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Barback Salary in Saint-Paul, MN

Barbacks in Saint-Paul, MN, in 2026, earn approximately $14.50 per hour, which translates to about $580.00 per week, $2,513.33 per month, and $30,160.00 per year.

The demand for Barbacks in Saint-Paul is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job market expansion for this role within the hospitality and nightlife industries.

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Average Barback Salary in Saint Paul, MN:
Your salary is the same as the Saint Paul, MN salary average.
$14.50
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$14.50
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$14.50
$29.00
Market Average
$14.50

How Much Does a Barback Make in Saint-Paul, MN?

Barback salaries in Saint-Paul vary according to experience and employer type. Here is a breakdown across entry, mid, and top levels.

Experience levelHourly payWeekly payMonthly payYearly pay
Entry-level (~25th percentile)$12.00$480.00$2,080.00$24,960.00
Mid-level (average)$14.50$580.00$2,513.33$30,160.00
Top earners (90th percentile)$17.00$680.00$2,946.67$35,360.00

Do Barbacks in Saint-Paul Earn Tips?

Barbacks often earn tips in addition to their hourly wage, typically receiving around $5 to $10 per hour in tips, which can significantly enhance their overall earnings depending on the establishment's busyness and generosity of patrons.

Barback Salary in Saint-Paul vs. National Average

Nationally, Barbacks earn an average hourly wage of about $14.50 and approximately $30,160 annually.

Barbacks in Saint-Paul align closely with this national average, earning around $14.50 per hour and a similar annual salary, reflecting the competitive hospitality market in this city.

Highest-Paying Areas Near Saint-Paul for Barbacks

Nearby areas offer slightly different pay scales for Barbacks:

  • Downtown: $15.50 per hour
  • Lowertown: $16.00 per hour

Working in these neighborhoods can provide higher wages for Barbacks compared to other parts of the city due to increased demand and possibly upscale venues.

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 Saint-Paul?

Several key factors affect how much a Barback can earn in Saint-Paul:

  • Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Barbacks usually command higher wages.
  • Type of Establishment: Higher-end bars, nightclubs, or busy restaurants often offer better pay.
  • Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts can come with premium pay or increased tips.
  • Certification and Training: Knowledge of bar operations and safety through formal training can improve chances of better compensation.
  • Local Competition and Demand: Areas with significant nightlife see higher demand and higher wages.

How To Become a Barback in Saint-Paul

To launch a career as a Barback in Saint-Paul, consider the following steps:

  • Gain Relevant Training: Programs like the Saint Paul College Culinary Arts Program provide comprehensive training in culinary and bar operations, building solid skills for the position.
  • Enroll in Specialized Courses: Options such as Minnesota School of Bartending offer focused instruction covering bartending and barback duties.
  • Obtain Required Certifications: Certifications such as Alcohol Server Certification ensure compliance with Minnesota's alcohol service laws.
  • Secure Food Safety Credentials: The Food Handler's Permit confirms understanding of food safety, often required in hospitality roles.
  • Build Experience: Entry-level positions or internships in busy bars or restaurants help gain practical knowledge.

Top Employers Hiring Barbacks in Saint-Paul

Prominent establishments in Saint-Paul actively seeking Barbacks include:

  • Omni Hotels & Resorts
  • Muddy Cow
  • Allianz Field
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Establishments That Barbacks in Saint-Paul Work At

Barbacks typically find employment across various settings:

  • Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: Provide steady work with moderate wages and often tips.
  • Nightclubs and Bars: Tend to offer higher wages and larger tip pools.
  • Hotels and Resorts: Often provide more structured work environments with benefits.
  • Event Venues and Stadiums: Large-scale operations can offer greater earning potential during events.

The type of establishment directly influences salary, with upscale venues and high-traffic bars generally paying more and offering better tipping opportunities.

Related Hospitality Jobs in Saint-Paul for Barbacks

For those interested in related roles within hospitality, here are a few careers similar to Barback:

Job Title

Avg Salary

Barback

$31,688

Barista

$34,825

Bartender

$37,090

These include Bartender, Barback, and Barista positions, offering various paths within the beverage and hospitality service industry.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Barbacks in Saint-Paul

Barbacks should be familiar with key labor laws and tax regulations applicable in Minnesota: