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Fast food server vs food runner/busser

The differences between fast food servers and food runner/bussers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a fast food server has an average salary of $30,266, which is higher than the $28,577 average annual salary of a food runner/busser.

The top three skills for a fast food server include cleanliness, food orders and food handling. The most important skills for a food runner/busser are cleanliness, wine, and excellent guest.

Fast food server vs food runner/busser overview

Fast Food ServerFood Runner/Busser
Yearly salary$30,266$28,577
Hourly rate$14.55$13.74
Growth rate14%14%
Number of jobs182,816124,680
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 62%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age2323
Years of experience--

Fast food server vs food runner/busser salary

Fast food servers and food runner/bussers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Fast Food ServerFood Runner/Busser
Average salary$30,266$28,577
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $38,000Between $22,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-New Hampshire
Best paying company-The Culinary Institute of America
Best paying industry-Hospitality

Differences between fast food server and food runner/busser education

There are a few differences between a fast food server and a food runner/busser in terms of educational background:

Fast Food ServerFood Runner/Busser
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 62%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Fast food server vs food runner/busser demographics

Here are the differences between fast food servers' and food runner/bussers' demographics:

Fast Food ServerFood Runner/Busser
Average age2323
Gender ratioMale, 45.4% Female, 54.6%Male, 75.4% Female, 24.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between fast food server and food runner/busser duties and responsibilities

Fast food server example responsibilities.

  • Describe menu items and daily specials in detail and provide recommendations including wine pairing options.
  • Preform equipment maintenance to ensure proper tolerances for precise mowing conditions.

Food runner/busser example responsibilities.

  • Manage event reservations and party requests, inform customers about upcoming events and specials.
  • Educate and experience in fine dining experience, professional etiquette and wine knowledge
  • Operate a POS system, highly experience with cash handling methods.
  • Give assistance to clients at POS to ensure a pleasant shopping experience.
  • Note allergies and special accommodations on receipts to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
  • Collaborate closely alongside coworkers to ensure customer satisfaction and overall cleanliness of the establishment.
  • Show more

Fast food server vs food runner/busser skills

Common fast food server skills
  • Cleanliness, 33%
  • Food Orders, 24%
  • Food Handling, 9%
  • Safety Standards, 8%
  • Drive-Thru, 7%
  • Customer Complaints, 5%
Common food runner/busser skills
  • Cleanliness, 14%
  • Wine, 13%
  • Excellent Guest, 8%
  • Culinary, 6%
  • Water Glasses, 6%
  • Food Delivery, 5%

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