Food Runner Salary in Fayetteville, NC
Food Runners in Fayetteville, NC, in 2025, earn approximately $20.52 per hour, which translates to about $820.80 per week, $3,556.80 per month, and $42,681.60 per year.
The job demand for Food Runners in Fayetteville is growing at around 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the local hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Fayetteville, NC?
The salary of a Food Runner in Fayetteville varies based on experience and the employer. Here’s a breakdown of the typical pay across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.09 | $763.60 | $3,305.07 | $39,676.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.52 | $820.80 | $3,526.40 | $42,681.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $22.99 | $919.60 | $3,959.47 | $47,739.20 |
Do Food Runners in Fayetteville Earn Tips?
Food Runners often earn tips in addition to their base salary. Depending on the establishment, tips can add a modest amount to their income, sometimes averaging an extra $2 to $5 per hour in tips, though this varies greatly by venue and customer volume.
Food Runner Salary in Fayetteville, NC vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners make around $18.49 per hour and about $38,459.20 per year.
Compared to the national average, Food Runners in Fayetteville earn slightly more, with an hourly wage of $20.52 and an annual salary of about $42,681.60. This reflects Fayetteville’s competitive hospitality market and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fayetteville for Food Runners
Nearby areas offer slightly different pay rates for Food Runners:
- Downtown Fayetteville: $21.50 per hour
- Haymount: $22.00 per hour
These variations may be influenced by the type of restaurants, volume of business, and local economic conditions in each area.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Fayetteville, NC?
Several factors can influence how much a Food Runner earns in Fayetteville:
- Experience and Tenure: More experienced Food Runners often command higher wages and are preferred for busy or upscale establishments.
- Skills and Efficiency: Ability to navigate busy service areas quickly and provide excellent customer service improves earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and busy casual dining venues usually offer better pay and tipping opportunities.
- Shift Times and Schedules: Night shifts or weekend shifts might come with modest premiums or more tipping potential.
- Local Economy and Demand: Areas with higher living costs or tourist traffic tend to offer higher salaries to Food Runners.
How To Become a Food Runner in Fayetteville, NC
Embarking on a career as a Food Runner in Fayetteville involves several straightforward steps:
- Gain Basic Food Service Knowledge: Training in food safety and handling is essential; certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are highly recommended.
- Consider Local Culinary or Hospitality Programs: Programs like the Culinary Arts Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College offer comprehensive skill development, including food preparation and kitchen management. The Hospitality Management Program at Methodist University provides education on restaurant operations and customer service, useful for those aiming to advance beyond Food Runner roles.
- Obtain Relevant Certifications: Certifications like the TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification can be a plus for positions in establishments serving alcohol.
- Build Work Experience: Starting in entry-level positions and demonstrating reliability and efficiency can lead to steady employment and wage increases.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Fayetteville, NC
Many well-known chains and local businesses in Fayetteville are actively hiring Food Runners, including:
- Chili's
- Main Event Entertainment
- Hooters Restaurants
Establishments That Food Runners in Fayetteville, NC Work At
Food Runners typically work in a variety of venues, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments often have moderate pay but steady work.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Demand efficiency and quick service, sometimes offering hourly wages with smaller tips.
- Full-Service Restaurants and Bars: These provide greater opportunities for tips and slightly higher base pay.
- Entertainment Venues and Event Centers: Pay can vary widely based on event size and type.
The type of establishment greatly impacts salary and tipping potential, with full-service and entertainment venues often providing the best earning opportunities for Food Runners.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fayetteville, NC for Food Runners
If you are considering roles related to Food Running, here are a few similar positions that may interest you.
These include Busser, Backwaiter, and Server roles, which share many skills and work environments with Food Runners and offer diverse salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Fayetteville, NC
Food Runners should stay informed about relevant labor laws and tax guidelines to ensure compliance and proper benefits.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, you can visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Information specific to North Carolina’s labor laws and resources is available at the North Carolina government website.