116 Bartender Jobs in New York City – February 2025 Listings
Whether you’re an experienced bartender, a skilled mixologist, or just starting your journey in the industry, we’ve curated the best bartender jobs in New York City (NYC). Explore opportunities at renowned bars, nightclubs, and upscale restaurants across Manhattan and the greater NYC area to find the position that perfectly suits your skills and career goals.
Download the Bartender's Salary Guide & Career Handbook
- View salaries & industry trends
- Get career advice & insights
116 Bartender Jobs in NYC, NY
Elevate your bartending career with our list of 116 Bartender jobs in NYC. From trendy cocktail bars in Manhattan to bustling pubs and exclusive nightclubs, these opportunities offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits. Step into your next role and become a key member of the bar staff in the heart of New York City.
Search for jobs
Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with the common responsibilities of a bartender, including crafting classic and innovative cocktails, providing exceptional customer service, managing inventory, and collaborating with the barback and bar manager to ensure efficient operations.
How to Secure a Bartender Job in New York
As a bartender, you play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional guest experiences. Employers in New York seek professionals with strong communication skills, keen attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Here are some tips to enhance your chances of getting hired:
- Showcase Mixology Skills: Demonstrate proficiency in crafting both classic and innovative cocktails. Employers value candidates who can create drinks that exceed customers’ expectations.
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your experience in high-volume settings, knowledge of various spirits and beverages, and familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems.
- Tailor Your Resume: Focus on relevant experience in bartending, hospitality, or customer service. Include instances where you’ve managed high guest volumes, upselling, or handled special requests.
- Practice Professional Communication: Employers expect bartenders to be articulate both in person and over the phone. Prepare by practicing common interactions, such as greeting guests, taking orders, and managing special requests.
- Utilize OysterLink: Our platform lists numerous hospitality roles in New York, including bartender positions in various establishments.
- Attend Local Hiring Events: New York frequently hosts job fairs and hiring expos for hospitality professionals. These events can help you connect with recruiters and secure interviews promptly.
Why Consider a Bartender Role in New York?
New York’s dynamic economy and diverse culinary scene create a strong demand for skilled bartenders. Whether you’re interested in working in a fine dining restaurant, a trendy bar, or a bustling nightclub, the city offers a variety of employment opportunities.
Competitive Pay
Salaries for bartenders in New York are competitive, reflecting the city’s vibrant dining and nightlife industry. Compensation varies based on experience, establishment type, and location.
Diverse Work Environments
New York is home to a vast array of dining and entertainment establishments, from upscale restaurants to casual bars. As a bartender, you can choose a work setting that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Networking and Career Growth
Bartender positions provide valuable networking opportunities that can lead to advancements in hospitality management, event planning, or culinary arts.
Cultural Richness
With its diverse population and rich cultural scene, New York offers an enriching environment to live and work.
Bartender Salary Trends in New York City
Bartenders in New York City enjoy a lucrative earning potential, with an average annual wage of $58,050 (or $27.91 per hour), which is 56.5% higher than the national average of $37,090. This significant increase—nearly 48% since 2019—reflects the growing demand for skilled bartenders in NYC’s vibrant hospitality industry, including its famous bars, nightclubs, and high-end restaurants.
[Source: BLS]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
How To Know Your Take-Home Pay as an NYC Bartender
If you are a Bartender in New York City, try out our New York Paycheck Calculator to see what your take-home pay is in this state.
Paycheck Calculator
Disclaimer: Please note that this paycheck calculator is designed to provide an estimate and should not be considered as professional tax advice. The actual withholding amounts and taxes owed may vary depending on individual circumstances and other factors. For accurate and personalized tax advice, we recommend consulting with a tax professional.
If your gross pay is $74,000.00 per year in the state of New York, your net pay (or take home pay) will be $55,385.89 after tax deductions of 25.15% (or $18,614.11). Deductions include a total of [1] 12.23% (or $9,048.10) for the federal income tax, [2] 5.28% (or $3,905.01) for the state income tax, [3] 6.20% (or $4,588.00) for the social security tax and [4] 1.45% (or $1,073.00) for Medicare.
The Federal Income Tax is collected by the government and is consistent across all U.S. regions. In contrast, the State Income Tax is levied by the state of residence and work, leading to substantial variations. The Social Security Tax is used to fund Social Security, which benefits retirees, persons with disabilities and survivors of deceased workers. Medicare involves a federal payroll tax designated for the Medicare insurance program. As of 2022, Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming do not levy a state income tax.
Whether you receive compensation on an hourly basis or a fixed salary, our calculator ensures precise calculation of your earnings.
Bartender Employment Trends in NYC
Approximately 31,670 bartenders are employed in the New York-Newark-Jersey City area. The number of bartending jobs has surged by nearly 196% since 2019, highlighting the robust growth and resilience of NYC’s hospitality sector. This upward trend underscores the increasing demand for talented bartenders in the city’s bustling bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.
[Source: BLS]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
Legal Requirements for Bartender Jobs in NYC
As a bartender in NYC, it’s important to be aware of the following legal requirements:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to serve alcohol in New York State, although the legal drinking age is 21.
- Tip Reporting: The IRS mandates that employees receiving more than $20 in tips per month report these earnings to their employer for proper tax withholding.
- Alcohol Server Training: While not mandatory, obtaining certification through the Alcohol Training Awareness Program (ATAP) or becoming a TIPS-certified bartender is highly recommended. Many bars, nightclubs, and restaurants in NYC prefer or require this certification to ensure responsible alcohol service.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a Bartender in NYC, keep in mind that alcohol can be served in restaurants, bars and taverns only from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. on weekdays and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. on Sundays.
To become a Bartender in NYC, watch out for job ads that welcome entry-level candidates and apply for them. Additionally, you can learn how to prepare drinks at home and practice using common bartending tools so you can be ready when the opportunity arises.
If needed, you can also start as a Server, Barback or Waiter/Waitress to eventually build the skills and experience needed to be an effective Bartender.
Your Bartender resume should include your contact information, relevant work experience (including any previous bartending jobs and relevant hospitality experience), certifications or training and any special skills or knowledge related to mixology or customer service.
Therefore, listing abilities such as strong guest service skills and excellent knowledge of classic cocktails can be helpful.
It’s also good to add that you have knowledge of NYC and local destinations and that you’re able to build rapport with NYC-based customers, as building relationships with them is crucial to bartending.
To learn how to summarize your credentials in your resume, check out our article on writing short professional bios.
