Barback Salary: How Much Do Barbacks Make?

If you’re thinking about becoming a barback (or you’re looking to hire one), you’re probably wondering what the average pay is. So, how much do barbacks make? And how can you maximize your earning potential as one? Let’s break it all down.

What is the job outlook for aspiring barbacks?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 5 million food and beverage service roles nationwide in 2023. And the expected growth for these positions is 5% within the next decade—which is on par with the average growth rate for all types of employment. 

As the industry continues to grow, so does the demand for support roles like barbacks. According to Zippia, barback positions are projected to grow by 9% between 2018 and 2028, with an estimated 372,900 jobs added in the next decade. The site also reports that barback salaries have grown 24% in the last five years. 

The barrier of entry is low—becoming a barback typically doesn’t require any formal education. Employers seek dependable, physically fit candidates who can stay organized and communicate clearly in a fast-paced environment. One requirement you may need to meet, however, is the legal minimum age to serve alcohol (this varies by state, ranging from 18 to 21 years old).

Some establishments may require you to complete alcohol service training, such as the TIPS certification. But even if it’s not mandatory, getting certified can give you a competitive edge when applying for barback roles. And it can help you move up to a bartending role more quickly.

Most barbacks are trained on the job. You’ll learn how to stock bar inventory, prep drink garnishes, respond to requests, and keep things clean and organized. It’s a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment, which makes it a great starting point for anyone looking to break into the bar industry.

How much do barbacks make?

As of April 2025, Salary.com reports the median barback salary to be $24,748 per year, with the earners in the bottom 10% making $19,620 and earners in the top 90% making $30,300 (USD). Zippia reports a similar number, citing $25,316 as the average annual wage. 

Sites like Talent.com, on the other hand, analyze thousands of public salaries to report an average number. At the time of writing, the site reports a slightly higher average wage for barbacks to be $30,387 per year. Entry-level positions start just above $24,000, while those more experienced can earn over $40,000 per year.

With such a large salary range, one of the best ways to determine how much you should be making (or how much you should be paying—if you’re looking to hire a barback) is by practicing salary transparency. This means talking to those in similar positions to gauge an accurate benchmark. While online sources can be a good starting point, many factors influence pay on a case-by-case basis, including your experience and location. 

How do barback salaries compare to others?

Talent.com currently reports the average salary of a restaurant worker as $29,641 per year or $14.25 per hour, which is similar to that of a barback: $30,387 per year or $14.61 per hour. Below, we compare this to the wages of other restaurant roles, using the source’s live data:

It’s no surprise that a chef’s salary and a manager’s salary is much higher, at $53,720 and $55,000, respectively—that’s a staggering 76.8% and 81% more than what barbacks typically make. On the other end, non-serving front-of-house staff like runners, hosts, and bussers earn slightly less than barbacks—about 3.7% less.

Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates from one source. Many factors influence a worker’s salary—and specific to the restaurant industry, tips can make a big difference. For example, gratuities significantly boost a server or bartender’s income on a good shift, bringing their total compensation to a much higher amount than their base.

The average barback salary per year by location

And as with any industry, where you live plays a big role in how much you get paid. Using live data from Talent.com again, we put together a table comparing average barback salaries across the ten most populous cities in the United States:

The highest-paying cities for barbacks are Los Angeles, San Antonio, and San Diego, with average salaries hovering around $35,000 per year—these cities outpace the national average by over 13%, offering stronger earning potential. 

Interestingly, despite the bustling hospitality scene in New York City, barbacks in this area earn slightly below the national average (3.7%), with an annual salary of $29,250.

On the far end of the scale, Philadelphia and Houston come in as the lowest-paying cities in the group, with annual salaries of $23,400 and $25,350, respectively. These figures fall significantly below the national average. 

Keep in mind that while salary is important, the cost of living also varies widely between cities. For example, according to Bankrate.com’s cost of living calculator, if you’re earning the average barback salary of $30,387 in Houston, you’d need to make $48,212 to maintain the same standard of living in Los Angeles—58.7% more. It’s always worth factoring this in when evaluating your compensation.

How do barbacks get paid? What about total compensation?

Most barbacks are paid hourly. Unlike salaried roles, hourly pay depends on the amount of time you work—so while the flexibility can be a perk for some (like students), it also comes with a trade-off: inconsistent income. Fewer shifts or slower seasons can directly impact your paycheck, making budgeting a bit more challenging.

When considering pay, it’s also important to look at total compensation. This means taking into account any benefits you receive on top of your base pay. The restaurant industry continues to evolve, as more establishments are offering competitive benefits to attract and retain top talent. Some key factors to consider when evaluating the total compensation of a barback include:

Tips – While barbacks aren’t usually tipped directly by customers, many establishments implement a tip pooling policy, meaning you’ll receive a share of the tip earnings that servers and bartenders collect. For example, the service staff may pool 5% of their net sales, which is then distributed among the team (including barbacks). The distribution is usually based on a set formula that considers factors like position, seniority, and hours worked to determine each employee’s share.

Health benefits – Although more relevant to salaried workers, health benefits are becoming more and more popular for all restaurant employees. According to Nerdwallet, employer-provided health coverage can be worth anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. Having a solid plan that includes medical, dental, and vision not only protects you financially but also offers peace of mind. And this can be especially important in such a physically demanding role.

Professional development – If you’re looking to grow your career in hospitality, such as leveling up as a bartender, taking a lower-paying barback position at an establishment that offers growth opportunities can be worth it. And if your restaurant also covers education and certification costs, that’s an added bonus.

Other benefits – Other benefits to consider include vacation or paid time off, as well as your overall work-life balance. Even if you’re paid extremely well, having to clock into a job that you hate can outweigh all its perks. Also, restaurant workers often get free or discounted meals and drinks, which can make a big difference in today’s economy.

How to make more as a barback 

While barbacks are typically considered entry-level positions in the industry, there are still several steps you can take to make sure you’re maximizing your earning potential. This includes the following:

Pick up more shifts (or a side-hustle) – Since barback pay is usually hourly, the more you work, the more you earn—picking up extra shifts (or busier shifts, such as on the weekend) is a direct way to boost your paycheck. You can also look into side gigs at events, festivals, or pop-ups. These can pay well for short-term work, while offering new experiences to add to your resume.

Choose the right establishment – Not all bars and restaurants are equal. High-end venues with a steady stream of customers often lead to better pay (along with more generous tip outs). And working at a place with a solid bar reputation can pay off in the long run, especially if you’re looking to level up in your career.

Look to grow – Starting out as a barback can be a great stepping stone toward higher-paying roles in hospitality—like server, bartender, or even general manager. These positions usually require some level of hospitality training or experience, which you’ll start building as a barback. If your establishment offers mentorship or education opportunities, take advantage of them.

A barback’s salary, summarized

While different sources claim different pay ranges, it’s safe to say that the average barback in the U.S. makes about $25,000 to $30,000 per year. But earnings can fluctuate greatly, depending on factors like experience and location.

When comparing industry roles, barbacks typically earn less than chefs, managers, servers, and bartenders—but slightly more than runners, hosts, and bussers. That said, becoming a barback can be a great way to get your foot in the door within the restaurant world.

Other ways to earn more as a barback include picking up extra shifts—especially on busy nights—and choosing the right restaurant. And don’t forget to consider your entire compensation package when weighing job offers. Benefits like tip-outs, health coverage, and growth opportunities can make a big difference in the total pay.