NYC Barback Jobs: March 2025 Job Listings
We’ve selected 38 Barback jobs in New York City (NYC) that you can apply for right now. Each job offers good pay, extensive job benefits and more.
With about 3,820 bars throughout NYC, the city remains an ideal location for those looking to begin and thrive in the hospitality industry as a Barback.
38 Barback Jobs in NYC, NY
Start your journey by applying for one of these Barback jobs in NYC.
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2025 Seasonal Food & Beverage Barback Team Member
Barback
Barback
Barback job
Substitute Private Bar Attendant
Honor Bar Attendant (Substitute)
Barback
Barback
Seasonal Prep Barback / Barback Summer Roof Top
Bar Attendant
Know that the job description for Barbacks may vary depending on your employer. It’s also not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all possible job functions.
Also, keep in mind that given the nature of the hospitality industry, you may be required to work different schedules to reflect the needs of the establishment. This may include holidays, weekends and overtime.
Explore Barback Jobs in New York, NY
With a variety of job openings available, finding a barback position in New York is straightforward. Opportunities include:
- Upscale Bars: Assisting bartenders in high-end establishments throughout the city.
- Renowned Restaurants: Supporting beverage service in well-known dining venues.
- Exclusive Clubs: Maintaining bar operations in private or members-only clubs.
- Event Venues: Providing bar support during concerts, festivals, and private events.
To discover current job openings and advance your career, consider utilizing resources like OysterLink, which lists numerous barback positions in New York City. Networking events and local job fairs can also provide valuable opportunities to connect with potential employers and learn about new positions.
Unique Insights for Aspiring Barbacks in New York, NY
To stand out in the competitive barback job market in New York, consider the following strategies:
- Multitasking Abilities: The capacity to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, such as restocking, cleaning, and assisting bartenders, is essential in the fast-paced environment of New York bars.
- Knowledge of Craft Beverages: Familiarity with craft beers, artisanal spirits, and specialty cocktails can make you a more attractive candidate to establishments that pride themselves on unique beverage offerings.
- Physical Endurance: The ability to handle long shifts, often late into the night, while performing tasks that require lifting and constant movement, is crucial in New York’s bustling bar scene.
- Networking within the Industry: Building relationships with industry professionals can lead to job opportunities and valuable mentorship. Attend industry events, tastings, and workshops to expand your connections.
- Understanding of Local Regulations: Knowledge of New York State liquor laws and city health codes can demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to compliance, making you a valuable asset to employers.
Average Salary for Barback Jobs in NYC
The average Barback salary in NYC is $31,976 per year plus tips, which is slightly higher than the average nationwide salary of $31,688 per year plus tips. This also translates to an average pay of $15.67 per hour.
Legal Requirements for Barback Jobs in NYC
Barbacks must know and comply with legal requirements in NYC that are designed to ensure the safety and integrity of alcoholic beverage service and maintain professional standards.
Age requirements for Barbacks
In New York State, the minimum age to serve alcohol is 18 years old. While there’s no specific law regarding Barbacks, most establishments exercise caution and use this as the basis.
After all, there may be times when a Barback must directly handle alcoholic drinks — even as minor as opening a beer bottle or pouring wine — especially during peak hours.
Legal hours of operation
Serving or selling alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises — including but not limited to bars and lounges — are restricted from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Sundays.
Overtime pay for Barbacks
Barbacks in NYC are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular rate if they work for more than 40 hours in one workweek.
Calculate your overtime pay with our Overtime Pay Calculator.
Alcohol server training for Barbacks
Barbacks and Bartenders are not mandated by New York State law to have a license or certification. However, some establishments may require their employees to have these to reduce liability risks.
For a breakdown of all other labor regulations in NYC, check out our article on New York Labor Laws.
Barback Jobs NYC FAQ
In most cases, yes. The average base salary for Barbacks in NYC is $31,976 per year, which is higher than the nationwide average of $31,688 per year.
Similar to licensing for Bartenders, Barbacks in New York City do not need an alcohol server’s or food handler’s license/certification.
However, establishments have the right to require their employees to get a license or certification — either upon hiring or during the application process.
Fridays and Saturdays typically have the busiest nights in most NYC drinking establishments, followed by Thursdays.
As a Barback, more customers usually means higher chances of getting tips (whether directly or through a tip-sharing arrangement with other staff).
Selection Criteria for Barback Jobs in NYC
Jobs for this list were selected based on the following criteria:
- Schedule flexibility: There are available part-time and full-time positions you can choose from depending on your availability.
- Comprehensive job benefits: Most Barback job openings offer extensive health care coverage, insurance, employee discounts and more. These make your role more worthwhile beyond your take-home pay.
- Opportunities for career growth: Some jobs offer training and opportunities for promotions and further career growth.
