Food Runner Salary in Syracuse, NY
Food Runners in Syracuse, NY, in 2026, typically earn around $19.15 per hour, which is about $766.00 per week, $3,319.33 per month, and $39,832.00 per year.
The job outlook for Food Runners in Syracuse is positive, with employment expected to grow by 5% annually, indicating a healthy demand in the food service industry.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Syracuse, NY?
The salary of a Food Runner in Syracuse varies depending on experience and skill level. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings at different stages in a Food Runner's career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.55 | $662.00 | $2,864.67 | $34,384.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.15 | $766.00 | $3,319.33 | $39,832.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.07 | $842.80 | $3,639.47 | $43,785.60 |
Do Food Runners in Syracuse Earn Tips?
Food Runners can earn tips depending on the establishment they work for. Generally, they may receive an extra $5-$10 per hour in tips in busy restaurants or upscale establishments, supplementing their base salary.
Food Runner Salary in Syracuse vs. National Average
Nationally, Food Runners earn about $29.20 per hour, which equals approximately $60,736.00 per year.
Compared to the national average, Food Runners in Syracuse earn somewhat less at about $19.15 per hour and $39,832.00 annually, reflecting local cost of living and market factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Syracuse for Food Runners
Food Runners working in nearby neighborhoods can experience slightly varied pay rates.
- Downtown Syracuse: $20.50 per hour
- University Hill: $21.00 per hour
These areas tend to offer higher wages, possibly due to the concentration of restaurants and higher customer volumes.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Syracuse?
Several factors impact how much a Food Runner can earn in Syracuse, including:
- Experience: More experienced Food Runners typically receive higher pay due to their efficiency and reliability.
- Skills: Those with strong communication and multitasking skills can perform better and may get raises or promotions.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants or large hotels generally offer higher salaries and more tips compared to casual or fast-food venues.
- Shift Timing: Working evenings, weekends, or holidays might come with extra pay or higher tip potential.
- Location within Syracuse: Establishments in busier parts of the city or near university areas tend to pay more.
How To Become a Food Runner in Syracuse
Starting a career as a Food Runner in Syracuse is relatively accessible, but certain steps improve employability:
- Gain Foundational Culinary Knowledge: Enrolling in programs like the Onondaga Community College Culinary Arts Program can provide useful industry insights and skills.
- Consider Hospitality Education: The Syracuse University Hospitality Management Program offers valuable training in food and beverage operations.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are often required by employers to ensure compliance with health standards.
- Alcohol Service Training: If working in establishments serving alcohol, completing the TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification can be beneficial.
- Develop Strong Customer Service Skills: Being friendly and efficient can help secure and retain Food Runner positions.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Syracuse
Syracuse hosts many employers looking for Food Runners. Some of the top names include:
- APEX ENTERTAINMENT
- Chili's
- Emerald Cocktail Kitchen
Establishments That Food Runners in Syracuse Work At
Food Runners in Syracuse find jobs across diverse food service environments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often offer consistent schedules and steady base pay.
- Fast Casual Chains: Provide fast-paced work with standard hourly wages, usually lower tip potential.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Tend to pay higher wages and provide opportunities for generous tips.
- Hotels and Entertainment Venues: Can afford higher salaries due to volume and upscale clientele.
The type of establishment can significantly affect total earnings, especially in tip income.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Syracuse for Food Runners
If you are considering similar careers in hospitality related to Food Runner positions, here are some options to explore.
These include Backwaiter, Fry Cook, and Server roles, offering varied paths within the food service industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Syracuse
Food Runners should be familiar with labor laws and tax regulations affecting their work in Syracuse and New York State.
- Federal labor laws can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- State-specific information is available at the New York State Department of Labor website.