What is a table runner and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a table runner. For example, did you know that they make an average of $15.64 an hour? That's $32,530 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 17% and produce 19,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreTable RunnerUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $32,530

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
8.2

Growth Rate 17%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.60%

Asian 1.84%

Black or African American 12.21%

Hispanic or Latino 11.18%

Unknown 5.03%

White 69.16%

Gender

female 51.43%

male 48.57%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress Level
8.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.2

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.9

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a table runner

  1. Explore table runner education requirements

    Most common table runner degrees

    High School Diploma

    54.5 %

    Bachelor's

    21.2 %

    Associate

    15.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific table runner skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Bus Tables44.89%
    Reset Tables40.60%
    Customer Service14.51%
  3. Complete relevant table runner training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New table runners learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a table runner based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real table runner resumes.
  4. Research table runner duties and responsibilities

    • Manage expediter window paying close attention to garnishes and presentation.
    • Maintain VIP guest list and ensure all VIP guest list members are accommodate appropriately.
    • Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assign station and service areas.
    • Skil in mixing, garnishing and serving specialize drinks.
  5. Prepare your table runner resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your table runner resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a table runner resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Table Runner Resume templates

    Build a professional Table Runner resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Table Runner resume.
    Table Runner Resume
    Table Runner Resume
    Table Runner Resume
    Table Runner Resume
    Table Runner Resume
    Table Runner Resume
    Table Runner Resume
    Table Runner Resume
    Table Runner Resume
  6. Apply for table runner jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a table runner job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Table Runner Job

Zippi

Are you a Table Runner?

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Average table runner salary

The average Table Runner salary in the United States is $32,530 per year or $16 per hour. Table runner salaries range between $25,000 and $42,000 per year.

Average Table Runner Salary
$32,530 Yearly
$15.64 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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