Food Runner Salary in Bellevue, WA
Food Runners in Bellevue, WA, in 2025, earn approximately $16.41 per hour, which translates to about $656.40 per week, $2,844.40 per month, and $34,132.80 per year.
The demand for Food Runners in Bellevue is growing positively at about 10% per year, indicating a strong and expanding need for efficient front-of-house support staff in the local restaurant and hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Bellevue, WA?
The salary of a Food Runner in Bellevue varies according to experience and the establishment, but the following breakdown shows the approximate earnings across different levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.94 | $557.60 | $2,409.73 | $29,003.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.41 | $656.40 | $2,844.40 | $34,132.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $25.48 | $1,019.20 | $4,408.53 | $52,998.40 |
Do Food Runners in Bellevue Earn Tips?
Food Runners often earn tips as part of their compensation. In Bellevue, a Food Runner can potentially earn an additional $5 to $10 per hour in tips, depending on the type of restaurant and customer volume. This can significantly supplement their base salary, especially in busy or higher-end establishments.
Food Runner Salary in Bellevue vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn an average of about $18.49 per hour, which equates to roughly $38,459.20 annually.
Compared to the national average, Food Runners in Bellevue make slightly less hourly at $16.41 per hour and about $34,132.80 annually.
This difference may be influenced by local market conditions, cost of living, and the range of establishments hiring Food Runners in the area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Bellevue for Food Runners
Within the Bellevue area, salaries for Food Runners vary slightly by neighborhood:
- Downtown Bellevue: $17.50 per hour
- Bellevue Square: $18.00 per hour
Food Runners working in these areas generally receive higher pay due to the concentration of upscale restaurants and busy shopping centers.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Bellevue?
Several key factors can influence how much a Food Runner earns in Bellevue:
- Experience and Efficiency: More experienced Food Runners who excel at managing fast-paced service can command higher wages.
- Skills: Strong communication, multitasking, and customer service skills improve earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale or busy restaurants usually offers better pay and tips compared to casual or fast-food outlets.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts may have premium pay due to higher business volume.
- Local Demand: Bellevue's growing restaurant scene increases opportunities and may boost wages.
How To Become a Food Runner in Bellevue
Becoming a Food Runner in Bellevue involves taking several practical steps to prepare:
- Basic Hospitality Training: Programs such as the Bellevue College Hospitality Management Program provide courses in restaurant operations and customer service, which are beneficial for career starters.
- Culinary Understanding: The Lake Washington Institute of Technology Culinary Arts Program offers foundational culinary training that helps Food Runners understand kitchen operations.
- Food Safety Certifications: Obtaining a Washington State Food Worker Card is mandatory, ensuring knowledge of proper food handling and safety practices.
- Alcohol Server Permit (MAST): If employed in establishments serving alcohol, acquiring this permit is often required.
- Gaining Experience: Starting in entry-level roles such as busser or hostess can help develop useful skills for the Food Runner position.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Bellevue
Several leading companies and restaurants are known to hire Food Runners in the Bellevue area:
- Marriott International
- Din Tai Fung
- Earls
Establishments That Food Runners in Bellevue Work At
Food Runners are typically employed in various food service contexts, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide stable shifts with moderate pay and tip opportunities.
- Fast Casual Establishments: These tend to offer quicker-paced work environments with different pay structures.
- Upscale or Fine Dining: Food Runners here may earn higher wages and substantial tips due to clientele expectations.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger establishments may offer benefits and more consistent hours.
The type of establishment greatly impacts overall compensation, with upscale venues generally offering better earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Bellevue for Food Runners
Food Runners share many skills with other hospitality roles, including:
These roles include Backwaiter, Busser, and Food Runner positions, each contributing to smooth restaurant operations with varying responsibilities and pay scales.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Bellevue
Food Runners in Bellevue must be knowledgeable about relevant labor regulations and tax requirements to protect their rights and comply with legal obligations.
- Information regarding state labor laws and workplace rights can be found on the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries website.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.