Barback Salary in Salt Lake City, UT
Barbacks in Salt Lake City, UT, 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 Salt Lake City is growing moderately at about 5% per year, indicating a steady increase in opportunities within the hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Barback Make in Salt Lake City, UT?
The salary of a Barback in Salt Lake City can vary by experience level and employer, but below is an overview of earnings across common experience stages.
| 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 | $2,434.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,933.33 | $33,360.00 |
Do Barbacks in Salt Lake City Earn Tips?
Yes, Barbacks generally earn tips that provide an extra $5 to $10 per hour on busy nights, significantly boosting their overall income apart from their base salary.
Barback Salary in Salt Lake City vs. National Average
Nationally, Barbacks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, which equates to approximately $30,160 annually.
Compared to the national average, Barbacks in Salt Lake City earn slightly less hourly at $13.90, with an annual salary of $28,912. This difference may reflect local market conditions and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Salt Lake City for Barbacks
Nearby areas offer varying salaries for Barbacks:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Sugar House: $17.60 per hour
Barbacks working in Sugar House tend to earn the highest wages close to Salt Lake City, followed by Downtown.
What Influences a Barback’s Salary in Salt Lake City?
Several factors affect the salary potential of a Barback in Salt Lake City:
- Experience and Tenure: Experienced Barbacks with a track record of reliability often command higher wages.
- Skills and Efficiency: Quick and skilled Barbacks who assist Bartenders proactively tend to receive better pay and tip shares.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale bars and busy nightclubs usually pay more than casual or neighborhood pubs.
- Shift Timing: Night and weekend shifts often come with higher pay rates or increased tips.
- Local Demand and Competition: The hospitality market's competitiveness in Salt Lake City influences wage levels.
How To Become a Barback in Salt Lake City
To start a career as a Barback in Salt Lake City, consider the following steps:
- Obtain Basic Hospitality Experience: Work experience in bars, restaurants, or similar environments can provide a solid foundation.
- Consider Relevant Training: Programs like the Salt Lake Community College Culinary Arts Program offer training in bar and beverage management.
- Pursue Certification: Acquire mandatory licenses like the Utah Alcohol Server Training Certification and consider the ServSafe Alcohol Certification to enhance credibility.
- Complete Professional Bartending Courses: The University of Utah Continuing Education Bartending Course is an option to gain further skills and certification.
Top Employers Hiring Barbacks in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City’s bar scene features several notable employers actively hiring Barbacks:
- Purgatory Bar
- White Horse
- The Westerner
Establishments That Barbacks in Salt Lake City Work At
Barbacks in Salt Lake City typically work across various establishment types, including casual bars, nightclubs, fast casual venues, and full-service restaurants.
The type of establishment often impacts salary. Higher-end bars and busy nightclubs usually offer better wages and more tips, whereas casual or fast casual venues may have lower base pay but steady hours.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Salt Lake City for Barbacks
If you are exploring careers related to Barback positions, consider these similar roles within hospitality:
These include Bartender, Barback, and Bar Manager positions, which involve related skills and responsibilities in the beverage and hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Barbacks in Salt Lake City
Barbacks should be aware of both state and federal labor laws that govern workplace standards, wages, and taxes. For detailed information:
- Visit the Official website of the State of Utah for state-specific regulations and requirements.
- Consult the U.S. Department of Labor's official website for federal labor standards and resources.