Bartender Salaries

1. Dayton, OH
   Average Salary: $55,457
   In Dayton, a lively social scene offers many opportunities. With a growing arts district, several venues look for talented individuals. Companies like Skyline Chili are popular spots for serving drinks.
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2. Stamford, CT
   Average Salary: $53,501
   Stamford boasts a dynamic nightlife. Its upscale bars seek professionals who can create memorable experiences. Companies like Panera Bread have elegant dining areas where a skilled worker can thrive.
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3. Boston, MA
   Average Salary: $52,729
   Boston’s vibrant bar scene is always bustling. Bartenders here enjoy serving both locals and tourists. Places like Cheers bring a famous name, attracting many looking to hone their skills.
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4. Vallejo, CA
   Average Salary: $51,733
   Vallejo offers a mix of relaxed and lively environments. Its waterfront setting provides unique opportunities. Bars along the waterfront are great places to build a career.
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5. Charleston, SC
   Average Salary: $50,372
   Charleston’s charm draws many visitors. Its historic bars offer a chance to blend tradition with modern flair. Working at places like The Flying Biscuit can be both fun and rewarding.
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6. Washington, DC
   Average Salary: $48,498
   In the nation's capital, a vibrant nightlife awaits. Many high-end establishments look for experienced workers. Popular spots like The Hamilton live up to their reputation for excellence.
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7. Seattle, WA
   Average Salary: $45,193
   Seattle’s dynamic bar culture is known worldwide. Many venues seek those who can mix drinks expertly. Places like The Pink Door offer a great chance to grow professionally.
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8. Providence, RI
   Average Salary: $44,946
   Providence’s nightlife is lively and diverse. Its unique bars provide a variety of experiences. Companies like The Girl & The Goat offer a great environment to develop skills.
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9. San Francisco, CA
   Average Salary: $44,720
   San Francisco’s eclectic bar scene is full of energy. Many innovative venues seek creative thinkers. Working at places like Tonga Room can lead to many exciting opportunities.
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10. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $44,622
    Worcester’s vibrant bars offer plenty of opportunities. Its diverse scene allows for many different experiences. Companies like City Brewing Co. provide a great place to learn and grow.
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1. Sueno
   Average Salary: $85,000
   Sueno is known for its vibrant nightlife and high-end venues. It operates in upscale areas like Miami and New York, offering bartenders the chance to work in trendy, high-energy environments.
   

   
   

2. Burtons Grill & Bar
   Average Salary: $78,000
   Burtons Grill & Bar provides a cozy and elegant dining experience. Located in various cities across the United States, bartenders here enjoy a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse clientele.
   

   
   

3. Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group
   Average Salary: $75,083
   Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group offers a fine dining experience with a focus on steak and seafood. Bartenders work in luxurious settings in cities such as Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
   

   
   

4. Local Bartending School
   Average Salary: $71,691
   Local Bartending School combines training with real-world experience. It operates in several locations, including Chicago and Seattle, giving bartenders the chance to learn and earn simultaneously.
   

   
   

5. Clyde's Restaurant Group
   Average Salary: $71,000
   Clyde's Restaurant Group is famous for its warm and inviting atmosphere. Bartenders can find opportunities in cities like Boston and Philadelphia, where the company’s multiple locations thrive.
   

   
   

6. Scratch Restaurants Group
   Average Salary: $70,652
   Scratch Restaurants Group emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. Bartenders work in trendy spots across San Francisco and Washington, D.C., enjoying a dynamic and innovative work environment.
   

   
   

7. Legal Sea Foods
   Average Salary: $69,333
   Legal Sea Foods provides a casual dining experience with a focus on seafood. Bartenders can find jobs in locations along the East Coast, from Boston to Virginia Beach.
   

   
   

8. Lettuce Entertain You
   Average Salary: $69,255
   Lettuce Entertain You owns and operates a variety of restaurants and bars. With locations in Chicago and New York, bartenders here experience a diverse and exciting workplace.
   

   
   

9. Sterling Culinary Management
   Average Salary: $65,000
   Sterling Culinary Management manages multiple restaurant brands. Bartenders work in a range of settings, from casual dining to fine dining, in cities like Denver and Los Angeles.
   

   
   

10. Boqueria
    Average Salary: $61,461
    Boqueria offers a lively dining experience with a focus on Spanish cuisine. Bartenders can find jobs in vibrant locations such as New York and Miami, where the company’s bars and restaurants are popular.
    

Becoming a top-earning bartender involves more than just mixing drinks. Bartenders can significantly boost their earnings through various strategies. Attention to detail, customer service, and a creative flair in drink-making are essential. However, other factors can also help increase income. Understanding these can help bartenders maximize their earnings and advance in their career.

Here are five factors to consider for increasing earnings as a bartender:

1. Peak Hours Performance: Bartenders who excel during busy periods can earn more in tips. These hours, such as weekends and holidays, see larger tips from happy customers. Being ready for these times can boost income.
2. Specialized Skills: Learning to make signature drinks or mastering mixology can attract more customers. Unique drinks that stand out can lead to repeat business and higher tips.
3. Networking: Building connections with regular customers can lead to larger tips and repeat business. Friendly, memorable interactions can turn customers into loyal patrons.
4. Upselling: Suggesting premium drinks or add-ons can increase sales. Bartenders who know how to upsell can improve their earnings without compromising customer satisfaction.
5. Event Bartending: Taking on event work can offer higher pay rates. Catering to larger groups and special occasions often comes with better hourly wages and tips.