Average Bartender Salary
Updated February 9, 2022
Average Bartender Salary
11.20 hourly
To create our salary estimates, Zippia starts with data published in publicly available sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC) Show More
$23,000 yearly
Entry level Salary
$15,000 yearly$15,000
10 %
$23,000
Median
$34,000
90 %
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What is a Bartender's Salary?
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $34,000 | $2,833 | $16 |
| 75th Percentile | $28,000 | $2,333 | $13 |
| Average | $23,296 | $1,941 | $11 |
| 25th Percentile | $19,000 | $1,583 | $9 |
| 10th Percentile | $15,000 | $1,250 | $7 |
Average Bartender Salary By State
The darker areas on the map show where bartenders earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
- State View
- County View
Average Salary:
Bartender average salary by State
| State | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | Job Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $16,348 | $7.86 | 129 |
| Alaska | $26,457 | $12.72 | 12 |
| Arizona | $25,328 | $12.18 | 312 |
| Arkansas | $17,624 | $8.47 | 71 |
| California | $30,337 | $14.59 | 919 |
| Colorado | $22,293 | $10.72 | 253 |
| Connecticut | $25,335 | $12.18 | 67 |
| Delaware | $22,948 | $11.03 | 35 |
| District of Columbia | $22,180 | $10.66 | 27 |
| Florida | $19,483 | $9.37 | 1,094 |
| Georgia | $18,425 | $8.86 | 409 |
| Hawaii | $47,675 | $22.92 | 27 |
| Idaho | $21,503 | $10.34 | 39 |
| Illinois | $19,731 | $9.49 | 417 |
| Indiana | $18,837 | $9.06 | 198 |
| Iowa | $19,141 | $9.20 | 103 |
| Kansas | $17,438 | $8.38 | 91 |
| Kentucky | $17,929 | $8.62 | 131 |
| Louisiana | $17,551 | $8.44 | 127 |
| Maine | $25,476 | $12.25 | 16 |
| Maryland | $18,967 | $9.12 | 239 |
| Massachusetts | $31,004 | $14.91 | 194 |
| Michigan | $21,357 | $10.27 | 246 |
| Minnesota | $22,916 | $11.02 | 154 |
| Mississippi | $17,333 | $8.33 | 53 |
| Missouri | $19,495 | $9.37 | 181 |
| Montana | $18,395 | $8.84 | 29 |
| Nebraska | $18,033 | $8.67 | 54 |
| Nevada | $24,244 | $11.66 | 155 |
| New Hampshire | $26,876 | $12.92 | 35 |
| New Jersey | $28,089 | $13.50 | 280 |
| New Mexico | $18,784 | $9.03 | 67 |
| New York | $30,307 | $14.57 | 343 |
| North Carolina | $19,499 | $9.37 | 340 |
| North Dakota | $23,070 | $11.09 | 15 |
| Ohio | $18,049 | $8.68 | 428 |
| Oklahoma | $15,073 | $7.25 | 115 |
| Oregon | $28,478 | $13.69 | 80 |
| Pennsylvania | $19,334 | $9.30 | 364 |
| Rhode Island | $26,378 | $12.68 | 29 |
| South Carolina | $15,783 | $7.59 | 180 |
| South Dakota | $18,129 | $8.72 | 18 |
| Tennessee | $14,734 | $7.08 | 277 |
| Texas | $19,747 | $9.49 | 941 |
| Utah | $16,148 | $7.76 | 83 |
| Vermont | $26,524 | $12.75 | 9 |
| Virginia | $21,835 | $10.50 | 317 |
| Washington | $34,873 | $16.77 | 142 |
| West Virginia | $24,341 | $11.70 | 40 |
| Wisconsin | $17,943 | $8.63 | 168 |
| Wyoming | $22,255 | $10.70 | 17 |
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Highest Paying Cities For Bartender
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| City | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $35,815 | $17.22 |
| San Francisco, CA | $33,259 | $15.99 |
| Boston, MA | $31,113 | $14.96 |
| New York, NY | $30,271 | $14.55 |
| Portland, OR | $28,317 | $13.61 |
| Portland, ME | $25,469 | $12.24 |
And if you’re looking for a high-paying job, here are jobs in the top places hiring now:
How much does a Bartender make?
