Barback Salary in Clearwater, FL
Barbacks in Clearwater, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The demand for Barbacks in Clearwater is growing modestly at about 5% per year, indicating a positive trend in job opportunities and a steady need for support staff in the vibrant hospitality industry of the area.
How Much Does a Barback Make in Clearwater, FL?
The salary of a Barback in Clearwater can vary with experience and employer type. Here is an overview of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,435.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,947.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Barbacks in Clearwater Earn Tips?
Barbacks typically earn tips as part of their compensation. While not as much as Bartenders, they can make roughly an extra $10 per hour in tips depending on the venue and shift, which significantly boosts their overall earnings.
Barback Salary in Clearwater vs. National Average
Nationally, Barbacks earn about $14.50 per hour, which amounts to approximately $30,160 annually.
Compared with the national average, Barbacks in Clearwater earn slightly less on average, at around $13.90 per hour and $28,912 annually. This difference may relate to local market conditions and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Clearwater for Barbacks
Nearby areas offer these Barback salaries:
- Clearwater Beach: $15.50 per hour
- Downtown Clearwater: $17.60 per hour
Barbacks working in Downtown Clearwater tend to have the highest earnings among close-by locations, likely due to a bustling nightlife and more upscale bars.
What Influences a Barback’s Salary in Clearwater?
Experience greatly impacts a Barback's pay, with seasoned workers earning more due to efficiency and skills.
Skills such as knowledge of bar operations, quick replenishment, and safety practices boost salary potential.
Type of Establishment: High-end clubs, hotels, or resorts typically offer higher wages than casual bars or small pubs.
Shift Timing: Night and weekend shifts may come with additional compensation.
Local Demand and Economy: The strong hospitality sector in Clearwater supports steady growth and wage increases.
How To Become a Barback in Clearwater
Starting a career as a Barback in Clearwater can be achieved through several pathways:
- Enroll in hospitality-related education programs such as the Hospitality Management Program at St. Petersburg College, which offers courses that include bar and beverage management fundamentals.
- Consider attending the Bartending School of Tampa Bay, which focuses on bartending and barback skills extensively.
- Obtain necessary certifications such as the SafeStaff Food Handler Certification required for food and beverage handling in Florida.
- Complete the Responsible Vendor Training to comply with legal alcohol service standards common across Florida establishments.
- Gain hands-on experience in bars or restaurants as a Barback or supporting staff.
Top Employers Hiring Barbacks in Clearwater
Clearwater hosts several major employers that frequently hire Barbacks:
- Shephard's Beach Resort
- Opal Sands Resort
- Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key
Establishments That Barbacks in Clearwater Work At
Barbacks commonly work in various hospitality venues including casual bars, fast casual restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, and resorts.
Casual and Fast Casual: Typically offer steady hours but usually lower pay.
Nightclubs and Bars: Can offer higher wages plus significant tips, especially during busy weekends.
Hotels and Resorts: Provide potential for better base pay and benefits due to upscale clientele and larger operations.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Clearwater for Barbacks
If you are exploring careers similar to Barback, here are some closely related roles to consider:
These include Bartender, Barback, and Barista positions, all sharing some duties or working closely together within the bar setting.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Barbacks in Clearwater
Barbacks should be aware of labor laws and tax regulations that apply to their work environment and earnings in Clearwater.
- Federal labor laws and workplace regulations are detailed on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- The State of Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation oversees hospitality licensing and compliance.
- Local labor regulations for Clearwater, located in Pinellas County, can be found on the Pinellas County official website.