Food Runner Jobs in New York City — March 2025 Job Listings
From a Michelin-starred restaurant and a neighborhood taqueria to a four-star hotel, we’ve compiled a list of Food Runner jobs that hopefully align with your preferences.
41 Food Runner Jobs in NYC
There’s no better way to start a career in the hospitality industry than by securing a job as a Food Runner in NYC. The city’s diverse restaurant scene will help develop your adaptability, organizational skills and ability to work under pressure. Here’s a list of companies looking for Food Runners to join their team.
Search for jobs
Food Service Worker
Runner
Food Expeditor
Food Runner
Food Runner
Receiver/Food Runner
Food Runner
Server Assistant
Food Runner
Food Runner
How to Apply for Food Runner Jobs in New York
Securing a Food Runner position in NYC requires strong work ethic and a customer-first attitude. Follow these tips to enhance your application:
- Check Job Boards: Explore OysterLink for the latest Food Runner job openings in New York.
- Update Your Resume: Highlight any hospitality or customer service experience.
- Practice Clear Communication: Since Food Runners coordinate between servers and kitchen staff, good communication is essential.
- Demonstrate Teamwork Skills: Employers value candidates who can collaborate with both front-of-house and back-of-house staff.
- Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple orders.
Food Runner Employment in NYC
The hospitality sector in NYC, which includes Food Runners, saw an increase of 15,700 jobs in May 2024.
Best Neighborhoods to Find Food Runner Jobs in New York
If you’re looking for Food Runner opportunities, these NYC neighborhoods have a high concentration of restaurants and hospitality venues:
- West Village & Lower East Side: Packed with popular bistros, wine bars, and casual dining spots.
- Midtown Manhattan: Home to high-end restaurants, steakhouses, and corporate dining spots.
- SoHo: A trendy area with boutique restaurants and popular brunch spots.
- Brooklyn (Williamsburg & DUMBO): Known for its vibrant food scene and high-end eateries.
- Upper East Side: Offers upscale dining experiences with professional service standards.
What’s the Salary of a Food Runner in NYC?
Food Runners in New York City earn an average of $43,591 per year. This is higher than what Food Runners in Los Angeles receive annually with $31,373, Miami with $36,468 and Chicago with $39,178.
Miami
Annual mean wage
$36,468
New York City
Annual mean wage
$43,591
Chicago
Annual mean wage
$39,178
Los Angeles
Annual mean wage
$31,737
How Does a Food Runner’s Salary Compare to Other Entry-Level Positions in NYC?
Food Runners earn less than Waiters but more than Barbacks and Bussers.
| Job Title | Avg Salary |
|---|---|
| Barback | $31,976 |
| Busser | $33,498 |
| Waiter/Waitress | $50,860 |
FAQs for Food Runner Jobs in NYC
Employers in NYC require Food Runners to have the following:
- Food handler’s card
- Previous experience in the hospitality industry
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Food Runners’ duties and responsibilities are supportive in nature. They help Servers in delivering food and beverages to customers and assist Bussers in preparing and clearing tables. They interact with customers less compared to Waiters. Waiters have to talk to customers to discuss the menu, take their orders and handle payments.
Food Runners in NYC need the following qualities to thrive in their role:
- Physical stamina: This role is highly physical, demanding you to be on your feet the entire day, carrying trays of food and beverages.
- Food safety knowledge: This helps prevent contamination and foodborne diseases.
- Adaptability: NYC attracts people from different countries, each with their own expectations when it comes to customer service. Adaptability will help ensure you meet and exceed their expectations.
How We Chose Our Food Runner Jobs in NYC
We prioritized job ads that offer employee benefits such as health insurance, commuter benefits and paid time off. We also focused on positions offered by established and reputable employers to provide greater chances of career advancement. Lastly, we ensured a variety of establishments to provide you with plenty of options to choose from.
