Food Runner Salary in Fayetteville, AR
Food Runners in Fayetteville, AR, in 2025, earn approximately $13.30 per hour, equating to about $532.00 per week, $2,305.33 per month, and $27,664.00 per year.
The job demand for Food Runners in Fayetteville is growing steadily at about 10% per year, signaling a positive outlook for employment opportunities in the hospitality and food service industry in this region.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Fayetteville, AR?
The salary of a Food Runner in Fayetteville varies based on experience and employer, but the table below provides a good overview of what to expect across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.81 | $392.40 | $1,697.20 | $20,366.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.11 | $564.40 | $2,437.27 | $29,328.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.29 | $811.60 | $3,485.47 | $41,203.20 |
Do Food Runners in Fayetteville Earn Tips?
Food Runners often work closely with serving staff and customers, and in many establishments, they can earn tips. While the amount varies greatly by restaurant type and customer generosity, a Food Runner might earn an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips on a busy shift, enhancing their overall income significantly.
Food Runner Salary in Fayetteville vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn about $18.49 per hour on average, which converts to roughly $38,459.20 per year.
Compared to the national level, Food Runners in Fayetteville earn less per hour and annually. The pay here is about $13.30 per hour and $27,664 annually, reflecting regional wage differences largely influenced by local cost of living and market demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fayetteville for Food Runners
Nearby Fayetteville neighborhoods offer slightly different pay scales for Food Runners:
- Downtown Fayetteville: $14.50 per hour
- Uptown Fayetteville: $15.00 per hour
Working in Uptown Fayetteville tends to provide the best average hourly wages for Food Runners, likely due to higher customer traffic and demand in that area.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Fayetteville?
Several factors determine how much a Food Runner can earn in Fayetteville:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Food Runners who work efficiently and maintain a smooth service flow often earn higher wages or better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and busy dining venues usually pay more compared to smaller or casual eateries.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts can offer higher pay or more tipping opportunities due to increased customer volume.
- Customer Interaction: Food Runners who provide excellent service and build rapport with patrons may receive larger tips.
- Local Economic Factors: Fayetteville’s cost of living and competitive food service market impact salary rates.
How To Become a Food Runner in Fayetteville
Starting as a Food Runner in Fayetteville involves a few key steps to improve your chances and potential salary:
- Complete Relevant Training: Programs like the Hospitality Management Program at Northwest Arkansas Community College offer useful courses in hospitality management preparing you for roles in food service.
- Gain Culinary Knowledge: The Culinary Arts Program at Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food provides comprehensive culinary training including food handling skills important for Food Runners.
- Get Certified: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification demonstrate your understanding of food safety practices, making you more employable.
- Understand Local Regulations: If your role involves serving alcohol, obtain the Arkansas Alcohol Beverage Control Permit to comply with state laws.
- Build Communication and Service Skills: Being friendly, alert, and efficient is key to success in this role.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Fayetteville
Some of the notable employers actively hiring Food Runners in Fayetteville include:
- Torchy's Tacos
- Jersey Mike's Subs
- Texas Roadhouse
Establishments That Food Runners in Fayetteville Work At
Food Runners commonly work in a range of food service establishments:
- Casual dining restaurants: Offer steady work but might pay in the mid-range of the spectrum.
- Fast casual restaurants: These tend to have faster service flow and may provide more opportunities for tips.
- Upscale or fine dining: While less common for Food Runners, these can offer higher base pay and larger tips.
- Hotel restaurants and catering events: These venues sometimes provide higher wages and the opportunity for career advancement.
The type of establishment significantly affects the salary and tipping potential for Food Runners.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fayetteville for Food Runners
If you are considering roles similar to Food Runner, the following related careers might be of interest.
These include Backwaiter, Busser, and Food Runner itself as an example of closely related roles in the food service environment.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Fayetteville
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is essential for Food Runners to ensure fair employment conditions and proper compliance.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor.
- For state-specific labor laws, the Arkansas state government website provides useful resources and information.