Bartending Career Guide

Bartending might seem like an easy job when you're on the other side of the bar, but that's not the case, there is quite a bit of hard work involved in bartending. It can be a rewarding and fun career. Read on to learn what to expect in a bartending career, what credentials you need, and career outlook.

What it's Like to be a Bartender

Bartending can be an exciting job, especially if you like meeting new people and good conversation. However, there is a lot more to bartending than serving patrons.

Some quick facts about bartending:

• It’s not easy work. Bartenders are on their feet all day, juggling serving patrons, creating beverages, and maintaining a clean workspace. This job can be fast-paced, especially during weekends, holidays, or special events.
• You have to be friendly to your customers, even if you’re in a bad mood. Customer service is at the core of bartending. One of your biggest responsibilities is to make sure your customers feel welcomed and are enjoying their time at your establishment. Having a good attitude and being friendly goes a long way!
• Bartending comes with no extra perks. Bartenders, and restaurant staff in general, may or may not receive health, dental, vision, or retirement benefits. It depends heavily on the establishment you work at.
• The work hours are fit for a vampire. Bars are open typically from late afternoon until late at night. Some bars may close as late as 4 or 5 AM, depending on your state's laws.
• You’re not just getting people their drinks. In fact, part of the job description for bartending is stocking the bar, making sure the glasses are clean and stocked, clean areas, and whatever else is a part of your job duties.
• Remember the risks involved with bartending. Some bars can be rowdy sometimes. Things can sometimes get out of hand. Which means, you need to keep a constant eye on what’s going on around you. Also, you need to be mindful your state's alcohol service laws. Watch out for patrons who are intoxicated and minors. If you service someone who is not legally allowed to be served, you could end up in legal trouble.

From Barback to Bartender

There are a few prerequisites to landing a bartending job. Legally, you have to be a minimum of 21 years of age to serve alcohol but, in some states, that minimum age may be 18. Many bartenders start out as barbacks, who help out the bartender by preparing garnishes and restocking the liquor bottles, napkins, toothpicks, and other products found in a bar.

While some places may require you to go to bartending school, most bartenders are trained on-the-job. The bartender training may last a few weeks working alongside an already experienced bartender. In training, you will learn how to prepare and handle beverages safely, along with any other requirements of the job.

Some bars will expect their bartenders-in-training to self-study, whether it’s through an online course they recommend, or through books. Your employer will instruct you on what they expect.

Bartender License & Certification

There isn’t a license or certification that is specific to being a bartender. Do NOT fall for the false claims that you can find online. And, there are quite a few. However, as we mentioned in the previous section, some states and cities may require bartenders to have a license enabling them to serve alcohol, but each area may be different.

If the location you’re working in states you need a license to serve alcohol, you will have to take a short course that lasts anywhere between one to six hours. You’ll learn about the local laws about drink limits for customers, pricing the drinks, and other information you’ll need to know as a bartender. You may also be taught how to recognize fake IDs, how to diffuse potentially violent situations, and the signs to notice if someone had one too many. The whole point of this licensing class is to teach the liquor laws and how to act responsibly as a bartender. Most likely, being hired won’t be weighted on whether or not you have this license, but you may end up needing to get it once you sign the new hire forms.

Getting this certification may cost come with a small fee. It will cost around $25-$50, depending on where the class is being held. Some places only hold classes once a month. If you are required to get a license in your area, apply as soon as you get that bartending job. That license needs to be in your hard within a particular amount of time from your start date. Also, if the bar you get a job in expects you to serve food, then you may also need a food handler's license. The license only costs around $10 and can be taken online.

Bartending Tips for Success

How you act behind that bar will determine your success. From the way you carry yourself, to the way you interact with patrons, your behavior will affect your potential for tips. There are particular ways a new bartender should act that will almost guarantee success.

10 Tips For New Bartenders

1. Be professional. Dress the part, act respectable, and treat people with respect. Know the types of product the bar serves. Become an expert in your field.
2. Keep your hands out of the tip jar. You are getting tips because the more experience bartender is training you. The tips will be divided at the end of the night but leave it up to the head honcho, and it will establish trust.
3. Short and sweet talk. Part of the fun that comes with bartending is the social side. But, as a new bartender in training, don’t get stuck in conversations. Remember, there are other patrons who may also require your attention!
4. Learn the dance. Be observant of how your colleagues behave with patrons, handle beverages, and work.
5. Attitude is everything. To be a successful bartender, a good attitude and a smile are two important things to bring with you to work.
6. Work on your memory. Busy bars mean a lot of drink orders thrown at you all at once. You’ll need to somehow keep track of what you’re making and for whom.
7. Don’t focus on the tip jar. Sure, tips are a huge part of your livelihood when you’re working as a bartender. Focusing on the dollars detracts from doing your bartending best, and it will show.
8. Always remember to ask for ID. Follow your local laws with serving alcohol. Ask for ID and make sure it's valid before serving anybody. Never sever someone underage!

Difference Between Mixologist & Bartender

The definition of a mixologist is someone who is highly skilled at mixing drinks while mixology is a more in-depth study of the art behind mixed drinks. While all mixologists are considered bartenders, not all bartenders are considered mixologists.

A mixologist will create craft cocktails and prepare homemade ingredients. Mixologists know more about cocktails than just the basic ones typically ordered and served at a bar or restaurant. Mixologists are typically employed in high-end bars and restaurants to create more premium beverages.

Though the names may be slightly different, the jobs are largely the same in terms of requirements.

Bartending Jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for bartenders is expected to increase by 3% by 2032, which is growth rate consistent with that of the national average for all occupations.

Job competition is strongest in high-end establishments where the hourly rate and tips are higher than usual.

The factors that go into a bartender’s wage include geographical locations and the type of industry where you’ll be potentially be working. Some have better employment and pay opportunities than others. Also, because there is some job turnover every year, there should be plenty of job openings available for bartenders.

Industries Seeing the Most Growth In Employment For Bartenders in 2023

States With the Highest Level of Employment for Bartenders in 2023

*Reported income refers to hourly wage and total tips claimed by bartenders.

Bartender Salary

A bartender's yearly earnings consist of a combination of hourly wages plus tips. Tips can end up tipping your pay into a higher tax bracket. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bartenders in 2023 averaged $37,090 with the highest 10 percent earning closer to $61,210.

*Reported income refers to hourly wage and total tips claimed by bartenders.

A tip for bartenders is to save money where you can because you just never truly know exactly how much money you’re going to make. Of course, money management is important no matter what your career path is. Bartending can be a fun, exciting, and a rewarding career path to take - especially if you're a night owl.