Food Runner Salary in Honolulu, HI
Food Runners in Honolulu, HI, in 2025, earn approximately $20.86 per hour, which translates to about $834.40 per week, $3,615.73 per month, and $43,388.80 per year.
The demand for Food Runners in Honolulu is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job outlook and expanding opportunities in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Honolulu, HI?
The salary of a Food Runner in Honolulu can vary depending on experience, skills, and employer, but here is an overview based on different levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.86 | $834.40 | $3,615.73 | $43,388.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $43.13 | $1,725.20 | $7,450.67 | $89,704.00 |
Do Food Runners in Honolulu Earn Tips?
Food Runners often do receive tips in many establishments, supplementing their income with an extra $5 to $15 per hour in tips depending on the restaurant's volume and generosity of customers. This can significantly enhance their overall earnings.
Food Runner Salary in Honolulu vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn an average of around $18.64 per hour, or about $38,771.20 per year.
Compared to this, Food Runners in Honolulu earn $20.86 per hour, which is notably higher than the national average. The higher pay in Honolulu can be linked to the elevated cost of living and strong tourism-driven food service sector.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Honolulu for Food Runners
Nearby areas offer varying salaries for Food Runners:
- Waikiki: $23.42 per hour
- Downtown Honolulu: $20.86 per hour
Waikiki, being a major tourist hotspot, generally offers higher wages, making it attractive to Food Runners seeking better pay in proximity to Honolulu.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Honolulu?
A number of factors can affect how much a Food Runner earns in Honolulu:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Food Runners who work efficiently during busy shifts can command higher wages or be more likely to earn generous tips.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and hotels often pay better salaries and may offer more consistent tipping opportunities compared to casual dining venues.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts can sometimes lead to higher pay or larger tips due to increased customer volume.
- Geographic Location: Working in tourist-heavy areas like Waikiki typically offers enhanced earning potential compared to less busy locales.
- Certifications and Training: While not always mandatory, having food handling certifications can improve employability and salary prospects.
How To Become a Food Runner in Honolulu
Here are some key steps and programs beneficial for aspiring Food Runners in Honolulu:
- Culinary Arts Program at Kapi'olani Community College: Offers comprehensive training in culinary skills, preparing students for various roles in the food service industry.
- Hospitality and Tourism Program at University of Hawai'i at Mānoa: Provides education in hospitality management, including food and beverage operations, useful background for Food Runners aiming to advance.
- Obtain ServSafe Food Handler Certification: This nationally recognized certification demonstrates knowledge of proper food safety practices, which is valuable for Food Runners and employers alike.
- Hawaii Liquor Commission Employee Permit: Required for those working in establishments serving alcohol in Honolulu, enhancing job eligibility.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Honolulu
Several prominent employers actively hire Food Runners in Honolulu, including:
- Marriott International
- Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
- Hilton
Establishments That Food Runners in Honolulu Work At
Food Runners in Honolulu typically work at a range of food service establishments, including:
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: Often entry points with moderate salaries and variable tips based on customer flow.
- Hotels and Resorts: These tend to offer higher wages and more consistent work hours, coupled with potential gratuities from affluent clientele.
- Fine Dining Establishments: While competitive, these venues usually provide better tipping opportunities and higher base pay.
- Event Venues and Banquet Halls: Seasonal shifts may affect earnings, but large events can boost tip income substantially.
The type and prestige of the establishment greatly influence total compensation, with upscale and high-traffic venues generally offering the best financial rewards.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Honolulu for Food Runners
If you are considering careers related to Food Runner, here are a few similar roles in hospitality that might interest you:
These include Busser, Server, and Backwaiter positions, which share similar environments and skill requirements with Food Runners, but vary in responsibilities and earning potential.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Honolulu
Food Runners should be aware of relevant labor laws and tax regulations affecting their employment in Honolulu:
- You can explore detailed federal labor laws and regulations on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For Hawaii-specific employment standards, minimum wage, and labor rights, visit the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.