Barback Salary in Rio Rancho, NM
Barbacks in Rio Rancho, NM, in 2025, earn approximately $13.31 per hour, which translates to about $532.40 per week, $2,307.07 per month, and $27,684.80 per year.
The demand for Barbacks in Rio Rancho is growing strongly at about 27% per year, signaling a robust increase in opportunities and a positive outlook for this role in the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Barback Make in Rio Rancho, NM?
The salary of a Barback in Rio Rancho varies by experience level and employer, but the breakdown generally looks like this:
| 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) | $13.31 | $532.40 | $2,307.07 | $27,684.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,933.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Barbacks in Rio Rancho Earn Tips?
Yes, Barbacks often earn tips as part of their compensation. On average, they can make an extra $5 to $15 per day in tips depending on the establishment, shift, and generosity of patrons. This can significantly boost their overall earnings.
Barback Salary in Rio Rancho vs. National Average
Nationally, Barbacks earn an average of about $13.31 per hour or around $27,684.80 annually, which matches the average figures observed in Rio Rancho.
This suggests that Rio Rancho offers competitive wages aligning well with the broader U.S. market for Barbacks. Factors like cost of living and local demand also support these wages.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Rio Rancho for Barbacks
Nearby areas pay slightly higher wages to Barbacks:
- Downtown Rio Rancho: $14.50 per hour
- Northern Meadows: $14.00 per hour
These locations may offer better pay due to the presence of more upscale venues or higher customer volumes compared to other parts of Rio Rancho.
What Influences a Barback’s Salary in Rio Rancho?
The earning potential for a Barback in Rio Rancho is influenced by several important factors:
- Experience and Skills: More experienced Barbacks who know cocktail preparation support and bar operations excel in fast-paced environments and often earn better wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale bars, nightclubs, and busy restaurants often pay higher wages and better tips than casual or chain venues.
- Location Within City: Working in high-traffic or tourist-heavy districts typically offers higher pay due to volume and demand.
- Certification and Training: Formal training in bartending or alcohol service, such as ServSafe Alcohol Certification, can enhance pay scale and employability.
How To Become a Barback in Rio Rancho
If you're interested in building a career as a Barback in Rio Rancho, consider these important steps:
- Enroll in Culinary or Bartending Programs: Programs like the Central New Mexico Community College Culinary Arts Program provide foundational skills useful for Barbacks.
- Participate in Bartending Courses: The University of New Mexico's Continuing Education Bartending Course covers essential bar operations and customer service skills.
- Obtain Required Certifications: Securing a New Mexico Alcohol Server Permit is mandatory for working with alcohol, while the ServSafe Alcohol Certification is beneficial for responsible alcohol service.
- Gain Experience: Starting as a barback or support staff in local bars helps develop practical skills and opens pathways for advancement.
Top Employers Hiring Barbacks in Rio Rancho
Popular venues seeking Barbacks in the Rio Rancho area include:
- Applebee's
- Chili's
- Buffalo Wild Wings
Establishments That Barbacks in Rio Rancho Work At
Barbacks typically find work in a variety of establishments such as:
- Casual dining restaurants: These often provide steady shifts but may have lower pay and tips.
- Fast casual venues: Generally busier environments with moderate tips and wages.
- Nightclubs and Bars: Usually offer the highest tipping potential and sometimes wage premiums due to late hours and demand.
- Hotels and Resorts: Depending on the scale, these may provide better benefits and pay rates.
The type of venue dramatically affects earnings, with busy nightlife spots generally offering better tip opportunities and sometimes higher base wages.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Rio Rancho for Barbacks
If you're exploring careers related to Barback positions, consider these similar roles that share overlapping skills and responsibilities:
These roles include Bartender, Barista, and Barback itself. Progression into these jobs may offer higher wages and additional responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Barbacks in Rio Rancho
Barbacks should be familiar with applicable labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance and optimize their employment conditions.
- Visit the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions - State labor laws and employment resources for detailed local regulations.
- For federal tax information, refer to the Internal Revenue Service.
- General government resources and guidance can be accessed via the Official U.S. government website.