Position
Salary

How much does a Bartender make?

The average salary for a Bartender is $35,005 per year in the US.

Being a bartender can be a rewarding job, both financially and socially. Bartenders blend creativity with customer service, making each day exciting and different. The average yearly salary for a bartender is $35,005. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of establishment.


In the lower range, bartenders earn around $9,480 to $15,436 annually. As experience grows, salaries increase significantly. Bartenders with more than ten years in the industry can earn between $39,262 and $75,000 each year. Higher-end bars and clubs often pay more. Bartenders in metropolitan areas also tend to earn higher salaries due to higher living costs.

View Bartender jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Bartender?

Bartenders seeking top-tier salaries should consider Vallejo, CA, where the average pay is $54,467. This position is among the best-paying for bartenders, followed by Dayton, OH, with an average salary of $53,917. Another city offering a lucrative opportunity is Stamford, CT, with bartenders earning an average of $53,342 annually. Job seekers should also look into Charleston, SC, where bartenders can expect an average salary of $50,827. Boston, MA, and Washington, DC, offer $48,626 and $46,289, respectively. Seattle, WA, pays $45,666 on average, while San Francisco, CA, and Providence, RI, have salaries of $44,910 and $44,444, respectively. Lastly, Ann Arbor, MI, offers an average salary of $42,785 for bartenders.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Bartender jobs, highlighting Vallejo, CA with the highest at $54,467 and Ann Arbor, MI with the lowest at $42,785.
  1. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $54,467
    Working in Vallejo offers a vibrant nightlife. Known for its historic venues, bartenders here can find jobs in charming bars and clubs. The area is close to San Francisco, providing many networking opportunities.
    Find Bartender jobs in Vallejo, CA


  2. Dayton, OH
    Average Salary: $53,917
    Dayton has a thriving bar scene, with many places offering unique drink menus. Bartenders in this city enjoy a friendly community. It’s an excellent place to build a strong customer base.
    Find Bartender jobs in Dayton, OH


  3. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $53,342
    Stamford's upscale atmosphere attracts a diverse clientele. Bartenders here can work in high-end bars and restaurants. The city's professional environment makes it ideal for career growth.
    Find Bartender jobs in Stamford, CT


  4. Charleston, SC
    Average Salary: $50,827
    Charleston offers a lively mix of traditional and modern bars. Working as a bartender here means being part of a bustling hospitality scene. The area's rich history adds charm to the job.
    Find Bartender jobs in Charleston, SC


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $48,626
    Boston’s bar scene is energetic and diverse. Bartenders here can find work in a wide range of establishments. The city's cultural vibe provides a dynamic work environment.
    Find Bartender jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $46,289
    In Washington, DC, bartenders enjoy a dynamic and diverse clientele. The city’s vibrant nightlife and political scene offer many opportunities. Working here means being part of a bustling metropolis.
    Find Bartender jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $45,666
    Seattle’s bar scene is known for craft cocktails and local brews. Bartenders here can work in trendy spots. The city’s laid-back atmosphere makes for a pleasant work environment.
    Find Bartender jobs in Seattle, WA


  8. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $44,910
    San Francisco has a unique bar scene with innovative drinks and a creative culture. Bartenders here can find work in a variety of trendy bars. The city’s diverse population offers a rich experience.
    Find Bartender jobs in San Francisco, CA


  9. Providence, RI
    Average Salary: $44,444
    Providence offers a mix of traditional and modern bars. Bartenders can enjoy a tight-knit community. The city’s rich history adds a unique charm to the job.
    Find Bartender jobs in Providence, RI


  10. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $42,785
    Ann Arbor’s bar scene is lively, especially with the presence of the university. Bartenders here can work in a variety of settings. The area offers a youthful and energetic atmosphere.
    Find Bartender jobs in Ann Arbor, MI

What are the best companies a Bartender can work for?

Sueno offers one of the highest average salaries for bartenders, with employees earning around $81,923 per year. Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group and Local Bartending School also provide competitive pay, with bartenders earning approximately $73,818 and $72,022 respectively. These companies present excellent opportunities for bartenders seeking rewarding positions.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Bartender jobs, highlighting Sueno with the highest at $81,923 and Rise Brands with the lowest at $61,737.
  1. Sueno
    Average Salary: $81,923
    Sueno offers rewarding Bartender jobs with competitive salaries. They have locations in New York and California. Employees work in vibrant settings and serve high-quality drinks.


  2. Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group
    Average Salary: $73,818
    Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group provides excellent opportunities for Bartenders in New York and California. They focus on creating a fun and lively atmosphere while serving top-notch beverages.


  3. Local Bartending School
    Average Salary: $72,022
    Local Bartending School hires skilled Bartenders who work in multiple locations. They focus on training and offering a dynamic work environment with good pay.


  4. Lettuce Entertain You
    Average Salary: $71,863
    Lettuce Entertain You offers high-paying jobs for Bartenders in Chicago and Miami. They create a welcoming environment where employees can grow and enjoy their work.


  5. Clyde's Restaurant Group
    Average Salary: $71,230
    Clyde's Restaurant Group provides rewarding Bartender positions in the Northeast. They emphasize team spirit and a friendly atmosphere in their locations.


  6. Scratch Restaurants Group
    Average Salary: $70,733
    Scratch Restaurants Group offers competitive salaries for Bartenders in their locations in the Southeast. They focus on providing a fun and energetic work environment.


  7. Legal Sea Foods
    Average Salary: $69,663
    Legal Sea Foods provides good-paying jobs for Bartenders on the East Coast. They emphasize a friendly and professional atmosphere in their restaurants.


  8. Sterling Culinary Management
    Average Salary: $65,000
    Sterling Culinary Management offers solid Bartender positions with good pay. Their locations span across the country, offering a dynamic work environment.


  9. Boqueria
    Average Salary: $62,663
    Boqueria provides Bartender opportunities in Miami and California. They focus on a lively and engaging work atmosphere with fair compensation.


  10. Rise Brands
    Average Salary: $61,737
    Rise Brands offers Bartender jobs in various locations. They provide a supportive and enjoyable work environment with competitive pay.

How to earn more as a Bartender?

Looking to increase earnings as a bartender? Several key factors can help boost income. Attention to detail, excellent customer service, and speed in drink preparation stand out. These skills can turn a simple shift into a profitable one.

Customer loyalty also plays a significant role. Regular patrons who enjoy their experience often return, providing steady tips and repeat business. Building a good reputation within the community can lead to more job opportunities. Networking with other professionals in the industry can open doors to higher-paying gigs. Attending bartending workshops and learning new trends can enhance skills, making it easier to move up the ladder in earnings.

Here are some actionable steps to consider:

  1. Focus on quick and accurate drink preparation.
  2. Provide exceptional customer service.
  3. Develop relationships with regular customers.
  4. Network with other bartenders and industry professionals.
  5. Invest in continuous learning and skill development.

Currently 8,821 Bartender job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Bartender in the US?

Learn what a Bartender does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Bartender today.
Position
Overview
Bartender
8,821 Job Openings