Dining room attendants make sure tables are clean and set for patrons.
A dining room attendant handles an array of duties for a restaurant. Dining room attendants work in everything from fine dining establishments to cafeterias to cafés to restaurant chains. Oftentimes, they are referred to as busboys or busgirls (or just "bussers") and are mostly responsible for setting and clearing tables. However, depending on the establishment, they may perform other duties as well.
Basics
Dining room attendants typically carry plastic bins or push carts in which they place dirty tableware. They then transport it to the kitchen where it is washed. They also wipe down tables, chairs and booths, before placing items such as bottles of condiments, silverware and salt and pepper shakers on them. They might also assist servers in carrying orders to patrons or perhaps even refilling drinks. Those who work in cafeterias might also place food in the dining area and operate a cash register.
Skills
Dining room attendants are expected to work quickly and possess basic cleaning skills. They must be organized and value customer service, as well as the establishment for which they work. Dining room attendants almost always must have the strength and endurance needed to spend a great deal of their shifts on their feet, carrying plates and cleaning supplies, among other items. On top of those things, they ought to be professional with a strong work ethic and able to work well alone or as members of a team.
Background
Most dining room attendants can learn on the job with minimal training. Some are part-time high school or college students who are aiming to make some spending money while they complete their studies, and others are full-time employees who can make a living (particularly those who work for fine-dining restaurants). Either way, for dining room attendants, a positive approach to the job and ability to follow instruction are often at least as important as a formal education.
Prospects
The outlook for dining room attendants is likely to be solid for years to come, especially since patrons will always expect a nice setting when eating out. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for workers in the food services industry are expected to increase by 10 percent through 2018. That said, employment of attendants may not rise as steadily, as more establishments are having hosts and servers handle their responsibilities.
Earnings
Wages for dining room attendants tend to vary by the size of the restaurant for work, as well as whether or not they are part-time or full-time employees. Some often receive a smaller base salary along with a share of the tips left by patrons. According to the BLS, dining room attendants earned a median wage of anywhere from $7.24 to $12 per hour in May 2008. Meanwhile, PayScale.com listed busser salaries at anywhere from nearly $15,000 to more than $19,500 per year in May 2010.
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