Food Runner Salary in Pasadena, TX
Food Runners in Pasadena, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $14.17 per hour, which translates to about $566.80 per week, $2,456.13 per month, and $29,473.60 per year.
The demand for Food Runners in Pasadena is growing at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and steady job opportunities in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Pasadena, TX?
The salary of a Food Runner in Pasadena varies with experience and role specifics. Below is a breakdown at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $8.11 | $324.40 | $1,402.37 | $16,828.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.17 | $566.80 | $2,456.13 | $29,473.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $24.76 | $990.40 | $4,306.13 | $51,500.80 |
Do Food Runners in Pasadena Earn Tips?
Food Runners often earn tips in addition to their base pay. While this can vary by establishment, they can typically expect to earn an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips, significantly enhancing their overall income.
Food Runner Salary in Pasadena vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn an average of around $18.49 per hour, translating to about $38,459.20 per year.
Compared to the national average, Food Runners in Pasadena earn slightly less at approximately $14.17 per hour and $29,473.60 annually.
This difference can be influenced by factors such as local cost of living and employer types.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Pasadena for Food Runners
Nearby areas offer competitive salaries for Food Runners, including:
- Houston: $15.50 per hour
- Baytown: $17.60 per hour
Food Runners looking for higher pay might consider opportunities in these surrounding areas.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Pasadena?
Various factors can affect how much a Food Runner makes in Pasadena:
- Experience and Efficiency: More experienced Food Runners tend to earn higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining and upscale restaurants typically pay more than casual dining or fast food venues.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts often come with additional pay or higher tipping opportunities.
- Location: Restaurants in busier or more affluent neighborhoods may offer better compensation.
- Skills and Customer Service: Ability to maintain speedy and friendly service increases earning potential.
How To Become a Food Runner in Pasadena
Getting started as a Food Runner in Pasadena involves several steps:
- Gain Basic Food Service Knowledge: Training or volunteering to understand restaurant workflows is beneficial.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Earning certificates like the Texas Food Handlers Certificate or ServSafe Food Handler Certification is often required.
- Consider Culinary Arts Programs: Schools such as San Jacinto College and Houston Community College offer Culinary Arts programs that develop useful skills.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Friendly, efficient service is key to success and tips.
- Start in Entry-Level Positions: Many begin as bussers or hosts before moving up to Food Runner roles.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Pasadena
Several popular establishments in Pasadena frequently look for Food Runners, including:
- Brewingz
- Chili's
- Pluckers
Establishments That Food Runners in Pasadena Work At
Food Runners typically find work in various establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Offer steady hours; salaries may be moderate with decent tip potential.
- Fast Casual Chains: May have higher turnover with varying pay but consistent base wages.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Usually offer higher pay and more tipping potential, requiring more polished customer interaction skills.
- Bars and Brewpubs: Often fast-paced with opportunities for tips, impacting overall compensation positively.
The type and scale of the establishment greatly influence both wage rates and tipping opportunities for Food Runners.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Pasadena for Food Runners
If you are interested in roles similar to Food Runner, here are some related positions to consider:
These include Busser, Backwaiter, and Dishwasher roles, which share similarities in food service support and can provide pathways to advance in hospitality.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Pasadena
Food Runners in Pasadena should stay informed about employment laws and taxes to protect their rights and finances.
- More information about Texas labor laws can be found on the Texas government website.
- Federal labor regulations are detailed on the U.S. Department of Labor website.