Food Runner Salary in Worcester, MA
Food Runners in Worcester, MA, 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 demand for Food Runners in Worcester is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for job opportunities in this vital restaurant support role in the area.
How Much Does a Food Runner Make in Worcester, MA?
The salary of a Food Runner in Worcester varies based on experience, skill, and type of establishment. Below is an overview of typical earnings at 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 | $2,433.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,947.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Food Runners in Worcester Earn Tips?
Food Runners generally do not earn tips as their role primarily focuses on delivering food from kitchen to table rather than direct customer interaction. Their compensation is usually based on hourly wages without additional tip income.
Food Runner Salary in Worcester 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 Worcester earn slightly less, with an average hourly wage of $13.90 and an annual salary of $28,912.00.
This slight difference may reflect regional cost of living and local demand factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Worcester for Food Runners
Nearby areas around Worcester offer somewhat higher wages for Food Runners:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Shrewsbury Street: $17.60 per hour
Food Runners working in Shrewsbury Street tend to earn the most, benefiting from the area's bustling restaurant scene.
What Influences a Food Runner’s Salary in Worcester?
Several key factors can affect a Food Runner’s salary in Worcester:
- Experience: More experienced Food Runners often earn higher wages or qualify for advancement.
- Skills and Efficiency: Ability to work quickly and effectively in fast-paced environments can lead to better pay.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or large hotel kitchens typically offer higher wages compared to fast-food or casual dining.
- Shift Hours: Evening and weekend shifts may come with premium pay rates.
- Local Economic Conditions: The general demand and cost of living in Worcester impact wage levels.
How To Become a Food Runner in Worcester
To begin a career as a Food Runner, candidates can follow several helpful steps:
- Education and Training: Enroll in programs such as the Worcester Technical High School Culinary Arts Program for hands-on food preparation training or Quinsigamond Community College Hospitality Management Program to understand service operations.
- Food Safety Certification: Obtaining certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures awareness of proper food handling and safety practices.
- Alcohol Service Training: For establishments serving alcohol, certifications like TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) may be beneficial.
- Gain Entry-Level Experience: Starting in food service or similar positions helps build the skills useful for Food Runner roles.
Top Employers Hiring Food Runners in Worcester
Several popular and growing companies in Worcester hire Food Runners regularly:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Food Runners in Worcester Work At
Food Runners in Worcester commonly find employment at a range of establishments:
- Fast Food Restaurants: Often entry points into food service but may offer lower hourly wages.
- Casual Dining: More stable hours with potential for better pay and tips distributed to other staff.
- Fine Dining and Upscale Venues: May offer higher wages and opportunities for advancement but usually require greater efficiency and professionalism.
- Hotels and Catering Facilities: Provide diverse experiences and sometimes higher compensation due to volume and standards.
The type of establishment greatly influences salary, benefits, and growth opportunities for Food Runners.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Worcester for Food Runners
If you are interested in roles similar to Food Runner, you may consider related positions that often require overlapping skills and may offer different earning potentials.
These include Fry Cook, Busser, and Server roles, each with its own set of responsibilities and earning potential but close ties to Food Runner work.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Food Runners in Worcester
Food Runners should familiarize themselves with state and federal labor laws to understand their rights and responsibilities at work.
- Visit the Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for detailed information on wage laws and regulations.
- Check the U.S. Department of Labor's official website for federal labor standards and workplace guidelines.