How Much Does a Bartender make?

Bartender made a median salary around $24,016 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $27,354 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $21,243. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Bartender jobs in Columbus, Ohio

Bartender

Perkins Hospitality Group, LLC - Allure Bar & Lounge - Hamilton, OH

Bartender - 21+

Great Wolf Lodge - Sandusky, OH

Lobby Bartender - DoubleTree by Hilton Youngstown

TPG Hotels Resorts and Marinas - Youngstown, OH

Bravo-Bartender

Buca di Beppo - Mason, OH

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Best-Paying Cities for Bartender

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Bartender profession are San Jose , San Francisco , Oakland , New York , Queens Village .
San Jose, CA $30,140
San Francisco, CA $30,020
Oakland, CA $29,299
New York, NY $28,051
Queens Village, NY $27,858

Best-Paying States for Bartender

The states and districts that pay Bartender the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $26,730) , California (around $26,489) , New Jersey (around $26,321) , Alaska (around $26,153) , and Massachusetts (around $26,129) .
District of Columbia $26,730
California $26,489
New Jersey $26,321
Alaska $26,153
Massachusetts $26,129

What is the Career Path of Bartender?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

The first career path typically progresses to Sommelier.
Besides, Bartender can also turn to other related jobs, including Back Bartender , Bartender/Server , Bartender - Casino and Catering Bartender .

Frequently Asked Questions for Bartender

Q: What is the salary range of Bartender?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Bartender earned an average annual salary of $21,243 , while the highest-paid made $27,354.
Q: What is the salary for a Bartender in California?
A: Bartender employed in California earned an average salary of $26,489 in 2024.

Average Bartender Pay vs. Other Jobs

Bartender earned an average salary of $24,016 in 2024. Other jobs related to Bartender earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Back Bartender made $24,314 , Bartender/Server made $23,780 , Bartender - Casino and Catering Bartender made $23,793 and $41,401 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Bartender

Back Bartender - Average Salary $24,314
Back Bartender supplies and stocks the bar. Fills-in or assists bartender as needed. Being a Back Bartender may require a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Back Bartender works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Bartender/Server - Average Salary $23,780
The Bartender/Server has knowledge of common drinks and makes suggestions to customers. Prepares cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages for customers. Being a Bartender/Server may require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Monitors bar inventory and takes appropriate action. In addition, Bartender/Server typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Being a Bartender/Server gains or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Works under moderate supervision. Working as a Bartender/Server typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Bartender - Casino - Average Salary $23,793
The Bartender - Casino has knowledge of common drinks and makes suggestions to customers. Prepares cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages for customers. Being a Bartender - Casino may require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Monitors bar inventory and takes appropriate action. In addition, Bartender - Casino typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Being a Bartender - Casino gains or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Works under moderate supervision. Working as a Bartender - Casino typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Catering Bartender - Average Salary $41,401
The Catering Bartender must be knowledgeable about common mixed drinks and be able to make suggestions to guests. Prepares beverages for guests at banquets. Being a Catering Bartender typically reports to a supervisor or manager. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Being a Catering Bartender may require 0-1 year of general work experience. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area.
Bartender On Call - Average Salary $23,954
There is currently no job description for Bartender On Call, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Bartender On Call.