Food Runner Salary in Bloomington, IN
Food Runners in Bloomington, IN, in 2025, earn approximately $19.86 per hour, which translates to about $794.40 per week, $3,442.40 per month, and $41,308.80 per year.
The demand for Food Runners in Bloomington is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and increasing opportunities for those seeking employment in this role.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Bloomington, IN?
The salary of a Food Runner in Bloomington can vary depending on experience and employer, but below is a typical breakdown across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.92 | $436.80 | $1,890.40 | $22,060.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.21 | $768.40 | $3,311.47 | $39,976.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.86 | $794.40 | $3,442.40 | $41,308.80 |
Do Food Runners in Bloomington Earn Tips?
Yes, Food Runners often receive tips as part of their compensation. On average, a Food Runner can earn an additional $3 to $7 per hour in tips, which can significantly increase their total earnings, especially during busy shifts.
Food Runner Salary in Bloomington vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn an average of around $18.49 per hour, which totals approximately $38,459.20 per year.
In comparison, Food Runners in Bloomington earn slightly more, with an hourly wage of about $19.86 and annual earnings near $41,308.80. This reflects a competitive wage due to local demand and economic conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Bloomington for Food Runners
When examining areas close to Bloomington, the pay rates for Food Runners vary as follows:
- Downtown Bloomington: $19.86 per hour
- East Side: $19.21 per hour
Food Runners working in Downtown Bloomington tend to earn the highest wages among nearby locations.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Bloomington?
Several factors can influence how much a Food Runner earns in Bloomington:
- Experience: More experienced Food Runners can command higher wages and better tip opportunities.
- Skills and Efficiency: Fast, accurate, and friendly service may lead to more tips and advancement.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or high-volume venues often pay better wages.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts may come with higher hourly wages or increased tipping potential.
- Location Within the City: Working in central or high-traffic areas like Downtown Bloomington often yields better pay than outlying neighborhoods.
How To Become a Food Runner in Bloomington
Breaking into the Food Runner role in Bloomington typically involves some essential steps:
- Gain Basic Food Service Knowledge: Programs like the Ivy Tech Community College Culinary Arts Program provide foundational culinary and service skills.
- Hospitality Training: The Monroe County Career Center Hospitality Program focuses on food service and customer interaction, valuable for Food Runners.
- Obtain Relevant Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure compliance with food safety.
- Alcohol Service Training: The Indiana Alcohol Server Training is necessary if the role involves handling alcoholic beverages.
- Develop Strong Customer Service Skills: Since Food Runners interact with guests, interpersonal skills are crucial.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Bloomington
Several local employers consistently seek Food Runners, including:
- Texas Roadhouse
- Olive Garden
- Local Independent Restaurants
Establishments That Food Runners in Bloomington Work At
Food Runners typically find employment in a variety of dining establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These venues offer moderate pay with good tip potential.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Usually busier environments with faster service, sometimes with lower wage but compensated by tips.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Often provide higher wages and more significant tip opportunities.
- Event Venues and Catering: Food Runners also staff events, where pay may vary depending on the event's scale and clientele.
The type of establishment impacts salary and tips, with upscale venues generally offering better overall compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Bloomington for Food Runners
If you're interested in exploring careers similar to Food Runner, here are a few related roles commonly found in the hospitality industry:
These include Backwaiter, Bartender, and Fry Cook, all positions sharing skills or working closely alongside Food Runners.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Bloomington
Food Runners should be familiar with both federal and local labor laws to ensure proper work conditions and compliance.
- Consult the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for basic employee rights and wage standards.
- The Indiana state website for workforce development and employment resources provides state-specific guidelines and assistance.
- For city-specific rules and local resources, visit the City of Bloomington official website.