How Much Do Food Runners Make? [2023 Salary Guide]
How Much Do Food Runners Make?
If you’re thinking about getting a job as a food runner, you probably want to know how much you can expect to make. The good news is that food runners can earn a decent wage, with the median hourly wage being around $12. However, there are a number of factors that can affect your pay, including the restaurant you work for, your experience level, and the location of your job.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how much food runners make, and we’ll discuss some of the factors that can affect your pay. We’ll also provide some tips on how to increase your earning potential as a food runner.
So, if you’re ready to learn more about how much food runners make, keep reading!
| City | Average Hourly Wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | $15.00 | This is the average hourly wage for food runners in New York City. |
| Los Angeles | $14.00 | This is the average hourly wage for food runners in Los Angeles. |
| Chicago | $13.00 | This is the average hourly wage for food runners in Chicago. |
How Much Do Food Runners Make on Average?
Food runners are responsible for delivering food from the kitchen to the dining room. They also help to keep the dining room clean and organized. The average hourly wage for food runners is $12.45, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the actual salary can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Hourly wage: The hourly wage for food runners typically ranges from $9 to $15 per hour. The starting wage is often around $9 per hour, but experienced food runners can earn up to $15 per hour.
- Annual salary: The annual salary for food runners typically ranges from $18,000 to $30,000. The starting salary is often around $18,000, but experienced food runners can earn up to $30,000 per year.
- Tips: Food runners typically earn tips in addition to their hourly wage. The amount of tips can vary depending on the restaurant, but food runners can typically expect to earn around $5 per hour in tips.
Factors That Affect How Much Food Runners Make
The following factors can affect how much food runners make:
- Location: The average hourly wage for food runners varies by location. Food runners in major cities typically earn more than food runners in smaller towns.
- Experience: Food runners who have more experience typically earn more than food runners who are just starting out.
- Restaurant type: The average hourly wage for food runners also varies by restaurant type. Food runners at fine dining restaurants typically earn more than food runners at fast-food restaurants.
- Tips: The amount of tips that food runners earn can vary depending on the restaurant. Food runners at restaurants with a high volume of customers typically earn more in tips than food runners at restaurants with a lower volume of customers.
The average hourly wage for food runners is $12.45, but the actual salary can vary depending on a number of factors. Food runners who live in major cities, have more experience, work at fine dining restaurants, and earn more in tips can expect to earn more than the average food runner.
How Much Do Food Runners Make?
Food runners are responsible for delivering food from the kitchen to the customer’s table. They typically work in restaurants, but they may also work in other food service establishments, such as cafes, bars, and hotels. The average hourly wage for food runners is $11.45 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the actual salary you can expect to earn as a food runner will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your experience level. Food runners who are just starting out can expect to earn a lower salary than those who have more experience.
- The type of restaurant you work for. Food runners who work in high-end restaurants typically earn more than those who work in fast-food restaurants.
- The location of the restaurant. Food runners who work in major cities typically earn more than those who work in smaller towns.
- The tips you receive. Food runners typically earn a portion of the tips that customers leave for the waitstaff. The amount of tips you receive will vary depending on the restaurant’s tipping policy and the generosity of your customers.
In addition to their hourly wage, food runners may also receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. The specific benefits you receive will vary depending on the restaurant you work for.
How to Increase Your Income as a Food Runner
There are a few things you can do to increase your income as a food runner. Here are a few tips:
- Get more shifts. The more shifts you work, the more money you will earn. If you are available to work more hours, talk to your manager about getting more shifts.
- Work in a high-traffic area. Restaurants in high-traffic areas typically have more customers, which means more opportunities for tips.
- Improve your customer service skills. Customers are more likely to tip well if they have a positive experience. Make sure to be friendly, attentive, and helpful to your customers.
- Get better tips. There are a few things you can do to increase the amount of tips you receive. For example, you can:
- Be friendly and attentive. Customers are more likely to tip well if they feel like you are taking good care of them.
