Food Runner Salary in St. Louis, MO
Food Runners in St. Louis, MO, in 2025, earn approximately $17.60 per hour, which translates to about $704.00 per week, $3,050.67 per month, and $36,608.00 per year.
The demand for Food Runners in St. Louis is growing moderately at about 5% per year, indicating positive growth and increasing job opportunities in the local hospitality scene.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in St. Louis, MO?
The salary of a Food Runner in St. Louis can vary depending on experience and employer, but below is a breakdown of average earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.75 | $550.00 | $2,383.33 | $28,600.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.60 | $704.00 | $3,050.67 | $36,608.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $24.62 | $984.80 | $4,243.47 | $50,990.00 |
Do Food Runners in St. Louis Earn Tips?
Food Runners in St. Louis generally do receive tips. On average, they can earn approximately $3 to $7 extra per hour in tips depending on the establishment and busy periods, significantly boosting their overall pay.
Food Runner Salary in St. Louis vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn an average hourly wage of about $17.60 and a yearly wage near $36,608.
Food Runners in St. Louis typically align closely with national averages, earning the same hourly wage and annual salary. This consistency reflects the city's competitive hospitality market and standard living costs.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St. Louis for Food Runners
Nearby areas offer slightly higher wages for Food Runners:
- Saint Peters: $18.44 per hour
- Ballwin: $18.39 per hour
These suburbs provide opportunities for Food Runners looking for higher wages while remaining close to St. Louis.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in St. Louis?
Several factors can influence the salary of a Food Runner in St. Louis:
- Experience and Tenure: More experienced Food Runners often receive higher wages due to proven efficiency and reliability.
- Skills and Speed: Those with excellent multitasking and communication skills tend to earn more.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and busy venues generally pay more than casual dining or small local eateries.
- Shift and Hours Worked: Night or weekend shifts might provide higher pay or more tips.
- Local Demand: Areas with higher tourist activity or larger populations can offer better pay due to busier work environments.
How To Become a Food Runner in St. Louis
Becoming a Food Runner in St. Louis requires some key steps and relevant training:
- Gain Basic Experience: Starting in entry-level roles within restaurants or foodservice can provide the foundational skills needed.
- Consider Culinary or Hospitality Education: Programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at St. Louis Community College offer comprehensive training, including food preparation and service techniques.
- Broaden Knowledge with Hospitality Management: The Hospitality Management Program at University of Missouri-St. Louis provides education on restaurant operations, helpful for career advancement.
- Obtain Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure compliance with food safety standards. For venues serving alcohol, the TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) Certification is valuable.
- Develop Soft Skills: Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork are essential in this role.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in St. Louis
Several prominent businesses frequently hire Food Runners in the St. Louis area, including:
- Topgolf
- Condado Tacos
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
- Katie's Pizza and Pasta Town & Country
- Hollywood Casino St. Louis
Establishments That Food Runners in St. Louis Work At
Food Runners typically find work in a variety of establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These venues often employ many Food Runners due to a steady flow of customers, typically offering standard wages and tips.
- Fast Casual Chains: Work here can be faster-paced but sometimes offers less in tips due to quicker customer turnover.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Food Runners in upscale restaurants may earn higher wages and better tips due to the premium service level.
- Event Venues and Casinos: These places can provide higher hourly pay plus tip potential, especially during busy events.
The type of establishment heavily impacts compensation, with fine dining and entertainment venues generally offering the best earnings for Food Runners.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St. Louis for Food Runners
If you are interested in similar careers to Food Runner in the St. Louis hospitality industry, consider these roles:
These include Server, Backwaiter, and Fry Cook positions, which share similar work environments and skill requirements.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in St. Louis
Food Runners should be aware of relevant labor laws and tax obligations to ensure fair treatment and compliance.
- For detailed federal labor regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Missouri state-specific labor laws and regulations are available at the Missouri Department of Labor.
- Local employment resources and ordinances can be found on the City of St. Louis official website.