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.Average Bartender Base Salary:
What can I earn as Bartender? Your salary is $0.00 on the US national average.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.