Food Runner Salary in Missoula, MT
Food Runners in Missoula, MT, 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 Missoula is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job market outlook and increasing opportunities in this role annually.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Missoula, MT?
The salary of a Food Runner in Missoula varies by experience level and employer type. The following table gives an overview of typical earnings across different stages of a Food Runner career.
| 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 Missoula Earn Tips?
Food Runners typically do not earn tips as their role is primarily focused on supporting the kitchen and dining area logistics rather than direct customer interaction. The income consists mainly of their base salary or hourly wage.
Food Runner Salary in Missoula vs. National Average
The national average hourly wage for Food Runners is about $14.50, with an annual salary of approximately $30,160.
Compared to the national average, Food Runners in Missoula earn slightly less hourly at $13.90 and an annual salary of $28,912. This variance can be influenced by local living costs and employer adjustments.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Missoula for Food Runners
Nearby neighborhoods offer competitive wages for Food Runners:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Southgate Triangle: $17.60 per hour
Working in these areas might offer higher earnings due to greater customer traffic and demand.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Missoula?
Several factors affect how much a Food Runner can earn in Missoula:
- Experience: More experienced Food Runners are often paid higher wages due to efficiency and skill.
- Skills and Certifications: Knowledge of food safety and efficient communication can impact salary.
- Type of Establishment: Working in busy, upscale restaurants may provide better pay than casual or fast-food outlets.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts might offer differential pay rates.
- Local Demand: Areas with higher demand for food service staff tend to have higher wages.
How To Become a Food Runner in Missoula
To become a Food Runner in Missoula, consider the following steps:
- Complete Food Service Training: Programs like the Missoula College Culinary Arts Program provide comprehensive training in culinary skills, which is helpful for Food Runners.
- Consider Hospitality Management Education: The University of Montana Hospitality Management Program offers relevant education covering food and beverage management useful for this role.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: Earning a ServSafe Food Handler Certification is highly recommended and often required by employers.
- Take Mandatory Training: If working where alcohol is served, Montana Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service Training is mandatory.
- Gain Experience: Entry-level positions often do not require formal education but gaining on-the-job experience is very valuable.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Missoula
Popular companies looking for Food Runners in Missoula include:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Food Runners in Missoula Work At
Food Runners in Missoula commonly work at various types of dining establishments, including:
- Fast Food Restaurants: Offer entry-level opportunities, typically with lower wages but flexible hours.
- Casual Dining: Often pay moderate wages and provide valuable food service experience.
- Upscale Restaurants: Can offer higher pay and career growth opportunities.
- Hotel and Banquet Services: Usually provide consistent work and benefits.
The type of establishment can significantly influence the salary and job benefits offered to Food Runners.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Missoula for Food Runners
For those interested in similar roles to Food Runner, several related careers can be considered.
These include Backwaiter, Busser, and Food Runner positions, which share responsibilities involving food service support and guest assistance.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Missoula
Food Runners should be informed about applicable labor laws and tax rules:
- Refer to the Federal website for labor laws and employment information for nationwide regulations.
- The Montana Department of Labor and Industry provides specific state labor laws and resources.
- For local county guidelines, visit the Missoula County official site.