- Make sure the food is hot and fresh. Customers are more likely to tip well if they are happy with their food.
- Be knowledgeable about the menu. Customers are more likely to tip well if they feel like you are knowledgeable about the food and can make recommendations.
Other Ways to Make Money as a Food Runner
In addition to your hourly wage and tips, there are a few other ways to make money as a food runner. Here are a few ideas:
- Deliver food for a third-party delivery service. Some food runners also work as delivery drivers for third-party delivery services, such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. This can be a great way to make extra money, especially if you are already working as a food runner.
- Work as a bartender or server. Bartenders and servers typically earn more than food runners. If you have the skills and experience, you could consider working as a bartender or server at a restaurant or bar.
- Start your own food delivery business. If you are a good cook and have a car, you could start your own food delivery business. This can be a great way to make money and be your own boss.
Food runners are an important part of the food service industry. They play a vital role in ensuring that customers receive their food quickly and efficiently. If you are looking for a job that is fast-paced and rewarding, consider becoming a food runner.
How much do food runners make?
The average hourly wage for food runners is $12.25 per hour. However, wages can vary depending on the restaurant’s location, size, and type of cuisine. Food runners in high-end restaurants in major cities can earn up to $20 per hour, while those in smaller, less expensive restaurants may earn closer to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
What factors affect how much a food runner makes?
The following factors can affect how much a food runner makes:
- The restaurant’s location: Food runners in high-cost areas, such as major cities, will typically earn more than those in lower-cost areas.
- The restaurant’s size: Food runners in larger restaurants will typically earn more than those in smaller restaurants.
- The type of cuisine: Food runners in fine dining restaurants will typically earn more than those in casual dining restaurants.
- The runner’s experience: Food runners with more experience will typically earn more than those with less experience.
What are the benefits of being a food runner?
There are a number of benefits to being a food runner, including:
- Flexible hours: Food runners can typically work part-time or full-time hours, and they can often choose their own shifts.
- Opportunities for advancement: Food runners can often move up to other positions in the restaurant, such as server or bartender.
- A chance to learn about the restaurant industry: Food runners get a behind-the-scenes look at how restaurants operate, which can be helpful for those who want to pursue a career in the food service industry.
What are the challenges of being a food runner?
There are a few challenges to being a food runner, including:
- Long hours: Food runners can often work long hours, especially during peak times.
- Physically demanding work: Food runners are constantly on their feet and moving, and they may have to lift heavy trays of food.
- Dealing with difficult customers: Food runners may have to deal with difficult customers who are impatient or demanding.
How can I become a food runner?
To become a food runner, you will typically need to:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a valid driver’s license and car insurance.
- Be able to lift heavy objects.
- Be able to work well under pressure.
- Have good customer service skills.
You can find job openings for food runners online or by asking around at local restaurants.
In this blog post, we’ve discussed how much food runners make. We’ve looked at the average hourly wage, annual salary, and tips that food runners can expect to earn. We’ve also discussed the factors that can affect a food runner’s pay, such as the restaurant’s location, the type of cuisine, and the time of day.
Overall, the average hourly wage for food runners is $12.25. However, food runners can earn more than this in some areas and at some restaurants. For example, food runners in large cities can earn an average hourly wage of $14.00, while food runners in small towns can earn an average hourly wage of $10.50. Food runners who work at high-end restaurants can also earn more than the average hourly wage. For example, food runners at restaurants with a $50+ average check can earn an average hourly wage of $15.00.
In addition to their hourly wage, food runners can also earn tips. The average tip for a food runner is $2.00 per order. However, food runners can earn more in tips if they work at a busy restaurant or if they provide excellent customer service.
Overall, food runners can earn a decent wage, but their pay can vary depending on the factors discussed in this blog post. If you’re considering a career as a food runner, be sure to do your research to find out what you can expect to earn in your area.
Author Profile
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With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.