Barback Salary in Madison, WI
Barbacks in Madison, WI, in 2025, earn approximately $13.55 per hour, which translates to about $542.00 per week, $2,348.67 per month, and $28,184.00 per year.
The demand for Barbacks in Madison is growing at a healthy rate of 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities in this crucial hospitality support role.
How Much Does a Barback Make in Madison, WI?
The salary of a Barback in Madison, WI can vary based on factors such as experience, the establishment, and additional skills. Here’s a breakdown of typical earnings:
| 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) | $13.55 | $542.00 | $2,348.67 | $28,184.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Barbacks in Madison Earn Tips?
Yes, Barbacks often earn tips as part of their income. While they may not receive as much as bartenders, barbacks can expect to earn an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips depending on the venue and shift, significantly boosting their overall earnings.
Barback Salary in Madison vs. National Average
Nationally, Barbacks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, which amounts to approximately $30,160 annually.
Barbacks in Madison earn slightly less than the national average, with an hourly wage of $13.55 and a yearly salary of $28,184. This difference may reflect local living costs and market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Madison for Barbacks
Nearby cities offer varying pay scales for Barbacks, including:
- Wauwatosa: $17.60 per hour
- Milwaukee: $15.20 per hour
Barbacks commuting to Wauwatosa can expect significantly higher pay, followed by Milwaukee, compared to salaries within Madison itself.
What Influences a Barback’s Salary in Madison?
Several key factors influence how much a Barback can earn in Madison:
- Experience and Skills: Barbacks with more experience, faster speed, and better knowledge of bar operations usually earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale bars, nightclubs, and trendy restaurants often pay more than casual or fast-casual venues.
- Tips and Service Quality: Working in busy, high-end venues may result in higher tip earnings.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Night and weekend shifts often carry premium pay or more tipping opportunities.
- Certifications and Training: Additional certifications such as responsible beverage service training can make a candidate more employable and may influence pay.
How To Become a Barback in Madison
Becoming a Barback in Madison involves several practical steps to enhance your employability and career prospects:
- Gain Basic Hospitality Experience: Working in entry-level roles such as bussing or dishwashing helps build relevant skills for barback jobs.
- Enroll in Relevant Training Programs: The Bartending School of Madison offers specialized training covering bar management and mixology fundamentals useful for Barbacks.
- Complete Responsible Beverage Server Certifications: The Wisconsin Responsible Beverage Server Training is mandatory for serving alcohol in the state and greatly improves your qualifications.
- Consider Culinary Arts Education: Madison College Culinary Arts Program provides a solid foundation in kitchen and hospitality skills that can benefit a barback’s career growth.
- Obtain ServSafe Alcohol Certification: This national certification enhances your knowledge of safe alcohol service and can improve employment opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Barbacks in Madison
Several well-known establishments in Madison regularly hire Barbacks, including:
- Sardine
- Bar Corallini
- Red Sushi
- Gib's Bar
Establishments That Barbacks in Madison Work At
Barbacks typically find employment in a variety of types of establishments, such as:
- Casual Bars: Generally offer moderate wages and steady tip opportunities.
- Nightclubs and High-End Bars: Often provide higher wages and significantly better tips due to a lively environment and upscale clientele.
- Restaurants with Bar Service: Pay can vary widely based on restaurant type and customer volume.
The type of establishment influences the total compensation significantly, especially through tip income, with upscale and busy venues typically offering the best pay potential.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Madison for Barbacks
If you're interested in careers similar to being a Barback, consider the following roles that share hospitality and bar service skills:
These include Bartender, Barista, and Bar Manager positions, which offer various opportunities for career advancement and different salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Barbacks in Madison
Understanding labor laws and tax requirements is essential for Barbacks working in Madison to ensure compliance and proper financial management.
- Details on Wisconsin's labor laws can be found on the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website, which covers wages, hours, and employment rights.
- For federal tax regulations and filing guidelines, consult the Internal Revenue Service website.