Post job

Food runner/busser vs food handler

The differences between food runner/bussers and food handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a food handler has an average salary of $32,581, which is higher than the $28,577 average annual salary of a food runner/busser.

The top three skills for a food runner/busser include cleanliness, wine and excellent guest. The most important skills for a food handler are basic math, customer service, and math.

Food runner/busser vs food handler overview

Food Runner/BusserFood Handler
Yearly salary$28,577$32,581
Hourly rate$13.74$15.66
Growth rate14%14%
Number of jobs124,680171,731
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 47%
Average age2323
Years of experience--

Food runner/busser vs food handler salary

Food runner/bussers and food handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Food Runner/BusserFood Handler
Average salary$28,577$32,581
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $36,000Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASyracuse, NY
Highest paying stateNew HampshireWashington
Best paying companyThe Culinary Institute of AmericaSyracuse University
Best paying industryHospitalityFinance

Differences between food runner/busser and food handler education

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

Food Runner/BusserFood Handler
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Food runner/busser vs food handler demographics

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

Food Runner/BusserFood Handler
Average age2323
Gender ratioMale, 75.4% Female, 24.6%Male, 43.2% Female, 56.8%
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 food runner/busser and food handler duties and responsibilities

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

Food handler example responsibilities.

  • Set up and operate point of sales (POS) cash registers, receive money and return proper change.
  • Record patient information to gain knowledge of special allergies and special diets to promote better safety and health management.
  • Enter orders into POS system, report daily sales to managers, conduct monthly inventory, and perform heavy cash flow.
  • Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assign station and service areas.
  • Maintain clean work areas including display cases, walk-in coolers, fryers and other cooking equipment.
  • Prepare and serve food samples using small appliances such as microwaves, fryers, skillets, coffee makers and knives.
  • Show more

Food runner/busser vs food handler skills

Common food runner/busser skills
  • Cleanliness, 14%
  • Wine, 13%
  • Excellent Guest, 8%
  • Culinary, 6%
  • Water Glasses, 6%
  • Food Delivery, 5%
Common food handler skills
  • Basic Math, 23%
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • Math, 14%
  • Food Service, 6%
  • Kitchen Equipment, 6%
  • Food Orders, 4%

Browse food preparation and restaurant jobs