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Barback Salary in Carmel, IN

Barbacks in Carmel, IN, in 2025, earn approximately $11.36 per hour, which translates to about $454.40 per week, $1,969.07 per month, and $23,628.80 per year.

The demand for Barbacks in Carmel is growing positively at about 9% per year, indicating healthy and increasing opportunities within the hospitality industry in this area.

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Average Barback Salary in Carmel, IN:
Your salary is the same as the Carmel, IN salary average.
$11.36
Your Salary
$11.36
$0.00
$11.36
$22.72
Market Average
$11.36

How Much Does a Barback Make in Carmel, IN?

The salary of a Barback in Carmel varies depending on their experience and the workplace, but here is a detailed breakdown based on hourly wages.

Experience levelHourly payWeekly payMonthly payYearly pay
Entry-level (~25th percentile)$10.50$420.00$1,820.00$21,840.00
Mid-level (average)$11.36$454.40$1,969.07$23,628.80
Top earners (90th percentile)$13.00$520.00$2,246.67$27,040.00

Do Barbacks in Carmel Earn Tips?

Barbacks typically do earn tips, often benefiting from an estimated extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips depending on the establishment and how busy the bar is. This can significantly supplement their base salary.

Barback Salary in Carmel vs. National Average

Nationally, Barbacks earn around $12.00 per hour, translating to approximately $24,960 per year.

Compared to the national average, Barbacks in Carmel earn slightly less hourly at about $11.36 per hour and $23,628.80 annually. This variation reflects local economic factors and demand.

Highest-Paying Areas Near Carmel for Barbacks

Nearby areas offer the following hourly wages for Barbacks:

  • Downtown Carmel: $12.50 per hour
  • Arts & Design District: $12.00 per hour

Those working in Downtown Carmel may find higher pay opportunities, reflecting the area's busier nightlife and hospitality demand.

High-Paying Cities for Barbacks

The table below showcases four of the best cities to work in as a Barback. You can see the average annual wage for a Barback in each of these cities.

City

Avg Salary

Avg Hourly Wage

Chicago, IL

$27,276

$13.11

Los Angeles, CA

$29,954

$14.40

Miami, FL

$28,506

$13.70

NYC, NY

$31,976

$15.37

What Influences a Barback’s Salary in Carmel?

Several factors play a key role in determining how much a Barback earns in Carmel:

  • Experience and Skill Level: Barbacks with several years of experience or knowledge of efficient bar operations tend to earn higher wages.
  • Type of Establishment: Upscale bars, nightclubs, and high-volume venues usually offer better pay compared to smaller local bars.
  • Shift Timing: Late-night shifts, weekends, and holidays can come with tip premiums or higher pay.
  • Local Demand: Areas with more active social scenes and tourism may provide higher earning potential.

How To Become a Barback in Carmel

For those interested in becoming a successful Barback in Carmel, here are some essential steps and educational opportunities:

  • Obtain Relevant Training: Enroll in hospitality programs like the Ivy Tech Community College Hospitality Administration Program or Purdue University Hospitality and Tourism Management to gain foundational knowledge about bar and beverage operations.
  • Alcohol Server Certification: Complete mandatory programs such as the Indiana Alcohol Server Training Program or the nationally recognized ServSafe Alcohol Certification to ensure responsible alcohol service and compliance with regulations.
  • Gain Experience: Start in entry-level positions like busser or barback helper to develop hands-on skills and understand bar workflow.
  • Develop Physical Stamina and Organization: Barback roles demand physical work and attention to detail; improving these skills increases employability.

Top Employers Hiring Barbacks in Carmel

Some of the prominent employers actively hiring Barbacks in Carmel include:

  • Topgolf
  • One13North
  • Local independent bars and restaurants
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Establishments That Barbacks in Carmel Work At

Barbacks in Carmel typically find work in a variety of hospitality venues including:

  • Casual Bars and Nightclubs: Higher volume and late hours may offer better tips and wages.
  • Fast Casual Restaurants: Smaller scale bars within these venues may have more stable schedules but lower tips.
  • Resort and Hotel Bars: Can provide steady employment with benefits, often at slightly higher salaries due to the upscale clientele.

The type of establishment greatly impacts overall income, with busier and trendier venues generally providing higher pay and tips.

Related Hospitality Jobs in Carmel for Barbacks

If you're interested in roles similar to Barback, you may consider the following careers, which involve related skills and duties within the hospitality industry:

Job Title

Avg Salary

Barista

$34,825

Bartender

$37,090

Busser

$30,040

These include Bartender, Barista, and Busser positions, each offering different earning potentials and career paths within the hospitality sector.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Barbacks in Carmel

Barbacks working in Carmel should stay informed about labor laws and tax obligations through these key resources:

  • Indiana Department of Workforce Development provides employment resources and labor market data on the official website.
  • The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission regulates alcohol service and licensing, accessible at their site.
  • For federal labor law guidelines and employment statistics, visit the U.S. Department of Labor at dol.gov.