Research Summary. The Zippia data team has utilized a combination of public government data, company resources, and insights from thousands of job postings to estimate average salaries for bartender positions across the United States in 2026. This data helps identify the highest-paid types of bartenders based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of bartenders:
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Head Bartender ranks as the highest-paid bartender, with an average salary of $89,366 and an average hourly rate of $42.96.
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The second highest-paying position is Bartender Manager, with an average salary of $38,561.
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The average salary for bartenders is $26,362 per year, translating to an average hourly pay of $12.67.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Deciding on a career path can be challenging, and while compensation is a crucial factor, other elements such as job satisfaction and growth opportunities should also be considered. If you’re aspiring to become a bartender, understanding the highest-paying roles can significantly influence your career trajectory.
Here are the top salaries for various bartender roles:
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Head Bartender
Average Salary: $89,366
A head bartender oversees bar operations, mentors staff, and ensures excellent customer service by addressing guest needs. Their role includes crafting cocktails, innovating drink menus, and researching popular trends to enhance guest experiences. Ultimately, they aim to increase revenue and customer retention while managing stock inventories and performing administrative tasks as required.
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Bartender Manager
Average Salary: $38,561
Bartender managers oversee the bar’s overall operations, ensuring efficient service and high customer satisfaction. They participate in recruiting, training staff, and implementing marketing strategies to enhance the bar’s reputation and attract customers. Additionally, they enforce health and safety regulations to maintain a safe environment.
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Lead Bartender
Average Salary: $34,197
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Caterer/Server
Average Salary: $33,737
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Tender
Average Salary: $33,595
Below is a comprehensive table showcasing the average salaries for various bartender roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Bartenders
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Head Bartender | |
| 2 | Bartender Manager | |
| 3 | Lead Bartender | |
| 4 | Caterer/Server | |
| 5 | Tender | |
| 6 | Drink Mixer | |
| 7 | Bartender Server | |
| 8 | Barkeep | |
| 9 | Banquet Bartender | |
| 10 | Beverage Server | |
| 11 | Bar Back | |
| 12 | Mixologist | |
| 13 | Bar Manager/Bartender | |
| 14 | Bartender/Certified Trainer | |
| 15 | Bar Back & Bartender | |
| 16 | Bartender Extra |
Methodology
Zippia leverages publicly available information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to formulate its salary estimates.
Our data science team also analyzes job postings and company resources for the most current salary information for bartending positions.
After collecting the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title to estimate salaries accurately. For more detailed insights, please refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Bartender Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid bartender job?
The highest-paid bartender job is a head bartender. Head Bartenders earn an average salary of $89,366, which translates to $42.96 hourly.
A head bartender is responsible for overseeing bar operations, helping staff, and ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction by addressing guest needs. They craft cocktails, possess extensive knowledge of beverage trends, and innovate drink menus to enhance guest experiences. Their primary goal is to drive revenue and attract patrons while managing inventory and completing administrative tasks.
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What is a good salary for a bartender?
A good salary for a bartender is $26,362 or more. This figure represents the average salary, so bartenders earning this amount or more are considered to be earning above average.
However, salaries can vary significantly depending on location, as employers adjust pay scales based on the cost of living. Research the average salary in your area for your level of expertise and experience to gauge your pay accurately.
Additionally, if you’re just starting your bartending career, the average entry-level salary may be lower than $26,362, as this figure includes bartenders at all experience levels.
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Do bartender jobs pay well?
Not all bartender jobs pay well. While some positions offer competitive salaries, the average bartender salary of $26,362 is below the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
Moreover, many bartending roles have high earning potential, with the top 10% of bartenders earning significantly more.
Compensation can fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location, so it’s essential to research the market rate for bartenders in your area and leverage that information during salary negotiations.
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Where do bartenders get paid the most?
Bartenders earn the highest salaries in New Jersey. In New Jersey, the average annual salary for bartenders is $33,311, with an hourly wage of $16.01.
The states with the next highest-paid bartenders include Arizona, Hawaii, and California, with average annual salaries of $28,184, $36,832, and $32,228 respectively.
Additionally, the cities with the highest-paid bartender salaries are:
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Seattle, WA – $32,743
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Los Angeles, CA – $32,246
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New York, NY – $31,869
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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.
