Food Runner Salary in Little Rock, AR
Food Runners in Little Rock, AR, in 2026, earn on average $15.12 per hour, which translates to about $604.80 per week, $2,620.80 per month, and $31,449.60 per year.
The demand for Food Runners in Little Rock is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for this role in the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Little Rock, AR?
The salary of a Food Runner in Little Rock varies based on experience and employer, but the following breakdown provides a good summary of earnings across entry, mid, and top levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.00 | $440.00 | $1,906.67 | $22,880.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.12 | $604.80 | $2,620.80 | $31,449.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.31 | $852.40 | $3,683.47 | $44,324.80 |
Do Food Runners in Little Rock Earn Tips?
Food Runners often earn a modest amount of tips in addition to their hourly salary. Typically, they can receive about $3 to $5 per hour in tips depending on the venue and customer generosity.
Food Runner Salary in Little Rock vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn an average of about $18.49 per hour, which amounts to approximately $38,459.20 per year.
Compared to this average, Food Runners in Little Rock earn slightly less with an average hourly wage of $15.12 and yearly earnings of about $31,449.60. This difference reflects local living costs and market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Little Rock for Food Runners
Nearby districts in Little Rock offer slightly higher pay for Food Runners, including:
- Downtown: $16.00 per hour
- River Market District: $17.00 per hour
These areas tend to have more upscale restaurants and higher customer volume, which can contribute to better wages and tipping opportunities.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Little Rock?
The salary for Food Runners is influenced by several important factors:
- Experience and Efficiency: More experienced Food Runners who work quickly and handle high volume tend to earn higher pay and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale or busy restaurants generally offer higher salaries and better tipping pools than casual dining or fast food restaurants.
- Skills and Customer Service: Food Runners with strong communication skills and friendly service often receive better tips.
- Shift and Hours Worked: Evening and weekend shifts may come with shift differentials or increased tipping opportunities.
- Local Market Demand: Growing demand for hospitality workers in Little Rock contributes to steady wage increases.
How To Become a Food Runner in Little Rock
Starting a career as a Food Runner in Little Rock involves several practical steps:
- Gain Basic Food Service Knowledge: Understanding food safety and service etiquette is essential.
- Consider Culinary or Hospitality Training: Programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at Pulaski Technical College offer valuable skills in food preparation and service techniques.
- Enroll in Hospitality Management: The Hospitality Management Program at University of Arkansas at Little Rock provides education on restaurant operations and customer service, which can benefit Food Runners.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure adherence to food safety standards often required by employers.
- Optional Beverage Service Certification: The Responsible Beverage Service Certification can be valuable in establishments serving alcohol.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Little Rock
Several well-known companies actively hire Food Runners in the Little Rock area, including:
- Texas Roadhouse
- Main Event Entertainment
- Chili's
Establishments That Food Runners in Little Rock Work At
Food Runners commonly find employment in various types of hospitality establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide steady hours and average wages with tipping included.
- Fast Casual Venues: Typically have a faster pace but may offer slightly lower base wages and less tipping.
- Upscale Restaurants: Tend to pay higher hourly wages and offer greater tips due to the clientele and service style.
The type of establishment heavily influences a Food Runner's overall salary and earning potential.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Little Rock for Food Runners
Individuals interested in similar roles to Food Runner might consider the following related hospitality jobs:
These include Backwaiter, Busser, and Dishwasher, roles which share similar environments and sometimes career progression paths.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Little Rock
To ensure compliance with federal and state requirements, Food Runners should familiarize themselves with applicable labor laws and tax regulations.
- Check the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for comprehensive information on worker rights and protections.
- Visit the State of Arkansas official website for state-specific labor laws, wage rules, and employment resources.