Bartender Salary: How Much Do Bartenders Make?

Bartending sure has its perks: mixing fun drinks, chatting up strangers, and catching the game from the best seat in the house. But let’s be real—it’s about the money, too.

Between base pay and tips, bartenders have the potential to make solid cash, but just how solid depends on a few key factors. So, here’s what you need to know about a bartender’s salary.

What is the job outlook for aspiring bartenders?

If you’re looking to break into the bar industry, here’s some good news: the job outlook for bartending is strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 734,000 bartending jobs nationwide in 2023, and this number is expected to grow by 9% within the next decade—a much faster rate than the average. 

While you don’t need formal education to mix and serve drinks, many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma. Some aspiring bartenders build their skills through bartending school or community college. But more often than not, bartenders transition into the role from another restaurant position—like barback or server—and learn the skills they need on the job.

The age requirement to bartend depends on your state, ranging from 18 to 21 years old. In many places, you’ll also need to complete a responsible server course covering topics like alcohol sale laws, responsible serving practices, and conflict management strategies. And even if it’s not required, having a certification under your belt can give you a leg up during the hiring process.

How much do bartenders make?

As for any job, salary depends. Location, experience, and restaurant type all contribute to what you’ll take home. And because bartending is typically a shift-based job, the number of hours you work will directly impact your pay, too. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports $33,530 as the median pay for bartenders in 2024. Sites like Talent.com, on the other hand, analyze thousands of public salaries to determine benchmarks for different roles. At the time of writing, the site reports a slightly lower number for the average bartending wage: $30,707. And while entry-level bartenders start at about $25,000, the most experienced ones make almost $49,000 per year. 

Because pay ranges can vary widely, one of the best ways to determine a baseline for what you should be earning (or what you should be paying, if you’re an employer) is by practicing salary transparency. Talking openly with other bartenders and restaurant owners about pay can help ensure you’re earning (or offering) a fair amount.

How much do bartenders make in tips?

Again, it depends. According to Indeed, the average bartender makes $150 per night in tips—this can fluctuate based on location, shift timing, and foot traffic. It’s also worth noting that bartenders can be paid through different tipping structures, which can affect their take-home funds:

Earning direct tips –  Bartenders often receive tips directly from customers—think cash left on the bar or tips added to a card. This money typically goes straight into the bartender’s pocket, but they may be required to tip out support staff, like barbacks. For example, a bartender might need to share 4% of their net sales with others on the team. The specific policy and percentage will depend on the establishment’s rules.

Earning tip outs – In restaurants with bar service (as opposed to standalone bars), bartenders may receive tip-outs from servers. For example, a common policy would be for servers to tip out 10% of their net alcohol sales to the bartender. This system helps compensate bartenders for preparing drinks that servers deliver to tables.

The federal minimum wage for tipped employees in the United States is $2.13 per hour, as long as tips bring their total earnings to at least $7.25 per hour. If not, the employer is required to make up the difference. But most states have a higher threshold, and some states (like California) don’t allow tip credits. Tips earned here must be paid on top of the base salary.

How do bartender salaries compare to others?

Based on Talent.com’s data, the average restaurant employee earns $29,641 per year (or $14.25 per hour). That’s slightly lower than the reported average for bartenders, making $30,707 per year (or $14.67 per hour). And here’s how the wage stacks up against other restaurant roles, using the source’s live data:

Across these roles, the average salaries for chefs and managers are the highest at $55,000 and $53,720, respectively—significantly more than that of a bartender. Since these two roles are typically full-time and salaried, this contributes to a lot of the pay disparity compared to part-time, hourly roles.

Bartenders earn about the same as servers, with servers showing a slight edge of about 1.6%. However, when compared to other front-of-house roles (like barbacks, runners, hosts, and bussers), bartenders tend to earn noticeably more. This difference is often due to tips—bartenders may receive them directly or benefit from a larger tip-out. 

That said, these averages don’t necessarily reflect the whole picture. Tips can technically be uncapped for bartenders (as well as servers)––on a good shift or during holidays, it’s not uncommon for them to out-earn a manager.

