Food Runner Salary in Wilmington, DE
Food Runners in Wilmington, DE, in 2025, earn approximately $18.64 per hour, which translates to about $745.60 per week, $3,230.93 per month, and $38,771.20 per year.
The demand for Food Runners in Wilmington is growing at a rate of 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook with increasing opportunities in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Wilmington, DE?
The salary of a Food Runner in Wilmington varies depending on experience and other factors, but here’s a breakdown of typical earnings by experience level.
| 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) | $18.64 | $745.60 | $3,230.93 | $38,771.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $29.70 | $1,188.00 | $5,130.00 | $61,560.00 |
Do Food Runners in Wilmington Earn Tips?
Food Runners typically do not earn tips directly as part of their wage. Their income is usually based on hourly pay or salary, although some establishments may share tips among staff, but this is not guaranteed or typical for Food Runners.
Food Runner Salary in Wilmington vs. National Average
The national average hourly wage for Food Runners is approximately $15.00 per hour, with an annual salary near $31,200.
Compared to this, Food Runners in Wilmington earn a higher average wage of about $18.64 per hour and an annual salary of around $38,771.20, which suggests Wilmington offers better pay than the national average for this position.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Wilmington for Food Runners
Nearby locations offer differing pay rates for Food Runners:
- Rehoboth Beach: $19.95 per hour
- Newark: $16.32 per hour
Rehoboth Beach offers a higher hourly wage compared to Wilmington, while Newark’s pay is somewhat lower. Commuting Food Runners may consider these locations depending on proximity and pay preferences.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Wilmington?
Experience and skill level significantly impact salary. More experienced Food Runners who work efficiently and reliably may command higher wages.
The type of establishment also plays a role. Upscale restaurants and busy fine dining venues often pay more compared to casual or fast food places.
Shift timing can affect compensation, with late-night or weekend shifts sometimes earning premium pay.
Additional skills, such as knowledge of food safety, multitasking abilities, and teamwork, can make a Food Runner more valuable to employers.
How To Become a Food Runner in Wilmington
To start a career as a Food Runner in Wilmington, consider the following steps:
- Gain Basic Food Service Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with restaurant operations and customer service expectations.
- Enroll in Relevant Training: Programs such as the Delaware Technical Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training that can build foundational skills.
- Learn Hospitality Management: The University of Delaware Hospitality Business Management Program provides education that might enhance career prospects.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: The nationally recognized ServSafe Food Handler Certification is valuable to employers and ensures best hygiene practices.
- Complete Delaware Alcohol Server Training: If working in venues serving alcohol, this mandatory training teaches responsible service.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Wilmington
Several prominent organizations in Wilmington actively hire Food Runners. Key employers include:
- Bank of America
- JPMorgan Chase
- ChristianaCare
Establishments That Food Runners in Wilmington Work At
Food Runners commonly work at a range of establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Offering moderate pay and steady work with frequent customer interaction.
- Fast Casual Venues: Usually offer lower pay but often with faster-paced environments.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Typically higher wages due to the upscale setting and increased responsibilities.
- Catering Services and Hotels: May provide additional opportunities and benefits, sometimes higher pay.
The type of establishment affects both the food runner’s duties and salary potential.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Wilmington for Food Runners
If you are considering alternative or related roles in hospitality, some careers similar to Food Runner include:
These roles—Backwaiter, Dishwasher, and Cook—share related duties in food service and offer different career paths within hospitality.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Wilmington
Understanding local labor laws and tax responsibilities is essential for Food Runners.
- For Delaware labor laws and employment resources, visit the Delaware Department of Labor official website.
- For federal tax information and services, the Internal Revenue Service official website provides comprehensive guidance.