Barback Salary in El Paso, TX
Barbacks in El Paso, TX, in 2026, earn approximately $9.00 per hour, which translates to about $360.00 per week, $1,560.00 per month, and $18,720.00 per year.
The demand for Barbacks in El Paso is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities within the hospitality sector in the city.
How Much Does a Barback Make in El Paso, TX?
The salary of a Barback in El Paso varies depending on experience and the nature of the establishment. Below is a breakdown of earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $8.50 | $340.00 | $1,473.33 | $17,680.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $9.50 | $380.00 | $1,646.67 | $19,760.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $11.00 | $440.00 | $1,906.67 | $22,880.00 |
Do Barbacks in El Paso Earn Tips?
Yes, Barbacks typically earn tips in many establishments. They can earn an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips, depending on the venue and customer volume, making tips a significant contribution to their overall income.
Barback Salary in El Paso, TX vs. National Average
Nationally, Barbacks earn an average of around $14.80 per hour, translating to about $30,784 annually.
Compared to the national average, Barbacks in El Paso earn less both hourly and annually, reflecting regional cost of living and market demand differences.
Highest-Paying Areas Near El Paso for Barbacks
When looking at nearby areas in El Paso, salary variations exist among neighborhoods:
- Downtown: $10.00 per hour
- West Side: $9.50 per hour
Barbacks working Downtown can expect slightly higher wages, likely due to the concentration of bars and nightlife attracting more patrons.
What Influences a Barback’s Salary in El Paso?
Several factors affect how much a Barback can earn in El Paso:
- Experience and Skills: More experienced Barbacks with knowledge of bar operations or strong multitasking skills typically earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale bars or nightclubs generally offer better pay and more tips compared to casual or chain bars.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts often come with better tip opportunities.
- Local Demand: Higher demand in busy urban locations can drive salaries up.
How To Become a Barback in El Paso
Starting a career as a Barback involves several key steps to develop relevant skills and qualifications:
- Formal Hospitality Training: Programs like the El Paso Community College Hospitality Program offer courses in hospitality management, bar operations, and customer service, which are highly beneficial.
- Bartending Training: Attending establishments such as ABC Bartending School can provide practical training including Barback responsibilities.
- Required Certifications: Obtaining the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Certification is mandatory for individuals serving or selling alcohol in Texas.
- Food Safety: Earning a Food Handler's Permit certifies knowledge of safe food handling practices, increasing employability.
Top Employers Hiring Barbacks in El Paso
Several popular venues in El Paso actively recruit Barbacks:
- House of Rock
- The Edge of Texas Steakhouse
- Aviators
Establishments That Barbacks in El Paso Work At
Barbacks in El Paso find opportunities in various types of establishments, each influencing potential salary:
- Nightclubs and Bars: Feature fast-paced environments with high tip potential and often higher base wages.
- Steakhouses and Casual Dining: These venues sometimes offer steadier hours with moderate wages and tipping.
- Event Venues and Hotels: May provide stable positions with benefits but varied hourly pay depending on the prestige and volume.
The establishment's size, clientele, and location significantly impact overall compensation for Barbacks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in El Paso for Barbacks
If you are considering careers similar to Barback, you may want to explore the following roles which share relevant skills and overlapping industries.
These include Bartender, Barback, and Barista positions, which also involve customer service and bar-related duties.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Barbacks in El Paso
Barbacks should be aware of important labor laws and tax regulations that affect their employment in El Paso:
- Visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (state website) for licensing information and compliance.
- The Texas Workforce Commission (state website) provides guidance on workers' rights, wages, and benefits.
- For federal regulations, the U.S. Department of Labor (federal website) offers comprehensive labor law resources.