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The Best States for Bartenders in 2026
Bartending remains a vibrant and essential profession in the United States, with opportunities available in every state. Contrary to the misconception that bartenders are concentrated in specific regions like California or the South, this profession thrives nationwide.
As bartenders play a crucial role in the hospitality industry, we at Zippia aimed to identify the top states where bartenders can find ample job opportunities and earn competitive salaries throughout their careers.
Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we analyzed which states offer the most favorable conditions for bartenders in 2026.
After thorough analysis, we have compiled the following list of the best states for bartenders:
This list highlights the states where bartenders can maximize their earning potential and job availability.
Wondering how we determined these rankings? Read on for insights into our methodology and a deeper dive into the top ten states for bartenders.
If you’re interested in further exploring the job landscape, check out:
- The 10 Best Cities for Bartenders
- Best Companies to Work For in Phoenix, AZ
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Phoenix
How We Determined the Best States for Bartenders
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse range of job seekers and have identified two key factors that are paramount for bartenders:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To pinpoint the best states for bartenders, we evaluated where jobs are plentiful and how well bartenders are compensated. We considered the following criteria based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location quotient: a measure of how prevalent bartending jobs are in each state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
To ensure a fair comparison across states, we adjusted salary figures based on the respective cost of living. This adjustment helps illustrate that while salaries may differ, the purchasing power can vary significantly. For instance, a bartender’s average salary in California may be $30,850, but considering the cost of living, the Illinois salary of $24,280 may offer a better quality of life.
We ranked each state based on the aforementioned criteria from 1 to 50, with 1 being the most favorable. The states’ rankings were averaged into a Job Score, with the lowest overall Job Score identifying the best state for bartenders.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these states excellent for bartenders.
1. Arizona
Total Jobs: 11,990
Average Annual Salary: $31,320
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,850
Average Experienced Salary: $55,740
Location Quotient: 0.98
2. Washington
Total Jobs: 13,630
Average Annual Salary: $35,390
Average Entry Level Salary: $24,410
Average Experienced Salary: $53,940
Location Quotient: 0.96
3. Vermont
Total Jobs: 2,070
Average Annual Salary: $36,720
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,860
Average Experienced Salary: $54,770
Location Quotient: 1.56
4. Missouri
Total Jobs: 11,600
Average Annual Salary: $26,480
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,410
Average Experienced Salary: $44,450
Location Quotient: 0.95
5. Michigan
Total Jobs: 17,500
Average Annual Salary: $24,070
Average Entry Level Salary: $19,260
Average Experienced Salary: $38,000
Location Quotient: 0.93
6. Colorado
Total Jobs: 11,390
Average Annual Salary: $27,520
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,220
Average Experienced Salary: $43,420
Location Quotient: 1.0
7. Florida
Total Jobs: 45,170
Average Annual Salary: $26,040
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,860
Average Experienced Salary: $43,640
Location Quotient: 1.2
8. Maine
Total Jobs: 2,790
Average Annual Salary: $29,320
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,810
Average Experienced Salary: $47,440
Location Quotient: 1.06
9. Texas
Total Jobs: 42,410
Average Annual Salary: $27,240
Average Entry Level Salary: $16,540
Average Experienced Salary: $48,100
Location Quotient: 0.8
10. Illinois
Total Jobs: 28,570
Average Annual Salary: $24,280
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,100
Average Experienced Salary: $38,920
Location Quotient: 1.09
The Best States to Be a Bartender
If you’re starting your career as a bartender, consider these states as your top options. They offer competitive pay, abundant job opportunities, and room for career growth.
Curious about the states that may not be as favorable for bartenders? Here are the least favorable states:
For additional insights, explore the following:
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Arizona
- The 100 Largest Companies in Arizona
- States with the Highest Paid Bartenders
Detailed List of the Best States for Bartenders
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona | $31,320 |
| 2 | Washington | $35,390 |
| 3 | Vermont | $36,720 |
| 4 | Missouri | $26,480 |
| 5 | Michigan | $24,070 |
| 6 | Colorado | $27,520 |
| 7 | Florida | $26,040 |
| 8 | Maine | $29,320 |
| 9 | Texas | $27,240 |
| 10 | Illinois | $24,280 |
| 11 | Hawaii | $55,060 |
| 12 | Delaware | $25,310 |
| 13 | Nevada | $27,590 |
| 14 | Wyoming | $22,060 |
| 15 | Idaho | $22,920 |
| 16 | Utah | $26,380 |
| 17 | Nebraska | $22,140 |
| 18 | New York | $34,800 |
| 19 | Indiana | $21,970 |
| 20 | North Carolina | $25,510 |
| 21 | Oklahoma | $21,630 |
| 22 | Minnesota | $23,560 |
| 23 | Ohio | $21,880 |
| 24 | Wisconsin | $22,740 |
| 25 | Iowa | $21,220 |
| 26 | Oregon | $26,660 |
| 27 | Massachusetts | $31,170 |
| 28 | South Dakota | $22,300 |
| 29 | Arkansas | $21,140 |
| 30 | Rhode Island | $27,100 |
| 31 | New Jersey | $29,600 |
| 32 | Virginia | $26,420 |
| 33 | Tennessee | $21,180 |
| 34 | Pennsylvania | $23,380 |
| 35 | Alabama | $21,840 |
| 36 | Montana | $21,570 |
| 37 | Mississippi | $20,100 |
| 38 | West Virginia | $21,740 |
| 39 | Georgia | $21,590 |
| 40 | Alaska | $28,180 |
| 41 | North Dakota | $20,880 |
| 42 | Connecticut | $26,970 |
| 43 | California | $30,850 |
| 44 | New Hampshire | $23,540 |
| 45 | South Carolina | $22,010 |
| 46 | Kentucky | $19,530 |
| 47 | Kansas | $19,160 |
| 48 | Louisiana | $19,350 |
| 49 | New Mexico | $20,610 |
| 50 | Maryland | $23,500 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
