As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Bartender/Server in the United States is $28,410 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $14.
However, a Bartender/Server's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
Recruit with AI
AI-Powered HR
A Bartender/Server's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Bartender/Server's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Bartender/Server | $27,760 |
| Intermediate Level Bartender/Server | $28,410 |
| Senior Level Bartender/Server | $29,063 |
| Specialist Level Bartender/Server | $29,153 |
| Expert Level Bartender/Server | $29,301 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Bartender/Servers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 8.18% |
| Credit Card | 3.07% |
| Hospitality Services | 1.64% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Staff Management
|
$30,967 |
9%
|
|
Leadership
|
$30,399 |
7%
|
|
Team Management
|
$29,546 |
4%
|
|
Work Ethic
|
$29,546 |
4%
|
|
Organizing
|
$29,546 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$29,262 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Bartender/Servers enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Bartender/Server with a No Diploma is between $21,522 and $23,309).
Bartender/Server Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.9% |
| High School | 41.1% |
| Associates | 18.3% |
| Bachelors | 31.4% |
| Masters | 3.4% |
| Doctorate | 2.9% |
Understanding how a Bartender/Server's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For a Bartender/Server, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Head Sommelier role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $58,400 - a projected growth of 106% over your current level.
Salaries for a Bartender/Server can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $36,754 in 2023 to around $35,866 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Bartender/Server salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $36,754 |
| 2024 | $36,288 |
| 2025 | $35,866 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Bartender/Server and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Bartender/Server job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The minimum salary for servers and bartenders is $21,050 annually. This figure reflects the base earnings for these positions, which can vary based on location, experience, and tips. It's important to note that many states have specific tipped minimum wage laws that may affect overall earnings.
A Bartender/Server typically earns an annual salary ranging from $21,050 to $27,140, with a mid-salary of about $23,840. This varies by location and experience, but these figures provide a general idea of what to expect in terms of compensation in this role.
In general, bartenders tend to earn more than servers. Based on salary data, bartenders have a minimum salary of $21,050, a mid-range salary of $23,840, and a maximum salary of $27,140. While servers may earn tips averaging around $100 on weekdays and $150 on weekends, bartenders can see significantly higher earnings, especially during busy shifts.
Hosts earn consistent wages, typically around $21,050 annually, as they receive hourly pay without relying on tips. This role involves less physical activity, making it suitable for those with limited mobility. In contrast, servers have the potential to earn more, with salaries ranging from $21,050 to $27,140, as they can increase their income through tips from satisfied customers.
While bartending can be lucrative, the average salary for a bartender/server ranges from $21,050 to $27,140 annually. This translates to about $404 to $522 weekly. Earning $1,000 a week in tips alone is possible, especially in busy establishments, but it may not be the norm for everyone. Consistent high earnings depend on location and clientele.
Bartending can offer varying pay depending on location and experience. Based on salary data, bartenders can expect a minimum salary of $21,050, a mid-range salary of $23,840, and a maximum salary of $27,140. While these figures may differ from some regions, they provide a general idea of what bartenders can earn.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
