Food Runner Salary in Lees-Summit, MO
Food Runners in Lees-Summit, MO, in 2025, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The demand for Food Runners in Lees-Summit is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for this role in the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Lees-Summit, MO?
The salary of a Food Runner in Lees-Summit varies depending on experience and employer. Below is an overview of pay rates across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,436.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Food Runners in Lees-Summit Earn Tips?
Food Runners in Lees-Summit typically earn tips as part of their compensation. On average, they can make an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips, depending on the establishment and the volume of customers served.
Food Runner Salary in Lees-Summit vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn an average of approximately $14.50 per hour or about $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Food Runners in Lees-Summit earn slightly less hourly at $13.90 per hour, and a yearly salary of $28,912.00. This is fairly close to the national standard and reflects regional cost-of-living differences.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Lees-Summit for Food Runners
Nearby areas show varying pay rates for Food Runners:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- New Longview: $17.60 per hour
Food Runners working in New Longview typically enjoy higher wages compared to those in Downtown or Lees-Summit itself.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Lees-Summit?
Several factors influence how much a Food Runner earns in Lees-Summit:
- Experience and Performance: More experienced Food Runners who work efficiently and build good relationships with servers and customers tend to earn higher tips and wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or busy venues typically results in higher pay due to larger tips and wages than at casual or fast-food places.
- Location: Food Runners working in higher-paying areas, such as New Longview, will earn better than those in other parts of Lees-Summit.
- Skillset and Responsibilities: Some roles require additional duties like assisting servers or managing orders, which can increase pay.
How To Become a Food Runner in Lees-Summit
Starting a career as a Food Runner can be straightforward, but there are ways to enhance your chances and earning potential:
- Complete training programs such as the Metropolitan Community College Culinary Arts Program or the Johnson County Community College Hospitality Management program. These programs offer skills relevant to food preparation and front-of-house roles.
- Obtain food safety certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification, which is often required by employers and demonstrates knowledge of food safety practices.
- Consider alcohol service training such as TIPS Certification, especially if working in establishments serving alcoholic beverages.
- Gain experience by starting in entry-level food service positions to develop customer service and teamwork skills.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Lees-Summit
Many restaurants and fast-food chains in Lees-Summit are frequently looking to hire Food Runners. Notable employers include:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Food Runners in Lees-Summit Work At
Food Runners typically find employment in a range of hospitality establishments:
- Fast-food and Quick-Service Restaurants: These places offer steady work with moderate pay but often limited tips.
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Offer better tip potential and sometimes higher base wages than fast food.
- Upscale Dining and Hotels: Food Runners here may earn more due to higher customer volume and better tipping habits.
- Event Venues and Catering Services: These can offer variable pay rates depending on the size and type of event.
The type of establishment can significantly impact the average salary and tips a Food Runner earns.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Lees-Summit for Food Runners
If you're interested in roles similar to Food Runner, consider these related positions in hospitality:
These include Backwaiter, Server, and Fry Cook—all roles closely connected to Food Runner duties in dining establishments.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Lees-Summit
Food Runners should keep informed about key labor laws and tax requirements that affect their employment.
- Refer to the Federal website for labor laws and employment standards for overarching regulations on wages, overtime, and workplace rights.
- The Missouri state website for labor regulations and worker rights covers state-specific rules that Food Runners must adhere to.
- For city-specific employment information, visit the Lees-Summit local government website.