Bartenders in Tacoma, WA, earn an average hourly wage of around $18 per hour, combining base pay and tips. However, earnings can fluctuate widely depending on the venue, time of day and clientele.
If you're curious about which restaurants in Tacoma offer the most lucrative Bartender positions, this article will help. We’ll explore some of the city's top-paying spots and shed light on key factors influencing Bartender salary variations.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bartenders in Tacoma, WA- 1. The Matador
- 2. Tacoma Cabana
- 3. Asado Tacoma
- 4. The Social Bar & Grill
- 5. Harm’s Way Brewing Company
- 6. Atlas Tap House
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Bartender Earnings in Tacoma
- How To Find a High Paying Bartender Job in Tacoma
- What’s the Outlook for Bartender Jobs in Tacoma in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Bartender’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Tacoma?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Tacoma Bartender Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bartenders in Tacoma, WA
Tacoma features a mix of historic taverns, trendy eateries and craft beer hubs that pay Bartenders well through combinations of base wages and tip earnings. Several venues stand out due to their steady crowds and premium selections.
Consider applying to these high-earning spots:
1. The Matador
The Matador offers vibrant Mexican cuisine with a renowned tequilapalooza, making it a lively hub for patrons seeking unique cocktails. Bartenders here benefit from high drink volumes and passionate clientele, boosting tips significantly.
2. Tacoma Cabana
Famous for its tropical-inspired drinks and festive atmosphere, Tacoma Cabana draws a diverse crowd. Its specialty cocktails and busy nights offer Bartenders consistent tipping opportunities.
3. Asado Tacoma
Asado specializes in Argentine-style grilled meats paired with an extensive wine and cocktail list. Its upscale yet approachable vibe attracts diners willing to spend, translating to good Bartender earnings.
4. The Social Bar & Grill
Known for its lively sports bar atmosphere and innovative drink menu, The Social sees high traffic during game days and weekends. Bartenders here enjoy steady tips from enthusiastic patrons.
5. Harm’s Way Brewing Company
A staple in the Tacoma craft beer scene, this brewery also offers rotating craft cocktails. Bartenders at Harm’s Way benefit from a loyal crowd and events that ensure substantial tip income.
6. Atlas Tap House
With a strong focus on local brews and seasonal cocktails, Atlas Tap House is a popular destination for locals. Its friendly environment and regular events help Bartenders maximize tips.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Bartender Earnings in Tacoma
Different types of establishments in Tacoma offer varying pay structures for Bartenders. Upscale and specialty cocktail bars generally provide higher base wages and better tipping environments due to elevated drink prices and clientele expectations.
Casual bars and breweries might offer more consistent workflow but often at lower tip rates per drink. The venue’s size, location and the Bartender’s skill set also heavily influence take-home pay.
- Upscale restaurants and cocktail bars: often require mixology expertise and offer higher drink prices, leading to greater tips.
- Neighborhood pubs and breweries: provide steady customer flow but typically lower average tips due to lower drink prices.
- Event-driven venues: such as sports bars or concert halls, can generate large tips during peak events but may have variable income otherwise.
- Certification and experience: Bartenders with alcohol service certifications and mixology training often secure better-paying roles.
How To Find a High Paying Bartender Job in Tacoma
Research Popular Neighborhoods
Look into Tacoma’s vibrant neighborhoods like the Stadium District, Proctor and Historic Downtown where trendy bars and upscale restaurants commonly offer higher pay.
Network Within the Industry
Attend local hospitality mixers and connect with Bartenders and managers. Referrals can vastly improve chances of landing premium Bartender roles.
Update and Tailor Your Resume
Highlight relevant Bartending experience, knowledge of craft cocktails and certifications such as TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol. Customizing your resume for every application helps you stand out.
Prepare for Interviews
Demonstrate your cocktail knowledge, customer service skills and ability to thrive under busy conditions. Practice common Bartending interview questions beforehand.
Apply Strategically
Visit venues during less busy hours to inquire about openings and make personal connections. Online applications can be supplemented with in-person visits for best results.
What’s the Outlook for Bartender Jobs in Tacoma in 2025 and Beyond?
The Bartending profession in Tacoma is expected to see stable to moderate growth through 2025 and beyond, supported by a growing food and beverage industry and increased tourism.
According to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and local job market analyses, demand for skilled Bartenders remains strong in the Tacoma area, especially in emerging neighborhoods with nightlife development.
Factors supporting this outlook include:
- Expansion of craft breweries and cocktail bars in Tacoma’s urban core
- Increased events and entertainment offerings drawing crowds who frequent bar venues
- Ongoing preference for high-quality, artisanal drinks driving demand for expert mixologists
For Bartenders, these trends mean continued opportunities and potential to earn well by sharpening skills and targeting growing venues.
Is a Bartender’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Tacoma?
With an average hourly wage around $18, Bartenders in Tacoma can expect an annual income near $37,000, potentially higher when factoring in tips and overtime.
Tacoma’s cost of living is moderate compared to larger metropolitan areas. Here are typical monthly expenses:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): Approximately $1,300
- Utilities: Around $150 per month
- Transportation: $100-$150 monthly depending on usage
- Groceries: Approximately $300-$400 per month
Bartenders working in popular bars and restaurants with strong nightly business often earn enough to cover living costs comfortably. Solid tipping can allow for savings, entertainment and other expenses.
Ultimately, success hinges on securing a role at a venue with steady clientele and premium drink offerings that maximize tip income.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Tacoma Bartender Jobs
We selected these venues based on a comprehensive review of job postings, employee feedback and local industry knowledge. Our goal was to highlight bars and restaurants where Bartenders enjoy competitive wages and tipping potential.
Factors we emphasized include:
- Location: Popular nightlife districts known for vibrant bar scenes
- Venue reputation: Established businesses with strong customer bases and positive staff reviews
- Compensation structure: Combination of fair base pay and tipping opportunities
- Additional benefits: Access to training, flexible scheduling and employee perks that enhance job satisfaction
These criteria ensure the jobs listed provide Bartenders not only good pay but supportive working conditions.
