Food Runner Salary in Albany, NY
Food Runners in Albany, NY, in 2025, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The demand for Food Runners in Albany is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities and a stable expansion in the hospitality and restaurant sector.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Albany, NY?
The salary of a Food Runner in Albany can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,436.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Food Runners in Albany, NY Earn Tips?
Food Runners sometimes earn tips depending on the establishment. On average, they might make an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips, which can significantly enhance their overall income, especially in busy or upscale restaurants.
Food Runner Salary in Albany, NY vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
When compared to the national average, Food Runners in Albany earn slightly less at about $13.90 per hour and $28,912 annually.
This difference can be due to regional cost of living and local market conditions in Albany compared to the broader national landscape.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Albany for Food Runners
When looking at nearby areas, Food Runner salaries vary noticeably:
- Downtown Albany: $15.50 per hour
- Pine Hills: $17.60 per hour
Food Runners working in Pine Hills enjoy the highest local wages, making it an attractive area for those seeking higher pay near Albany.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Albany, NY?
Several factors impact the salary of a Food Runner in Albany:
- Experience Level: More experienced Food Runners often command higher wages or tips.
- Skills and Efficiency: Strong communication skills, speed, and accuracy can lead to better earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and busy venues tend to pay more than casual dining or fast food outlets.
- Shift Timing: Working during peak hours or weekends might offer premium pay.
- Location: Certain neighborhoods and areas within Albany pay more based on local demand and restaurant prestige.
How To Become a Food Runner in Albany, NY
Becoming a Food Runner in Albany involves a combination of basic skills and certifications that can help secure employment and advance.
- Culinary Arts Certificate Program at Schenectady County Community College: Offers foundational culinary skills, including food preparation and kitchen management, useful for Food Runners.
- Hospitality Management Program at SUNY Delhi: Provides extensive hospitality training relevant to food service roles.
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification: A nationally recognized certification required for many food service jobs to ensure food safety knowledge.
- TIPS Certification: This training provides knowledge on responsible alcohol service, beneficial when working in establishments serving alcohol.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Albany, NY
Some of the prominent employers looking for Food Runners in Albany include:
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
- New World Bistro Bar
- Albany Stadium Restaurant & Bar
Establishments That Food Runners in Albany, NY Work At
Food Runners typically find opportunities across a wide range of hospitality venues, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Usually have steady shifts and moderate pay.
- Fast Casual and Quick Service: Often fast-paced with tips based on volume of customers served.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Tend to offer higher wages and more consistent tipping.
- Event Venues and Stadiums: These places may require Food Runners for large crowds, often paying hourly wages with occasional tips.
Salaries and tips can vary significantly depending on the type and prestige of the establishment, with fine dining and event venues generally offering better compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Albany, NY for Food Runners
If you're interested in careers similar to Food Running, consider these related roles which often share skills or duties:
These include Backwaiter, Server, and Dishwasher positions, each involving valuable hospitality experience and offering different salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Albany, NY
Understanding labor laws and tax responsibilities is important for Food Runners to ensure fair treatment and proper compliance.
- Learn about state labor laws on the New York State Department of Labor official website.
- Find federal tax information and resources at the IRS official website.