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The differences between food preps and food runner/bussers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a food runner/busser has an average salary of $28,577, which is higher than the $25,840 average annual salary of a food prep.
The top three skills for a food prep include food service, food handling and taking care. The most important skills for a food runner/busser are cleanliness, wine, and excellent guest.
| Food Prep | Food Runner/Busser | |
| Yearly salary | $25,840 | $28,577 |
| Hourly rate | $12.42 | $13.74 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 168,743 | 124,680 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 48% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 23 | 23 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
The primary duty of a food prep is to accomplish various food handling and preparation tasks according to the direction of supervisors, chefs, or cooks. One can work in different establishments or industry where there is food involved. Among the responsibilities will mostly revolve around doing light to moderate chores such as cleaning the kitchen and sanitizing utensils, preparing the required ingredients and ensure its quality and quantity, be in charge of food storage, and assist by performing basic cooking tasks.
A food runner or busser is an employee who works at a restaurant to provide quality food services to customers and patrons. Food runners or bussers perform food preparation and ensure that foods are delivered promptly to the appropriate customers' tables. In case the bar server is busy, food runners or bussers may take the drink orders of customers at the bar counter. They also make sure that tables are bussed, cleaned, and set up for the next paying customers.
Food preps and food runner/bussers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Food Prep | Food Runner/Busser | |
| Average salary | $25,840 | $28,577 |
| Salary range | Between $19,000 And $35,000 | Between $22,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Grand Ledge High School | The Culinary Institute of America |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a food prep and a food runner/busser in terms of educational background:
| Food Prep | Food Runner/Busser | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 48% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between food preps' and food runner/bussers' demographics:
| Food Prep | Food Runner/Busser | |
| Average age | 23 | 23 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.1% Female, 48.9% | Male, 75.4% Female, 24.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 Percentage | 8% | 8% |