Your Bartending
Career Starts Here
Bartending offers flexible hours, great income potential, and opportunities for advancement. Whether you're looking for a career change or your first job, we'll help you get started.
How Much Do Bartenders Make?
Bartender salaries vary significantly by location, venue type, and experience. Use our calculator to see what you could earn in your city.
Base Salary + Tips
Most bartenders earn 30-50% of their income from tips.
Location Matters
Urban areas and tourist destinations typically pay more.
Growth Potential
Top bartenders at high-end venues earn $70K+/year.
Salary Calculator
See how much bartenders earn in your city
Select a city to see salary data
Bartending Career Path
From entry-level bartender to bar owner, see how your career can progress
Bartender
Learn the basics, build speed and accuracy, develop customer service skills.
Head Bartender
Lead shifts, train new bartenders, create specialty menus, manage inventory.
Head Bartender
Lead shifts, train new bartenders, create specialty menus, manage inventory.
Bar Manager
Oversee operations, hire staff, manage budgets, handle vendor relationships.
Beverage Director
Design beverage programs for multiple venues, consult, or open your own establishment.
Beverage Director
Design beverage programs for multiple venues, consult, or open your own establishment.
Job Market Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth in bartending jobs over the next decade. Restaurants, hotels, casinos, and event venues are all hiring.
Where Bartenders Work
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Career FAQs
Common questions about bartending careers
What types of jobs can I get after graduating?
Graduates work in restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts, cruise ships, private events, country clubs, casinos, sports venues, and more. Some go on to become bar managers, beverage directors, or even open their own establishments.
Do I need additional certifications?
Requirements vary by state and employer. Our TIPS certification course is recommended and often required by employers. Some states have additional alcohol service requirements.
How do I negotiate a better salary?
Focus on high-volume venues, develop specialty skills like craft cocktails or flair, work toward management positions, and don't underestimate the power of venue location—urban and resort areas typically pay more.
Ready to Start Your Career?
Join 40,000+ graduates who have launched successful bartending careers.