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Busser in Union City, NJ

Bussers in Union City, NJ, in 2025, earn approximately $13.25 per hour, which translates to about $530.00 per week, $2,296.67 per month, and $27,560.00 per year.

The demand for Bussers in Union City is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities in the hospitality sector in this area.

What could I earn?
Find out how your salary compares to the average Busser salary.
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Location
Your Salary
Average Busser Salary in Union City, NJ:
Your salary is the same as the Union City, NJ salary average.
$13.25
Your Salary
$13.25
$0.00
$13.25
$26.50
Market Average
$13.25

How Much Does a Busser Make in Union City, NJ?

The salary of a Busser in Union City can vary depending on experience and employer, but here is a general overview of earnings by experience level.

Experience levelHourly payWeekly payMonthly payYearly pay
Entry-level (~25th percentile)$10.50$420.00$1,820.00$21,840.00
Mid-level (average)$13.25$530.00$2,296.67$27,560.00
Top earners (90th percentile)$15.50$620.00$2,683.33$32,240.00

Do Bussers in Union City Earn Tips?

Bussers usually do earn tips in addition to their base pay, often making an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips depending on the volume and type of establishment they work in.

Busser Salary in Union City vs. National Average

Nationally, Bussers earn an average of around $14.24 per hour, which amounts to about $29,619.20 per year.

Compared to the national average, Bussers in Union City earn slightly less at $13.25 per hour and $27,560.00 annually, reflecting local market conditions and cost of living.

Highest-Paying Areas Near Union City for Bussers

Nearby areas offer slightly higher wages for Bussers:

  • Downtown Union City: $14.50 per hour
  • West Union City: $15.00 per hour

If you are willing to commute, these areas may provide better pay than Union City itself.

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 Union City?

Several factors influence how much a Busser can earn in Union City:

  • Experience Level: More experienced Bussers who work efficiently in busy environments typically earn higher wages and tips.
  • Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants and high-volume venues often pay more and distribute larger tips than casual or fast-food restaurants.
  • Work Hours and Shifts: Night or weekend shifts may have shift differentials, increasing overall pay.
  • Skills and Reputation: Bussers known for reliability and excellent customer service may receive better tips and higher wages.
  • Local Economic Factors: Wages respond to the local cost of living and economic health of Union City and surrounding areas.

How To Become a Busser in Union City

Starting a career as a Busser in Union City involves some basic steps to build skills and credentials:

  • Obtain Required Certifications: Getting a Food Handler's Permit is essential as it ensures knowledge of safe food handling practices, mandatory for food service workers in New Jersey.
  • Earn Additional Certifications: An Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Card may be needed if you work in restaurants serving alcohol, showing understanding of state liquor laws.
  • Complete Local Training Programs: Programs like the Hudson County Community College Culinary Arts Program provide comprehensive culinary and hospitality training beneficial for those entering food service.
  • Enroll in Hospitality Courses: The Union City Adult Education Hospitality Training offers focused courses on restaurant service skills preparing individuals for roles in hospitality.
  • Gain On-the-Job Experience: Many Bussers start with entry-level roles, learning from servers and kitchen staff to advance.

Top Employers Hiring Bussers in Union City

Several well-known restaurants in Union City consistently hire Bussers, including:

  • Chili's Grill & Bar
  • Cracker Barrel
  • First Watch
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Establishments That Bussers in Union City Work At

Bussers in Union City typically work across a variety of establishment types, such as:

  • Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Often have steady shifts but may offer moderate pay and tip volumes.
  • Fine Dining: Higher-end restaurants usually pay better wages and provide more generous tips.
  • Hotels and Event Venues: Bussers here might find occasional higher earnings due to large events and banquets.
  • Chains and Franchise Restaurants: Provide more consistent hours but may have standardized wage structures with limited tip earning potential.

The type of establishment impacts not only the base wage but also tip income, with upscale places generally offering higher total compensation.

Related Hospitality Jobs in Union City for Bussers

If you're interested in careers related to Bussers, consider these similar roles that share some skills and work environments:

Job Title

Avg Salary

Backwaiter

$32,636

Banquet Server

$31,000

Server

$35,457

These include roles such as Backwaiter, Server, and Banquet Server, which all involve direct or indirect interaction with guests in a food service environment.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Bussers in Union City

Bussers in Union City should stay informed about labor laws and tax obligations to ensure compliance and protect their rights.