What is the pay outlook for Retail & Food Services?
Job openings are high in retail and food services as more Americans spend money at stores and restaurants. While retail and food services wages are lower than the national average, wage growth is higher. Jobs in retail and food services generally require little formal education or training, making these jobs accessible to most job seekers.
Top paying industries
The top 5 paying industries for Bartender in United States are Information Technology with a median total pay of $72,156, Financial Services with a median total pay of $70,367, Education with a median total pay of $67,902, Restaurants & Food Service with a median total pay of $67,755, and Hotels & Travel Accommodation with a median total pay of $66,920.
Information Technology
Top paying companies in Information Technology for Bartender are Google, Uber, and DONE by NONE.
Frequently asked questions about Bartender salaries
The average salary for Bartender is $59,702 per year or $29 per hour, with top earners making up to $96,509 (90th percentile). Typically, pay ranges from $46,868 (25th percentile) to $77,247 (75th percentile) annually. Salary estimates are based on 31276 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Bartender employees.
The highest salary for Bartender is $77,247 per year, $6,437 per month or $37 per hour.
The lowest salary for Bartender is $46,868 per year, $3,906 per month or $23 per hour.
The salary trajectory of Bartender ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at $58,894 per year (estimate) and goes up to $131,444 per year (estimate) for the highest level of seniority.
Employment as a bartender offers income and flexibility to candidates without any formal education requirements. While median hourly pay is in line with, or below, minimum wage, skilled bartenders can double their salary through tips. Total wages are higher for bartenders working at high-end clubs or bars, and for bartenders who work weekend and night shifts when the establishments are busiest. Waiters with at least a high school diploma can further increase their salaries by progressing into manager roles.
Since bartenders bring home a large portion of their earnings in tips, about 62% of them consider their salaries to be good, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. The potential for $17,006.63 in additional pay for bartenders helps qualify their salaries as good overall.
Bartenders have an extensive salary range between $37,742.88 and $96,508.74, with the average professional bringing in $42,695.61. Following the average career path of a bartender, employees with a wealth of experience can expect to earn closer to the maximum total pay of $59,702.24. After learning on-the-job skills, you can also consider the role of lead bartender and increase your earning potential.
If you want to earn a higher salary as a bartender, knowledge, experience, and location are key. A bartender's base salary varies between states and cities depending on local laws, and different settings (dive bars vs. luxury hotels, for instance) also pay differently. The more experience, the better, so be open to learning in diverse environments. Gain as much beverage knowledge as you can and master making all types of drinks; the more pouring and mixology become second nature, the better. Excellent communication, customer service, attention to detail, and time management are all pivotal skills on the path to higher salary as a bartender, and certification also has an impact.
Negotiating a higher salary in your bartender job depends on what you bring to the table, regardless of your experience level. The more experience you gain, the higher your negotiating power. This is especially applicable if you've worked in diverse settings, such as spending one year in a country club and another in a hotel. Emphasize your pouring and mixology skills, even bringing a portfolio of your go-to beverages. Highlight your best qualities as a bartender, such as flexibility, leadership, liking a challenge, beverage knowledge, and customer service skills. If you had a lot of repeat customers in a former role, for instance, it's a huge draw for potential employers.