The average bartender salary per year by location

Since location is one of the biggest factors influencing pay, we also put together a table comparing the average salary of a bartender in the ten most populous U.S. cities (based on live data from Talent.com):

In all these cities, bartenders make more than the nationwide average of $30,707—except Phoenix. Here, bartenders make 11.1% less, at an annual rate of $27,300. The top earners include those bartending in Jacksonville ($38,025), Los Angeles ($34,902), and Philadelphia ($34,628). 

It’s common for bartenders to earn more in big cities, where a larger restaurant and bar scene means higher foot traffic. Plus, these areas often have higher check averages, which leads to bigger tips for the restaurant staff.

But when comparing salaries by location, it’s always important to keep the cost of living in mind. For instance, if you’re making the average salary of $30,707 bartending in Jacksonville, you’ll need to make $49,349 to maintain the same standard of living in Los Angeles. According to Bankrate.com, the cost of living there is more than 60% higher. 

The total compensation for a bartender

We’ve already discussed tips a a big part of a bartender’s income, but that’s not the whole picture. Many restaurants—especially larger chains or high-volume venues—are stepping up their game to attract and keep great talent by offering additional benefits and perks. Here are a few that can significantly boost a bartender’s overall compensation:

Health benefits – While this is more common for full-time workers (as well as those working at large chain establishments), some bartenders receive health insurance from their employer, which can include medical, dental, and vision coverage. According to Nerdwallet, a health benefits package can be valued anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000 per year. Not only is this a significant financial safety net, but it also provides much-needed peace of mind.

Other perks – Many establishments offer paid time off for full-time bartenders. You might also get discounts on meals and drinks and chances to move into roles like lead bartender or bar manager. And of course, the flexible scheduling that comes with bartending makes it easier to balance other priorities like school, family, or a second job. It’s also important to consider the workplace culture—a lower-paying job might be worth it if you enjoy the team, while a higher-paying position could feel less rewarding if the environment isn’t a good fit.

How to increase your bartender salary

While your state’s minimum wage laws may be out of your control, there are still plenty of ways to boost your earnings as a bartender. Here are some steps you can take to maximize the potential:

Increase your tips – Boosting your tips is the most straightforward way to increase your earnings (if you receive them directly at your establishment). While providing outstanding service is a given, building rapport with regular customers can also help increase your gratuities. Upselling premium drinks can lead to larger bills (aka larger tips).

Choose the right venue – High-end bars and upscale restaurants usually pay more than casual spots. They also tend to have larger tabs, which means bigger tips. But it’s not just about price—a busy venue with a high turnover of customers can provide more opportunities to earn tips during a shift. You can also consider bartending for catering companies or special events, where automatic gratuities are added and then shared among the staff.

Work more (and smarter) shifts – Taking on extra shifts naturally increases your earnings, but being strategic about when you work can make a big difference. Closing shifts can bring overtime pay if the bar stays busy late. And busy Friday and Saturday nights often come with more tipping opportunities.

Pick up a side-hustle – Many bartenders supplement their income with side gigs like private events, cocktail catering, or mixology classes. Not only is this a great way to boost your overall earnings, but it can also be a great way to fluff up your resume for future bartending opportunities.

Invest in your skills and growth – Expanding your knowledge through courses in mixology, wine, or responsible alcohol service can improve your skills—and your paycheck. And don’t hesitate to ask about opportunities for professional development, such as training new bartenders, taking on lead roles, or managing bar operations, which can come with higher pay.

A bartender’s salary, summarized

Based on our research, the average bartender in the U.S. earns over $30,000 annually—but the type of restaurant (and where it’s located) can make a big difference. A significant portion of a bartender’s income also comes from tips, which can vary widely.

When comparing restaurant roles, chefs and managers typically earn more than bartenders, while servers make a similar amount. Other front-of-house positions (like runners, hosts, and bussers) generally earn less than bartenders.

And as a bartender, there are many steps you can take to increase your income. This includes maximizing your tips, picking up side gigs, and—sometimes, most simply—working more shifts.