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What is a bar manager and how to become one
A bar manager is in charge of the operation of a bar. From ordering stock to hiring employees, securing a client base, and dealing with customer complaints, they do a lot. They arrange the liquor license as well, and make sure the staff is not doing anything against regulations.
A bar manager at the top of his/her or her game will maintain a great relationship with regulars and create a tantalizing reputation of the place as the happening hot spot. They will train their staff often and thoroughly and set an example of properly done work. They will never slack on checking inventory and change up available drinks to always keep a fresh repertoire. Being vigilant is also key if you do not want to lose money on spilled alcohol or free drinks, not to mention employees with sticky fingers.
Being a bar manager is not a job where you can just sit back and watch the money roll in. You will have a lot of headaches dealing with inebriated or overly chatty customers, double or incomplete orders, and long hours. But being a bar manager is not just a job. It is a lifestyle you put your entire personality into, and this is something any bar manager would vouch for.
Avg. Salary $46,828
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 10%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.56%
Asian 7.85%
Black or African American 10.70%
Hispanic or Latino 16.04%
Unknown 4.90%
White 59.95%
Genderfemale 43.96%
male 56.04%
Age - 38American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 38Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Bar manager career paths
Key steps to become a bar manager
Explore bar manager education requirements
Start to develop specific bar manager skills
Skills Percentages Customer Service 20.73% Wine 17.03% Beverage Orders 7.42% Bartending 5.07% Payroll 4.80% Complete relevant bar manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New bar managers 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 bar manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real bar manager resumes.Gain additional bar manager certifications
More About CertificationsBar manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific bar manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for bar managers include Food Safety Manager Certification and Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS).
Research bar manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage liquor and wine inventory and develop cocktail menus taking advantage of fresh ingredients.
- Inventory and order bar stock and manage FOH staff, as well as ensured food quality and timeliness of service.
- Manage front-of-house operations for upscale wine bar and restaurant, including assisting in monitoring and management of inventory and finances.
- Perform typical bartending duties including all aspects of customer service.
Prepare your bar manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your bar manager 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 bar manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable bar manager resume templates
Build a professional bar manager 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 bar manager resume.
Apply for bar manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a bar manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first bar manager job
Are you a bar manager?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average bar manager salary
The average bar manager salary in the United States is $46,828 per year or $23 per hour. Bar manager salaries range between $33,000 and $65,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do bar managers rate their job?
Bar manager reviews
Leadership setting goals as team players, enjoying effective communication and understanding people and providing the best services and products. Happy staff happy business.
Negativity, bad customer service, and dishonesty and disrespect from stafff
some long hours, also working mostly Holidays
Sometimes, free food but sometimes cooks are not that good so I'd rather paid for better food
Everything else, of course! What's to be liked when you work shifts, nights, always on holidays and go to the gym at 1am?
Updated January 8, 2025
