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The differences between server/baristas and food runners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a server/barista has an average salary of $30,749, which is higher than the $25,536 average annual salary of a food runner.
The top three skills for a server/barista include cleanliness, wine and customer service. The most important skills for a food runner are cleanliness, wine, and culinary.
| Server/Barista | Food Runner | |
| Yearly salary | $30,749 | $25,536 |
| Hourly rate | $14.78 | $12.28 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 173,073 | 240,853 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Average age | 23 | 23 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A server/barista is someone who makes and serves beverages and foods, such as coffee, tea, and sandwiches or baked goods. He/She or she should be able to explain menu items to customers to ensure customer satisfaction. Other responsibilities include knowing food and beverage quality controls and updating displays to attract customers. The core skills that a server/barista should possess include excellent listening and communication skills and the ability to cope up with a physically demanding work environment. A candidate with a high school diploma or equivalent could qualify for the position.
Food Runners are responsible for assisting waitstaff on serving customers at a restaurant or similar establishment. Among their duties include maintaining cleanliness in particular areas, setting tables, refilling drinks, assisting customers with everything that they need, and coordinating with the workforce in and out of the kitchen. Furthermore, Food Runners need to ensure that all deliveries are accurate according to what is ordered by a customer. It is essential to stay presentable and helpful at all times as the main priority is customer satisfaction.
Server/baristas and food runners have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Server/Barista | Food Runner | |
| Average salary | $30,749 | $25,536 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $40,000 | Between $18,000 And $34,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | - | Vermont |
| Best paying company | - | University of Massachusetts Boston |
| Best paying industry | - | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a server/barista and a food runner in terms of educational background:
| Server/Barista | Food Runner | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 48% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between server/baristas' and food runners' demographics:
| Server/Barista | Food Runner | |
| Average age | 23 | 23 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 28.2% Female, 71.8% | Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0% |
| 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% |