in Santa Maria
Bussers should be aware of relevant state and federal regulations impacting wages and work conditions.
- For detailed information on California labor laws and wage regulations, visit the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- The California Employment Development Department offers resources on employment benefits and labor market data specific to California.
- For federal wage laws and employment standards, the U.S. Department of Labor website provides comprehensive guidance.