Bartender Salary in the United States
Learn how much Bartenders earn, what impacts their pay and how tips, location and experience can increase their income.
Average Bartender Salary by Year in the US
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average Bartender salary is $40,790 per year.
The graph below shows the different Bartender salary levels based on the most recent BLS data, breaking down how much you can earn from the lowest to the highest average annual pay.
[Source: BLS]
If you’re in the 90th percentile, you earn more than 90% of all the Bartenders in the U.S. Earning $73,770 then puts you in the top 10% of earners among Bartenders.
Meanwhile, if you’re in the 10th percentile, you earn less than 90% of the group. Earning $20,110 then places you in the bottom 10% of earners among Bartenders.
How Much Do Bartenders Make per Month?
Bartenders can earn an average of $3,399.17 per month. You can boost your earnings with more tips, which largely depends on your relationship with customers and how busy your shifts are.
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How Much Do Bartenders Make an Hour?
Bartenders in the U.S. earn an average hourly wage of $19.61, but pay can vary significantly based on experience, location and workplace.
Entry-level bartenders or those in slower venues typically earn between $9.67 and $13.17 per hour, while the median base wage is $16.51 per hour.
Experienced Bartenders in high-volume bars, upscale restaurants or busy shifts can earn between $22.87 and $35.47 per hour.
[Source: BLS]
However, base wages don’t show the full picture. Since Bartender income often includes tips, actual take-home pay can be much higher depending on the venue, customer volume, and shift schedule. For many Bartenders, tips are a major factor in their overall earnings.
Bartender Salary by State or District
Bartender salaries can vary significantly depending on the state or district you reside in. Hawaii ($76,740), New York ($61,670) and Washington ($60,010) offer the highest average salaries for Bartenders per year.
States with high demand for Bartenders, such as tourist destinations, tend to offer higher salaries and more tips. Those with a high cost of living also tend to offer higher wages to compensate for the higher cost of living.
Check the average Bartender salaries for each state below.
| State | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $32,220 |
| Alaska | $36,560 |
| Arizona | $54,030 |
| Arkansas | $32,850 |
| California | $44,780 |
| Colorado | $51,250 |
| Connecticut | $51,020 |
| Delaware | $42,890 |
| District of Columbia | $59,210 |
| Florida | $42,280 |
| Georgia | $30,330 |
| Hawaii | $76,740 |
| Idaho | $32,670 |
| Illinois | $35,550 |
| Indiana | $27,780 |
| Iowa | $25,620 |
| Kansas | $35,780 |
| Kentucky | $34,970 |
| Louisiana | $25,250 |
| Maine | $58,520 |
| Maryland | $45,180 |
| Massachusetts | $45,120 |
| Michigan | $44,470 |
| Minnesota | $30,680 |
| Mississippi | $36,510 |
| Missouri | $38,170 |
| Montana | $27,210 |
| Nebraska | $38,350 |
| Nevada | $36,210 |
| New Hampshire | $40,730 |
| New Jersey | $51,440 |
| New Mexico | $41,500 |
| New York | $61,670 |
| North Carolina | $41,200 |
| North Dakota | $33,390 |
| Ohio | $39,420 |
| Oklahoma | $29,260 |
| Oregon | $46,080 |
| Pennsylvania | $35,460 |
| Rhode Island | $46,090 |
| South Carolina | $28,440 |
| South Dakota | $31,940 |
| Tennessee | $31,180 |
| Texas | $32,640 |
| Utah | $40,430 |
| Vermont | $51,780 |
| Virginia | $54,200 |
| Washington | $60,010 |
| West Virginia | $37,910 |
| Wisconsin | $26,970 |
| Wyoming | $29,000 |
| Guam | $22,610 |
| Puerto Rico | $28,160 |
| Virgin Islands | $57,820 |
[Source: BLS]
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Factors That Influence Bartender Salaries
Aside from geographic location, as seen above, the following factors also influence the average salary of Bartenders.
Bartender tips
Tips form a significant part of a Bartender’s overall earnings. Bartenders working in establishments with a high volume of customers or those with a generous tipping culture may earn more in tips than those in quieter venues.
Typically, customers tip between 15% and 20% of the total bill. An alternative approach is tipping per drink, with a standard of $1 for simple drinks like beer and $2–$4 for mixed drinks or cocktails.
For example, if the bill is $50, a 20% tip would be $10 (simply multiply $50 by 0.20). Bartender salary with tips can add up quickly, especially on busy nights and peak hours.
Type of establishment
The type of establishment where a Bartender works can also impact their salary. Bartenders in upscale restaurants, high-end hotels or exclusive clubs may earn higher wages than those in neighborhood bars or casual dining establishments.
Example: In this TikTok clip, a fine dining Bartender in Miami shares his exact earnings. While he works grueling hours, the premium venue tier allows him to out-earn the national baseline data significantly.
Experience
Bartenders with more experience and a proven track record of excellent customer service and mixology skills may command higher salaries than entry-level Bartenders.
Check out our article on how to be a good Bartender for tips on how to build your experience and skills fast. You can also review our Bartender job description to know what to expect in this line of work.
Whether you’re an entry-level Bartender, an Experienced Bartender or a Hotel Bartender, you can use our Bartender resume templates. Feel free to copy and customize them for your job search.
How To Get More Tips, According to Successful Bartenders
As mentioned, tips often help Bartenders maximize their earnings. That's why we've gathered some of the best advice from hospitality professionals who have worked or are working as Bartenders.
"The most important thing in increasing your tips is having an open mind to learning constantly. Start asking questions, get more knowledgeable and the opportunities will present themselves.
Another great way to get more tips is upselling. This one might be challenging when you are starting out, but there is a simple way to deal with the lack of knowledge. Be transparent with the customer, tell them — 'I am not sure but let me check that for you.'
The happier your customers are the more often they will return, and this will lead to a higher amount of money in your pocket. The guests want to know that they are being cared for."
"Here are effective tactics I use to maximize tips and enhance earning potential:
- Personalized Service: Remembering regular customers' names and drink preferences creates a personalized experience that can lead to higher tips.
- Engagement: Being friendly, approachable and engaging with customers helps build rapport and makes the bar experience enjoyable.
- Presentation: Presenting drinks attractively, with attention to garnishing and glassware adds value to the service.
- Upselling: Suggesting premium spirits, specialty cocktails or add-ons can increase the total bill, often resulting in a higher tip percentage.
- Speed and Efficiency: Serving drinks quickly and efficiently ensures customer satisfaction and keeps the flow of orders smooth, encouraging more frequent tipping."
Editor’s note: The interview excerpts above have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Bartender Compensation Package
In addition to base salary and tips, you may receive other job benefits and perks in your compensation package as a Bartender.
These can include benefits such as health insurance, 401(k)/retirement plans, paid time off and employee discounts. Some employers may also offer you bonuses or incentives based on performance, like meeting sales targets or receiving positive customer feedback.
Additionally, Bartenders may have access to career growth opportunities, such as training programs or certifications, to enhance their skills and advance their careers within the industry.