New York City Salary Guide for Busser: Key Takeaways
- As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage for bussers in NYC is $16.50 per hour, with a tip credit of up to $5.50 allowed.
- Average hourly wages reported range from $16.14 to higher median total pay around $23 per hour including tips.
- Tips usually come through tip pooling arrangements, contributing significantly to a busser’s overall earnings.
- Benefits like health insurance and paid time off may be available but vary widely by employer.
This guide provides an in-depth overview of New York City busser salaries, combining hourly wages, tip structures, and benefits.
It gives restaurant workers and employers insight into earnings expectations and legal wage requirements in NYC.
For employers looking to attract and retain quality front-of-house staff, understanding where bussers make the most money can be an essential part of competitive hiring strategies.
1. Overview of Busser Wages in New York City
Bussers in New York City earn a minimum wage of $16.50 per hour as of 2025. Employers can pay a direct wage as low as $11.00 per hour by applying a tip credit of up to $5.50, provided the employee’s combined wage and tips meet or exceed the $16.50 threshold.
Indeed.com reports an average busser wage of $16.14 per hour based on 194 NYC salaries, aligning closely with the legal minimum wage standard.
Salary.com estimates an average annual salary of $27,628, with typical salaries ranging between $24,729 and $31,192. This translates to about $12 to $15 per hour before tips.
However, Glassdoor indicates a higher median total pay closer to $48,000 annually — roughly $23 per hour — when factoring in base pay plus tips. This suggests that tips significantly boost a busser’s income in some establishments.
Bussers looking to gain more insight into their role and responsibilities can refer to the comprehensive busser job description available on OysterLink.
2. Role of Tips and Tip Pooling for Bussers in NYC
Unlike servers who receive direct tips, bussers typically earn tips through tip pooling or tip sharing. This system redistributes a portion of servers' tips to support staff including bussers, bartenders, and sometimes hosts.
This means the tip portion can vary widely depending on the restaurant’s policy, size, and clientele. High-end restaurants often generate larger tip pools, resulting in higher supplementary income for bussers.
Employers must ensure that total compensation—consisting of direct wages plus tip earnings—meets the legal minimum of $16.50 per hour. If a busser’s tips do not cover the full tip credit, the employer is required to pay the difference.
Employers can learn more about modern technologies and strategies with resources like best apps for tip pooling to manage tip distribution efficiently.
3. Factors Influencing Busser Earnings in New York City
Several variables affect how much a busser makes, including:
- Type of Establishment: Upscale and busy restaurants generally have higher revenues, leading to larger tip pools.
- Location: Busser earnings can vary by neighborhoods due to differences in clientele and tipping culture.
- Shift Timing: Peak dining hours like evenings and weekends tend to result in greater tips and higher effective hourly earnings.
- Experience and Responsibilities: Experienced bussers who take on additional tasks or demonstrate reliability may command better wages or more favorable tip shares.
Restaurants aiming to improve staff retention and morale might explore the top strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover which also benefits bussers.
The Fastest Growing
Restaurant & Hospitality Job Platform
Looking for top paid jobs? Or Hiring for your business?
4. Additional Benefits for Bussers in NYC Restaurants
Benefits for bussers can vary significantly depending on restaurant size, ownership, and management policies.
Some bussers may receive health insurance coverage, paid time off, and retirement plan options as part of their employment package. However, these benefits are not guaranteed by law and should be confirmed with the employer during hiring.
Understanding local wage laws and company policies helps bussers better negotiate for benefits beyond base pay and tips.
Restaurant owners seeking to build appealing compensation packages should consider exploring insights on components of a compensation strategy that attract and retain restaurant staff.
5. Compliance with NYC Minimum Wage Laws for Bussers
New York City’s wage laws require that the combined pay of wages and tips must be at least $16.50 per hour for bussers as of 2025.
Employers are legally mandated to make up any shortfall if tips do not bring the employee’s total earnings to the minimum wage level.
The tip credit system permits a lower direct wage but does not reduce the total hourly income a busser is entitled to receive.
Employers new to the hospitality industry or hiring staff may find restaurant staff hiring insights useful for understanding compliance and best hiring practices.
6. Best Resources to Learn More About Busser Salaries in NYC
For further information on wages, tips, and labor laws affecting bussers in New York City, consult these official websites:
- New York State Department of Labor: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers
- New York State's Minimum Wage Information
- City of New York: Wage Regulations in New York State
To deepen your knowledge about the busser profession, reviewing common busser interview questions can be helpful for both employers and job seekers.
New York City Busser Salary Guide: Conclusion
The salary landscape for bussers in New York City combines a guaranteed minimum wage of $16.50 per hour with tip pooling arrangements that can significantly increase earnings.
Bussers working in high-volume or upscale venues tend to earn more due to larger tip pools. Understanding the wage laws, tip credit regulations, and available benefits is essential for both employees and employers to ensure fair and legal compensation.
Staying informed and utilizing official resources helps bussers maximize their income while providing clarity on compensation expectations in the competitive NYC restaurant scene.
Loading comments...