Runner vs busser

The differences between runners and bussers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a runner has an average salary of $33,320, which is higher than the $24,111 average annual salary of a busser.

The top three skills for a runner include food service, basic math and math. The most important skills for a busser are cleanliness, work ethic, and TIP.

Runner vs busser overview

	Runner	Busser
Yearly salary	$33,320	$24,111
Hourly rate	$16.02	$11.59
Growth rate	17%	9%
Number of jobs	15,501	14,989
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	High School Diploma, 49%
Average age	45	39
Years of experience	-	-

What does a runner do?

A runner is considered as a general assistant who works under the direction of a producer and other production staff to do basic works such as answering the phone or making arrangements for staff on locations in the broadcasting and film industry. The role of a runner is to ensure that the production process is running smoothly. A runner should possess a lot of skills, such as excellent time management and teamwork. A bachelor or postgraduate degree is not required for being a runner.

What does a busser do?

Busser, also known as dining room attendants or bartender helpers, is an entry-level position in the restaurant and dining industry. The bussers help in preparing the dining areas before guests arrive and decorating tables with a set of candles, napkins, linens, flowers, or other ornaments, especially if with a special theme for the day, usually when it's a national celebration or holidays. Also, they assist in cleaning the tables, clearing plates, used utensils, drinkware, and other dishes to the kitchen to be washed, refilling diners' glasses with water, and make the tables ready for the next set of service.

Runner vs busser salary

Runners and bussers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Runner	Busser
Average salary	$33,320	$24,111
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $41,000	Between $17,000 And $33,000
Highest paying City	Urban Honolulu, HI	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	Hawaii	Maine
Best paying company	Virginia Eye Institute	Dell
Best paying industry	Transportation	Hospitality

Differences between runner and busser education

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

	Runner	Busser
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	High School Diploma, 49%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Runner vs busser demographics

Here are the differences between runners' and bussers' demographics:

	Runner	Busser
Average age	45	39
Gender ratio	Male, 63.7% Female, 36.3%	Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 13.3% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%	Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 7.1% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	7%	6%

Differences between runner and busser duties and responsibilities

Runner example responsibilities.

Manage tickets for kitchen, run food and intereact with customers, and bus tables
Manage expediter window paying close attention to garnishes and presentation.
Operate within compliance of USDA and QA program standards
Clean tables & floor area also set silver ware, plates, & wine glasses in correct fine dining table positions.
Line runner, PVC pipe bundler
Assist the HVAC technician with installations.

Busser example responsibilities.

Cross-Train in all kitchen culinary positions including broiler, saut, banquets and room service food production.
Perform food preparation and serving duties, such as carving meat, preparing flambe dishes, or serving wine and liquor.
Schedule reservations and place and deliver room service orders.
Maintain both FOH and BOH duties in a fast-pace dining establishment.
Clean the dirty tables and make sure the restaurant are in tip top shape and look good.
Submit food and beverage orders to kitchen staff utilizing a POS register to tabulate and itemize orders.

Runner vs busser skills

Common runner skills

Food Service, 18%
Basic Math, 10%
Math, 9%
Customer Service, 8%
Cleanliness, 6%
Cash Handling, 6%

Common busser skills

Cleanliness, 24%
Work Ethic, 9%
TIP, 8%
Food Handling, 5%
Dishwashers, 5%
Bus Tables, 4%