Food Runner Salary in Centennial, CO
Food Runners in Centennial, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $13.12 per hour, which translates to about $524.80 per week, $2,274.13 per month, and $27,289.60 per year.
The demand for Food Runners in Centennial is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating a promising outlook for employment opportunities in this role going forward.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Centennial, CO?
The salary of a Food Runner in Centennial can vary based on experience and employer. Below is an overview of earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.73 | $469.20 | $2,026.13 | $24,314.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $13.12 | $524.80 | $2,274.13 | $27,289.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $15.77 | $630.80 | $2,722.67 | $32,761.60 |
Do Food Runners in Centennial Earn Tips?
Food Runners generally do earn tips, often receiving around $3 to $5 per hour in tips on top of their base salary. This can significantly boost their overall income depending on the restaurant’s tipping culture and customer volume.
Food Runner Salary in Centennial vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn an average of about $14.50 per hour, which comes out to roughly $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Food Runners in Centennial earn slightly less on average hourly wages at $13.12 per hour and an annual salary of around $27,289.60. Factors such as local cost of living and demand impact this difference.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Centennial for Food Runners
Nearby areas tend to offer the following hourly wages for Food Runners:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Cherry Creek: $17.60 per hour
Those willing to commute to Cherry Creek might find significantly better pay than in Centennial itself, while Downtown also offers competitive compensation.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Centennial?
Several factors contribute to the salary variation seen among Food Runners in Centennial:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Food Runners who work efficiently during busy hours can earn more tips and sometimes higher base pay.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale or busy restaurants often pay better wages and offer more generous tipping opportunities than casual or fast-food settings.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening and weekend shifts may offer higher wages or more tip potential due to peak customer flow.
- Local Economic Conditions: The general cost of living and labor market competition in Centennial impact wages.
How To Become a Food Runner in Centennial
Entering the Food Runner profession in Centennial generally does not require formal education, but certain programs and certifications can enhance your prospects and salary potential.
Consider enrolling in culinary or hospitality education programs like the Culinary Arts Program at Arapahoe Community College, which offers foundational culinary skills and restaurant operations training, or the Hospitality Management Program at Metropolitan State University of Denver, which covers hospitality industry management including food service operations.
Obtaining certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification can demonstrate your knowledge of food safety practices, a valued skill in this field. The TIPS Certification focusing on responsible alcohol service can also be beneficial, especially for positions in establishments serving alcohol.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Centennial
Some of the top employers hiring Food Runners in Centennial include:
- Topgolf
- The Cheesecake Factory
- P.F. Chang's
Establishments That Food Runners in Centennial Work At
Food Runners typically find work across a range of establishment types:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide consistent hours with moderate wages and tipping opportunities.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: May offer slightly lower wages but faster-paced environments with tips.
- Upscale Dining: Generally provides higher base pay and significant tip potential.
- Event Venues and Entertainment Spaces: May hire Food Runners for busy events, often offering variable compensation.
The type of establishment greatly influences a Food Runner’s salary, with upscale venues typically offering the highest earnings both from hourly wages and tips.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Centennial for Food Runners
If you are considering similar careers to Food Runner, here are a few options:
These include Busser, Backwaiter, and Server positions, which share similar hospitality roles and responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Centennial
Food Runners should be aware of local labor laws and tax regulations to protect their rights and ensure compliance:
- Colorado’s official state website provides comprehensive information on labor laws and employment regulations.
- The U.S. Department of Labor offers extensive resources on federal labor laws, worker rights, and wage standards which are also relevant. Visit dol.gov for details.