Average Bartender Salary Over Time
Compare salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Bartender Salary By Year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $23,300 | $11.20 | +5.1% |
| 2021 | $22,100 | $10.63 | +4.8% |
| 2020 | $21,000 | $10.12 | +3.8% |
| 2019 | $20,200 | $9.73 | +4.1% |
| 2018 | $19,400 | $9.33 | +6.1% |
Average JOB Salary by Field
Bartender servers are employees who work in the restaurant's bar area. They are responsible for assembling customers' drink orders and serving these to customers. They should be sound drink mixers and must be familiar with cocktail combinations and other mixes. They should also know the ingredients of the restaurant's drinks and should be able to use alternatives should specific components be unavailable. Some bartender servers engage in flairtending, a way of mixing drinks that entertains the guests waiting for their drinks.
Beverage Server
Avg. salary: $26,032
A beverage server specializes in mixing and preparing drinks, serving them to customers courteously. Their responsibilities also include greeting the customers, taking orders, answering inquiries, offering recommendations when necessary, and checking the customers' identification to confirm their ages. They may also provide assistance to managers by monitoring beverage inventories, receiving and unloading deliveries, organizing supplies and equipment, and maintaining the cleanliness of work areas. Moreover, as a beverage server, it is essential to have a clear communication line with co-workers for smooth work operations.
Bar Back
Avg. salary: $24,113
A bar back performs various support tasks in restaurants and other dining establishments. They may assist bartenders and other staff by taking orders, serving drinks, monitoring inventories, re-stocking supplies, discarding the trash, and maintaining the cleanliness of different areas. They may also participate in opening and closing the establishment, replenishing items such as napkins and garnishes, conducting regular maintenance checks, and performing basic maintenance repairs as necessary. Moreover, as a bar back, it is essential to maintain an open communication line with co-workers, coordinating to maintain an efficient workflow.
Bar Manager/Bartender
Avg. salary: $86,317
A bar manager/bartender is responsible for handling daily bar operations to achieve the highest customer satisfaction. Bar manager/bartenders often interact with guests, responding to their inquiries and special requests, and immediately resolving service complaints. They also develop marketing strategies to attract guests by updating menu information and researching the latest market trends. Bar managers/bartenders also monitor inventories and stock supplies, coordinating with third-party vendors, and negotiating contracts with trusted suppliers. A bar manager/bartender must have excellent leadership skills and oversee the compliance of all staff to the bar regulations and safety standards.
Bartender Manager
Avg. salary: $30,185
Bartender managers are responsible for monitoring the bar's overall operations, ensuring the staff's efficiency in responding to the guests' requests to achieve their highest satisfaction and recommendation. A bartender manager assists with the recruitment and training of new staff and develops effective marketing techniques to boost the bar's image and attract potential customers. Bartender managers also enforce strict sanitary procedures and safety regulations for everyone's compliance to promote a safe environment within the premises.
Banquet Bartender
Avg. salary: $23,721
A banquet bartender is primarily in charge of managing bar counters and serving beverages at banquets, ensuring client satisfaction. Besides mixing, preparing, and serving drinks, they are also responsible for answering inquiries, recommending beverages, following recipes in crafting drinks, processing payments, and handling credit transactions. They function under the guidelines set by the manager and enforce policies and regulations, such as not serving alcoholic drinks to minors. Moreover, they must also be proactive in dealing with issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently.
Bartender Server
Avg. salary: $30,778
Bartender servers are employees who work in the restaurant's bar area. They are responsible for assembling customers' drink orders and serving these to customers. They should be sound drink mixers and must be familiar with cocktail combinations and other mixes. They should also know the ingredients of the restaurant's drinks and should be able to use alternatives should specific components be unavailable. Some bartender servers engage in flairtending, a way of mixing drinks that entertains the guests waiting for their drinks.
