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Dishwasher/busser vs food runner/busser

The differences between dishwasher/bussers and food runner/bussers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a food runner/busser has an average salary of $28,577, which is higher than the $28,061 average annual salary of a dishwasher/busser.

The top three skills for a dishwasher/busser include wash dishes, food preparation equipment and bus tables. The most important skills for a food runner/busser are cleanliness, wine, and excellent guest.

Dishwasher/busser vs food runner/busser overview

Dishwasher/BusserFood Runner/Busser
Yearly salary$28,061$28,577
Hourly rate$13.49$13.74
Growth rate2%14%
Number of jobs69,122124,680
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 60%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age3623
Years of experience--

What does a dishwasher/busser do?

Dishwashers/bussers perform varied supportive kitchen and janitorial tasks. These tasks include washing the dishes, resetting the tables, and removing plates and flatware from the tables. Also, dishwashers are responsible for restocking items, preparing the cook stations, and cleaning trash receptacles. They are expected to support other staff members and report any violations of food safety and kitchen accidents. The requirements for this role may include having a high school diploma, time management skills, and good communication skills.

What does a food runner/busser do?

A food runner or busser is an employee who works at a restaurant to provide quality food services to customers and patrons. Food runners or bussers perform food preparation and ensure that foods are delivered promptly to the appropriate customers' tables. In case the bar server is busy, food runners or bussers may take the drink orders of customers at the bar counter. They also make sure that tables are bussed, cleaned, and set up for the next paying customers.

Dishwasher/busser vs food runner/busser salary

Dishwasher/bussers and food runner/bussers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dishwasher/BusserFood Runner/Busser
Average salary$28,061$28,577
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $36,000Between $22,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-New Hampshire
Best paying company-The Culinary Institute of America
Best paying industry-Hospitality

Differences between dishwasher/busser and food runner/busser education

There are a few differences between a dishwasher/busser and a food runner/busser in terms of educational background:

Dishwasher/BusserFood Runner/Busser
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 60%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorGeneral StudiesBusiness
Most common college--

Dishwasher/busser vs food runner/busser demographics

Here are the differences between dishwasher/bussers' and food runner/bussers' demographics:

Dishwasher/BusserFood Runner/Busser
Average age3623
Gender ratioMale, 80.6% Female, 19.4%Male, 75.4% Female, 24.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 6.4% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage5%8%

Differences between dishwasher/busser and food runner/busser duties and responsibilities

Dishwasher/busser example responsibilities.

  • Supervise dishwashers to maintain cleanliness of all utensils and all other food contact surfaces
  • Prep food items and refrigerate appropriately, maintain cleanliness of restaurant, wash all dishes associate with the daily operations
  • Maintain customer attentiveness and a neat appearance.

Food runner/busser example responsibilities.

  • Manage event reservations and party requests, inform customers about upcoming events and specials.
  • Educate and experience in fine dining experience, professional etiquette and wine knowledge
  • Operate a POS system, highly experience with cash handling methods.
  • Give assistance to clients at POS to ensure a pleasant shopping experience.
  • Note allergies and special accommodations on receipts to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
  • Collaborate closely alongside coworkers to ensure customer satisfaction and overall cleanliness of the establishment.
  • Show more

Dishwasher/busser vs food runner/busser skills

Common dishwasher/busser skills
  • Wash Dishes, 32%
  • Food Preparation Equipment, 12%
  • Bus Tables, 11%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Dishwashers, 6%
  • Dishwasher Machine, 6%
Common food runner/busser skills
  • Cleanliness, 14%
  • Wine, 13%
  • Excellent Guest, 8%
  • Culinary, 6%
  • Water Glasses, 6%
  • Food Delivery, 5%

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