Food Runner Salary in Huntington, WV
Food Runners in Huntington, WV, in 2026, earn approximately $10.19 per hour, which translates to about $407.60 per week, $1,766.27 per month, and $21,195.20 per year.
The demand for Food Runners in Huntington is growing steadily by about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities for this role in the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Huntington, WV?
The salary of a Food Runner in Huntington varies based on experience and employer type. Below is a breakdown of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.14 | $365.60 | $1,581.87 | $18,963.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $10.19 | $407.60 | $1,766.27 | $21,195.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $11.47 | $458.80 | $1,969.87 | $23,857.60 |
Do Food Runners in Huntington Earn Tips?
Food Runners typically do not earn tips directly as their role primarily involves delivering food from the kitchen to customers or servers. However, depending on the establishment, they might receive a small share of tips from servers or through tip pooling arrangements, but this is not guaranteed.
Food Runner Salary in Huntington vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn an average of about $10.58 per hour, translating to around $22,006.40 per year.
Compared to the national figures, Food Runners in Huntington earn slightly less, with an average hourly wage of $10.19 and an annual salary of $21,195.20. This difference may reflect local cost of living and market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Huntington for Food Runners
Nearby areas offer slightly varied pay rates for Food Runners:
- Downtown: $10.50 per hour
- Southside: $10.80 per hour
Food Runners may find better-paying positions by considering these nearby neighborhoods, with Southside offering the highest hourly rate among the two.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Huntington?
Several key factors can affect how much a Food Runner earns in Huntington:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Food Runners tend to command higher wages due to efficiency and reliability.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and hotels might pay more than casual dining or fast food.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening or weekend shifts might include shift differentials increasing pay.
- Local Demand and Competition: Areas with a high density of food establishments may have more opportunities but can also influence salary levels.
How To Become a Food Runner in Huntington
Getting started as a Food Runner in Huntington can be straightforward, but following certain steps can strengthen your prospects:
- Complete Hospitality or Culinary Training: Programs like the Marshall University Hospitality Management Program or the Mountwest Community & Technical College Culinary Arts Program provide useful foundational knowledge relevant to food service roles.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure your understanding of safe food handling standards and are often required by employers.
- Gain Hands-On Experience: Volunteer or work in entry-level food service roles to build practical skills and familiarity with restaurant environments.
- Consider Alcohol Service Training: If working in establishments that serve alcohol, training like TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification can be advantageous.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Huntington
Some prominent employers that frequently hire Food Runners in Huntington include:
- Olive Garden
- Red Lobster
- Applebee's
- Texas Roadhouse
Establishments That Food Runners in Huntington Work At
Food Runners in Huntington commonly work in various types of dining establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These often provide steady hours and a supportive environment.
- Fast Casual Venues: Positions here may involve faster-paced work and slightly different duties.
- Family Restaurants and Diners: These could offer regular shifts and community-oriented work environments.
- Hotels and Catering Services: May offer higher pay depending on the scale and prestige.
The type of establishment can have a meaningful impact on salary and the overall work experience of a Food Runner.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Huntington for Food Runners
If you're exploring careers similar to Food Runner, consider related roles that involve interaction with guests and food service.
These include Backwaiter, Busser, and Server roles, which share aspects of food delivery and customer service responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Huntington
Food Runners in Huntington should be aware of the applicable federal and state labor laws and tax requirements to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- For federal labor laws, the U.S. Department of Labor website offers comprehensive employment information.
- For state-specific employment services and labor market resources, visit Workforce West Virginia.