Bartender salary in United States Of America

Average Yearly Salary of Bartender in United States Of America is approximately 18,587 USD (18,625 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Bartender do?

A bartender is a professional who works in bars, restaurants, or other establishments where alcoholic beverages are served. Their primary role is to mix and serve drinks to customers, ensuring they have an enjoyable experience. Bartenders are responsible for taking orders, preparing cocktails, pouring beers, and serving wine and other beverages. They must have a good knowledge of various drink recipes and be skilled in the art of mixology. In addition to making drinks, bartenders also engage with customers, providing them with recommendations, answering questions, and creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. They may also handle cash transactions, keep the bar area clean and well-stocked, and monitor customer behavior to ensure responsible alcohol consumption. Overall, bartending requires excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Skills: Bartender, Mixology, Customer Service, Cocktail Making, Alcohol Beverage, Bar Management
Job industry: Hospitality and food service

How much does Bartender make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Bartender a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Bartender is quite an underpaid paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Bartender might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Bartender?

High salary for Bartender would be somewhere between 20,446 USD and 26,951 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Bartender in United States Of America?

Living in United States Of America the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 18,587 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,549 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 357 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 9 USD per hour
Our data indicates that by working as Bartender you will not be able to save much money and will likely need to make adjustments to your lifestyle to go comfortably through the month.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States Of America, see costs of living in United States Of America.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Bartender

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in United States Of America

Data as of 2025

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