Food Runner Salary in St. Petersburg, FL
Food Runners in St. Petersburg, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $17.66 per hour, which translates to about $706.40 per week, $3,061.07 per month, and $36,732.80 per year.
The demand for Food Runners in St. Petersburg is growing moderately at about 5% per year, reflecting an increasing need for efficient service roles in the thriving local hospitality and dining industry.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in St. Petersburg, FL?
The salary of a Food Runner in St. Petersburg can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.00 | $600.00 | $2,600.00 | $31,200.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.66 | $706.40 | $3,061.07 | $36,732.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $24.51 | $980.40 | $4,234.40 | $50,900.80 |
Do Food Runners in St. Petersburg Earn Tips?
Food Runners usually do earn tips, especially in busy restaurants where excellent service is recognized. On average, they may earn an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips, significantly boosting their overall income.
Food Runner Salary in St. Petersburg vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn an average of around $17.66 per hour and approximately $36,732.80 per year.
Food Runners in St. Petersburg earn salaries that align closely with the national average, making the city competitive within this job market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St. Petersburg for Food Runners
Nearby areas often have varying salaries for Food Runners, such as:
- Downtown: $21.46 per hour
- St. Pete Beach: $20.00 per hour
These areas offer higher pay, reflecting potentially more upscale dining establishments or busier tourism-driven service environments.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in St. Petersburg?
Several important factors influence how much a Food Runner in St. Petersburg can earn.
- Experience and Efficiency: More experienced Food Runners tend to navigate busy times better, often leading to higher tips and wages.
- Skills and Customer Service: Strong communication and speed improve service quality, sometimes resulting in bonuses or better pay.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale or high-volume restaurants usually pay more, whether in hourly wage or tips.
- Shift Timing: Working busy dinner shifts or weekends can result in higher income.
- Local Demand: St. Petersburg's growing hospitality scene boosts demand, potentially increasing wages.
How To Become a Food Runner in St. Petersburg
Getting started as a Food Runner in St. Petersburg is accessible for many but involves certain training and skills to succeed.
- Culinary Arts Program at Pinellas Technical College: Offers comprehensive training in culinary skills, including food preparation and kitchen management, building a strong foundation.
- Hospitality Management Program at St. Petersburg College: Provides education in hospitality operations, including restaurant service and management to enhance industry knowledge.
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification: A nationally recognized certification ensuring knowledge of food safety practices, often required in food service roles.
- Certified Restaurant Server (CRS): Certification demonstrating proficiency in restaurant service standards, valued by employers.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in St. Petersburg
Some of the prominent establishments frequently hiring Food Runners in St. Petersburg include:
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
- OLIVIA
- IL Ritorno
Establishments That Food Runners in St. Petersburg Work At
Food Runners can be found across a variety of dining establishments, each influencing salary differently.
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide steady hours but moderate pay and tips.
- Upscale Restaurants: Tend to offer higher base pay and greater tip potential.
- Fast Casual and Chain Restaurants: May pay less hourly but provide more consistent employment.
- Hotels or Event Venues: Where Food Runners may also handle banquet or catering tasks, augmenting earnings.
The type of establishment strongly affects overall earnings, with higher-end venues usually offering the best compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St. Petersburg for Food Runners
If you're considering similar career paths to a Food Runner, here are a few related roles worth exploring:
These include Server, Backwaiter, and Fast Food Worker positions, all of which share customer service aspects and varied earning potentials.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in St. Petersburg
Food Runners should be familiar with labor laws and tax regulations to ensure fair treatment and compliance.
- Visit the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for overarching employment standards.
- Refer to the State of Florida's official website for state-specific labor laws and resources.
- Check the City of St. Petersburg's official website for local regulations and workplace resources.