Head bartender vs bartender server

The differences between head bartenders and bartender servers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a head bartender and a bartender server. Additionally, a head bartender has an average salary of $89,366, which is higher than the $32,591 average annual salary of a bartender server.

The top three skills for a head bartender include customer service, wine and bartending. The most important skills for a bartender server are bartending, POS, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Head bartender vs bartender server overview

	Head Bartender	Bartender Server
Yearly salary	$89,366	$32,591
Hourly rate	$42.96	$15.67
Growth rate	18%	18%
Number of jobs	34,561	106,784
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age	34	34
Years of experience	2	2

What does a head bartender do?

A head bartender is responsible for monitoring bar operations, assisting the bar staff, and ensuring the highest customer satisfaction by addressing the guests' needs and concerns. Head bartenders usually mix drinks, requiring them to have excellent knowledge of the drink mixing industry, experimenting on the menu, and researching current bar drinks to attract and meet guests' demands. The ultimate goal is to generate more revenues and bar patrons. They also monitor stock inventories, coordinate with the manager to request for supplies, and perform administrative duties as needed.

What does a bartender server do?

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.

Head bartender vs bartender server salary

Head bartenders and bartender servers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Head Bartender	Bartender Server
Average salary	$89,366	$32,591
Salary range	Between $47,000 And $168,000	Between $23,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City	-	Edmonds, WA
Highest paying state	-	Hawaii
Best paying company	-	Earth Fare
Best paying industry	-	Hospitality

Differences between head bartender and bartender server education

There are a few differences between a head bartender and a bartender server in terms of educational background:

	Head Bartender	Bartender Server
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Head bartender vs bartender server demographics

Here are the differences between head bartenders' and bartender servers' demographics:

	Head Bartender	Bartender Server
Average age	34	34
Gender ratio	Male, 49.5% Female, 50.5%	Male, 33.8% Female, 66.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 3.7% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 3.8% White, 65.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between head bartender and bartender server duties and responsibilities

Head bartender example responsibilities.

Direct bartending operations and manage inventory for the bar area.
Manage payroll and timekeeping including completion of proper paperwork for new hires and terminations.
Input data for POS systems, including monthly inventory, and maintaining all POS systems.
Certify trainer, responsible for weekly bar inventory for restaurant purchases, highly focuse on upselling.
Handle all POS operations, including starting tabs, handling cash, closing the drawer, and accounting for all transactions.
Boost revenue significantly by upselling signature drinks.

Bartender server example responsibilities.

Use micros, handle money, give change, manage bar cost, keep good customer relations to gain repeat business.
Direct bartending operations, seamless beverage services, inventory management and customer service.
Provide efficient hands-on food and beverage delivery while successfully upselling food and beverage orders.
Optimize bar revenue by upselling drinks and facilitating repeat business by cultivating relationships to encourage repeat patronage.
Fast pace serving customers, bartender on occasion, put orders in micros and get people their checks in a timely matter
Experience utilizing POS system quickly and accurately.

Head bartender vs bartender server skills

Common head bartender skills

Customer Service, 19%
Wine, 18%
Bartending, 10%
Non-Alcoholic Beverages, 6%
Craft Beer, 6%
POS, 6%

Common bartender server skills

Bartending, 15%
POS, 10%
Non-Alcoholic Beverages, 9%
Fine Dining, 7%
Drink Orders, 5%
Customer Service, 5%

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Head Bartender vs Bartender Server

Updated January 8, 2025

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