Bartender vs. Barback: Comparing Roles and Duties

Did you know that most Bartenders start their careers as Barbacks? While these roles are closely related, they have distinct responsibilities that are crucial to the efficient operation of any bar.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll see the differences in the duties of Bartenders and Barbacks, highlighting what makes them unique and the essential skills required for each position.

What’s a Bartender?

A Bartender is the front-of-house professional responsible for preparing and serving drinks to customers. Beyond mixing cocktails, Bartenders often manage inventory, handle cash transactions and oversee Barbacks to ensure smooth operations.

What’s a Barback?

A Barback acts as the Bartender’s assistant, ensuring that the bar runs efficiently. Their tasks include restocking supplies, cleaning, preparing garnishes and occasionally serving drinks, provided they meet the legal age and requirements for alcohol service.

Duties and Responsibilities of Bartender vs Barback

Both roles are interdependent, working together to maintain a seamless bar experience. While their duties may overlap during busy periods, each position has specific responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Bartender position

• Drink preparation and service: Crafting and serving a variety of beverages, from classic cocktails to custom creations.
• Customer interaction: Engaging with patrons, taking orders and providing recommendations to enhance their experience.
• Inventory management: Monitoring stock levels of liquor, mixers, and other bar essentials to prevent shortages.
• Cash handling: Processing payments accurately and efficiently, including cash and card transactions.
• ID verification: Ensuring customers are of legal drinking age by checking identification, as mandated by training programs like ServSafe and RBS.
• Bar maintenance: Keeping the bar area clean, organized and well-stocked throughout the shift.

Key duties of the Barback position

• Maintenance tasks: Performing minor repairs or maintenance, such as unclogging sinks or restocking napkins and straws.
• Stocking supplies: Ensuring the bar is equipped with sufficient liquor, beer kegs, bar glassware, ice and garnishes.
• Cleaning duties: Collecting and washing used glassware, maintaining cleanliness of the bar area and disposing of trash.
• Assisting Bartenders: Supporting Bartenders by replenishing supplies, preparing garnishes and handling tasks that allow Bartenders to focus on customer service.

Key Skills for Bartender vs Barback

While both roles require strong communication and organizational skills, each position demands specific abilities:

Skills required for Bartending

• Mixology expertise: Proficiency in creating a wide range of cocktails and understanding flavor profiles.
• Customer service: Ability to engage with patrons, handle complaints gracefully and provide a welcoming atmosphere.
• Upselling techniques: Encouraging customers to try premium products or additional items to boost sales.
• Cash handling: Accuracy in processing transactions and managing a cash register.
• Flair bartending: Performing bartending tricks with bar tools to entertain and enhance the customer experience and potentially increase tips.

Skills required for Barbacking

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with bartenders and other staff to provide excellent service.
• Physical Stamina: Capability to lift heavy items like kegs and stand for extended periods.
• Attention to Detail: Maintaining cleanliness and organization to ensure a smooth workflow.
• Adaptability: Quickly responding to the dynamic needs of the bar during busy times.

Training and Certification Requirements

Both roles may require specific training or certifications, such as Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) or ServSafe, to ensure compliance with local laws and promote responsible alcohol service.

In our complete Bartender guide, we detail how you can get a job as a Bartender without any previous experience. We also compare various methods such as courses, certifications and even DIY learning with online videos.

Work Environment

Bartenders and Barbacks typically work in dynamic, fast-paced settings, including bars, restaurants and event venues. The environment often requires evening, weekend and holiday shifts, with extended periods of standing and physical activity.

Earnings and Tip-Sharing

Compensation varies by establishment and location. Bartenders generally receive hourly wages plus tips, while Barbacks often earn hourly wages with a portion of tips shared by Bartenders. Tip-sharing arrangements differ by establishment, typically ranging from 1-2% of sales or 5-20% of tips.

• The average Barback salary in the U.S. is $31,688
• The national average Bartender salary in the United States is $37,090

Challenges and Rewards of Each Role

Bartenders face the challenge of managing a high-pressure environment, interacting with customers, preparing drinks quickly and ensuring the bar is running smoothly. This role requires multitasking and strong customer service skills, but it also comes with high earning potential due to tips.

For Barbacks, the challenges are more physical — carrying heavy kegs, restocking supplies and maintaining the flow of operations behind the bar. While the rewards are typically fewer in terms of direct tips, Barbacks often gain valuable experience that can lead to bartending roles and higher earnings.

Bartender vs. Barback: Conclusion

Bartenders and Barbacks form a symbiotic relationship that is essential for the success of any bar. Many Bartenders begin their careers as Barbacks, gaining invaluable experience that prepares them for the complexities of bartending.

A proficient Barback not only eases the Bartender’s workload but also contributes to a more efficient and enjoyable customer experience, often leading to increased tips for both roles.

Here are the main takeaway points that answer the Bartender vs Barback debate:

• A Bartender is responsible for preparing and serving drinks directly to customers, managing inventory, and handling transactions.
• In contrast, a Barback supports the Bartender by restocking supplies, cleaning and performing tasks that ensure the bar operates smoothly.