Average Salary By Related Field
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary | Hourly Rate | Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beverage Server | $26,033 | $2,169 | $12.52 | 105,987 |
| Bar Back | $24,114 | $2,009 | $11.59 | 22,764 |
| Bar Manager/Bartender | $86,317 | $7,193 | $41.50 | 25,285 |
| Bartender Manager | $30,185 | $2,515 | $14.51 | 85,341 |
| Banquet Bartender | $23,722 | $1,977 | $11.40 | 26,174 |
| Bartender Server | $30,779 | $2,565 | $14.80 | 119,800 |
Find High Paying Jobs Near You
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Bartender Jobs You Might Like
- High Paying Bartender Jobs - $34K and Up
- Entry Level Bartender Jobs
- Part Time Bartender Jobs
- Actively Hiring
- No Degree Bartender Jobs
And if you're looking for a job, here are the five top employers hiring now:
Bartender Salaries By Years Of Experience
Which Companies Pay Bartenders The Most?
Highest Paying Companies For Bartenders
| Rank | Company | Zippia Score | Average Bartender Salary | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $59,810 | |||
| 2 | $55,779 | |||
| 3 | $36,435 | |||
| 4 | $36,427 | |||
| 5 | $34,570 | |||
| 6 | $34,376 |
And if you're looking for a job, here are the five top employers hiring now:
How much should you get paid?
Tell us about yourself to get a free, personalized Zippia Salary Report and suggestions on how to increase your pay.
Recently Added Bartender Salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date Added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Bartender | Aurora, IL | 01/31/2022 | $21,914 |
| Remote In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Pool Bartender-Seasonal | Bay Saint Louis, MS | 01/31/2022 | $13,566 |
| Remote In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Restaurant Bartender | Saint Louis, MO | 01/31/2022 | $17,740 |
| Six Flags | Food & Beverage Bartender | Austell, GA | 01/30/2022 | $20,870 |
| Pyramid Hotel Group | Bartender | San Antonio, TX | 01/30/2022 | $27,131 |
| Aimbridge Hospitality | Bartender PM | Louisville, KY | 01/30/2022 | $29,218 |
| Great Wolf Lodge | Bartender | Olympia, WA | 01/29/2022 | $30,241 |
| Sun Communities | Bartender-Restaurant | Zephyrhills, FL | 01/29/2022 | $22,957 |
| Noble House Hotels and Resorts | Bartender | Boone, CO | 01/29/2022 | $19,910 |
| Miraval Austin Resort & Spa | Bartender | Austin, TX | 01/28/2022 | $36,523 |
Average Bartender Salary by Demographic
Bartender Gender Pay Gap
Male Income
$23,898
Female Income
$22,277
| Gender | Income |
|---|---|
| Male | $23,898 |
| Female | $22,277 |
Median Bartender Income by Race
Bartender Income by Race
| Ethnicity | Salary |
|---|---|
| White | $22,682 |
| Black or African American | $22,989 |
| Asian | $24,065 |
| Hispanic or Latino | $22,959 |
Average Bartender Salary by Education Level
Bartender Salary by Education Level
| Education | Salary |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or Less | $22,277 |
| Master's Degree | $24,067 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $24,875 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $23,791 |
Bartender Salaries FAQs
What is a good starting salary for a Bartender?
A good starting salary for a bartender is $15,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a bartender in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for bartenders is $23,296, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a bartender can vary by state.
Can bartenders make 100k?
Yes, bartenders can make $100K. Most bartenders making this money find themselves in high-event areas such as casinos or staff at large event halls and nightclubs. Bartenders in high-end restaurants and bars may also see an increase in their pay, as these are highly desirable areas for bartenders.
Do bartenders get paid well?
Yes, bartenders get paid well. However, most of an average bartender's salary relies heavily on tips and extra cash incentives. Bartenders are typically expected to make extra money in addition to their base salary, which leads to the base salary of a bartender presenting as less than desired.
How much do bartenders make a month?
Bartenders make anywhere from $1,900 to $2,700 per month. Some bartenders will bring home twice the amount in tips and bonuses as provided. However, those sums tend not to be included in reported base salaries. Instead, they are considered cash tips or commissions depending on the agreement with the employing company.
What is the highest-paid bartender?
The highest-paid bartender is a flair bartender, with high-end bartenders coming in second. Flair bartenders are expected to entertain their guests with flashy tricks and artistic drink craftsmanship. These bartenders tend to work mostly in casinos or high-end event halls or events.
Have more questions? See all answers to common food preparation and restaurant questions.
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