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Runner vs food runner/busser

The differences between runners and food runner/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 $28,577 average annual salary of a food runner/busser.

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

Runner vs food runner/busser overview

RunnerFood Runner/Busser
Yearly salary$33,320$28,577
Hourly rate$16.02$13.74
Growth rate17%14%
Number of jobs15,501124,680
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4523
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 food runner/busser do?

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.

Runner vs food runner/busser salary

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

RunnerFood Runner/Busser
Average salary$33,320$28,577
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $41,000Between $22,000 And $36,000
Highest paying CityUrban Honolulu, HISeattle, WA
Highest paying stateHawaiiNew Hampshire
Best paying companyVirginia Eye InstituteThe Culinary Institute of America
Best paying industryTransportationHospitality

Differences between runner and food runner/busser education

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

RunnerFood Runner/Busser
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Runner vs food runner/busser demographics

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

RunnerFood Runner/Busser
Average age4523
Gender ratioMale, 63.7% Female, 36.3%Male, 75.4% Female, 24.6%
Race ratioBlack 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, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage7%8%

Differences between runner and food runner/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.
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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.
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Runner vs food runner/busser skills

Common runner skills
  • Food Service, 18%
  • Basic Math, 10%
  • Math, 9%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Cash Handling, 6%
Common food runner/busser skills
  • Cleanliness, 14%
  • Wine, 13%
  • Excellent Guest, 8%
  • Culinary, 6%
  • Water Glasses, 6%
  • Food Delivery, 5%

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