Food Runner Salary in Spokane Valley, WA
Food Runners in Spokane Valley, WA, 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 job demand for Food Runners in Spokane Valley is growing steadily at around 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and an increasing need for skilled positions in the food service industry in the region.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Spokane Valley, WA?
The salary of a Food Runner in Spokane Valley can vary depending on experience and employer, but below is a general overview of earnings 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 | $2,434.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,947.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Food Runners in Spokane Valley Earn Tips?
Food Runners generally do not earn tips as their role focuses primarily on delivering food from kitchen to tables rather than direct customer service. Their earnings are predominantly based on hourly wages.
Food Runner Salary in Spokane Valley, WA vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Food Runners in Spokane Valley earn slightly less per hour at about $13.90 but remain within a close range with an annual salary of $28,912.
This minor difference may be influenced by local cost of living and restaurant demand in the Spokane Valley area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Spokane Valley for Food Runners
Nearby areas with higher pay rates for Food Runners include:
- Area 1: $15.50 per hour
- Area 2: $17.60 per hour
Job seekers willing to commute to these areas may find significantly better pay opportunities compared to Spokane Valley itself.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Spokane Valley?
Several key factors impact the salary of a Food Runner in Spokane Valley:
- Experience and Efficiency: Food Runners with more experience and quick service skills tend to earn higher wages due to better performance.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or busy venues often offers better pay than in casual or fast-food chains.
- Skills and Reliability: Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to carry multiple orders accurately influence earning potential.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts might come with additional pay incentives or bonuses.
- Location and Cost of Living: Spokane Valley’s wage levels are influenced by local economic factors which impact salary rates.
How To Become a Food Runner in Spokane Valley
To start a career as a Food Runner in Spokane Valley, consider the following steps:
- Explore Culinary Training Programs: Schools like Spokane Community College Culinary Arts Program and Inland Northwest Culinary Academy offer valuable culinary and food service training.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the Washington State Food Worker Card and ServSafe Food Handler Certification are often required to ensure safe food handling practices.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level positions in food service or as kitchen assistants provide essential hands-on experience.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Strong interpersonal skills are important even for back-of-house roles to work effectively with team members and management.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Spokane Valley
Some of the leading employers offering positions for Food Runners in Spokane Valley include:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Food Runners in Spokane Valley Work At
Food Runners typically find employment at a variety of establishments such as:
- Casual Restaurants: These offer steady work but generally modest wages.
- Fast Casual Chains: Often present higher-paced environments with potential for increased hourly rates.
- Fine Dining or Upscale Venues: May provide higher pay and require more refined skills in food delivery and coordination.
The type of establishment can influence a Food Runner’s salary significantly, with upscale and busy venues tending to offer better compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Spokane Valley for Food Runners
If you are interested in similar career paths to Food Runner, consider roles such as:
These include Busser, Server, and Fry Cook positions, which share similar work environments and skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Spokane Valley
Understanding labor laws and tax regulations is important for Food Runners to ensure compliance and proper management of earnings.
- For Washington State labor laws and workplace regulations, visit the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
- For federal tax information and resources, you can consult the Internal Revenue Service.
- To learn about federal labor laws and employment standards, check the U.S. Department of Labor.