Bartender Salary in NYC, NY

How Much Does a Bartender Make in NYC, NY?

The average salary for a Bartender in NYC, NY is $4,837.50 base plus tips per month or $58,050 base plus tips per year, according to the New York State Department of Labor.

What could I earn?

Find out how your salary compares to the average Bartender salary.

Job Title

Location

Your Salary

Average Bartender Salary in NYC, NY:

Your salary is the same as the NYC, NY salary average.

$27.91

Your Salary

$27.91

$0.00

$27.91

$55.82

Market Average

$27.91

How much does a Bartender earn in NYC, NY per hour?

The hourly rate for a Bartender in NYC, NY is currently $27.91. This does not include tips, bonuses or other performance-based incentives offered by the establishment they're employed in.

How much does a Bartender earn in NYC, NY per month?

The average monthly salary for a Bartender in NYC, NY is $4,995.89.

How much does a Bartender earn in NYC, NY per week?

Based on the hourly and monthly salaries above, the average Bartender salary per week in NYC, NY is currently $1,116.40.

How Can I Earn More Money as a Bartender in NYC, NY?

The easiest way to earn more money as a Bartender is to ask for a raise or a promotion. To do that, you’ll need to be prepared to discuss with your employer about why you deserve a raise.

To help you out, we've got a list of Bartender interview questions and answers that you can use to come up with your own answers when you’re asking for a raise.

What Skills Are Employers Looking for in a Bartender in NYC, NY?

You can see what employers want in a Pastry Chef in Chicago if you take a look at a sample Bartender job description. In it, you’ll find the most common skills, abilities and experience requirements for this role.

How Does the Salary of a Bartender in NYC Compare to the National Average?

The average annual salary for a Bartender in NYC is $58,050, which is significantly higher than the national average of approximately $34,250. This reflects the higher cost of living and the abundance of upscale bars, luxury hotels and high-end nightlife venues in New York City.

Hourly Breakdown:
- In NYC, the average hourly wage for a Bartender is $27.00, far exceeding the national average of $17.83.
Monthly and Weekly Comparisons:
- Monthly Salary: Bartenders in NYC earn approximately $4,837.50 per month, compared to the national average of $2,850.
- Weekly Salary: In NYC, bartenders make about $1,080 per week, while the national weekly average is around $660.

This wage gap is most noticeable in high-end cocktail bars, exclusive clubs and tourist-heavy districts like Manhattan and Brooklyn, where patrons are more likely to leave generous tips.

What is the Average Tip Amount Bartenders Receive in NYC?

Tips significantly boost a Bartender’s overall income in NYC, often doubling or tripling their base pay. On average, bartenders can earn between $200 to $600 per shift in tips, depending on the venue, clientele and shift timing.

Type of Establishment:
- Luxury Cocktail Bars/Fine Dining: $400 - $600 per shift
- Casual Bars/Pubs: $150 - $300 per shift
- Nightclubs/High-Traffic Venues: $500 - $700 per shift (weekends)
Shift Timing:
- Peak Hours (Evenings/Weekends): Tips are significantly higher during prime hours and weekend nights, often accounting for 70-80% of total earnings.
- Off-Peak (Weekdays/Lunch): Tips average around $100 to $200 per shift during slower hours.
Clientele and Location:
- Bars in downtown Manhattan, SoHo, Tribeca and the Financial District tend to yield higher tips, as they attract wealthier patrons and tourists.

Maximizing Tips in NYC

Event Nights & Special Promotions: Bartenders working during special events, live music nights, or holidays tend to earn higher tips and bonuses.
Signature Cocktails & Upselling: Bartenders who specialize in craft cocktails, premium spirits and wine recommendations can dramatically increase their tip earnings.
Networking & Regulars: Building rapport with local clientele and regular customers often results in repeat high tippers.

High-Paying Cities for Bartenders

The table below showcases four of the best cities to work in as a Bartender. You can see the average annual wage for a Bartender in each of these cities.

City	Avg Salary	Avg Hourly Wage
Chicago, IL	$35,630	$17.13
Los Angeles, CA	$40,080	$19.27
Miami, FL	$39,270	$18.88
NYC, NY	$58,050	$27.91