Becoming a bartender may be a great decision for someone who loves to make cocktails. Bartenders need to have good listening skills, a good memory and physical stamina, as they have to get drinks just right and send them out as quickly as possible. Great service is also important, since they work for tips.
Essential Information
A bartender's job consists of preparing and serving alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages to customers in bars, restaurants, nightclubs and other establishments and venues. Bartenders are responsible for collecting payment, ordering inventory and keeping their bar area clean for customers who want to drink and dine. Although there's no formal education required for these professionals due to on-the-job training being provided, formal training programs for bartenders do exist. Minimum age requirements also apply.
| Required Education | Less than high school; on-the-job training and formal training programs available |
| Other Requirements | 18-25 years of age in some states |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 6% |
| Average Salary (2019)* | $28,000 |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Salary for a Bartender
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), salaries for bartenders vary, and much of their earnings can come from tips. Average annual salaries, including tips, were approximately $28,000 as of May 2019 (www.bls.gov). The top-paying employers for bartending in that year were the travel accommodation and enterprise management industries.
Duties
A bartender prepares, pours and usually serves a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to customers at public establishments or venues licensed to serve alcohol; bartenders may also work in private settings. Beverages usually include mixed drinks, bottled wine and beer. Bartenders must be able to prepare drinks quickly and efficiently by hand and by using machines that automatically measure and pour ingredients.
Bartenders accept payment from customers and must know how to operate a cash register. They must check customer identification so that alcoholic beverages aren't served to minors. Bartenders also watch for customers who are intoxicated and stop serving drinks to them. They often will arrange assistance to get an inebriated customer home by calling a cab or the customer's family or friends.
Bartenders may also serve food to customers. They order inventory such as liquor, drink mixes, straws and napkins. They wash glassware and maintain clean conditions in the bar area.
Career Outlook
The job outlook for bartending is good, in part because of a high job turnover rate. Above average job growth was anticipated for bartenders; the BLS estimated employment to escalate faster than the average between 2019 and 2019.
Bartender jobs at fine hotels, country clubs and restaurants are more coveted because of higher salaries and greater earnings potential from tips. Overall, there are few growth opportunities in the bartending field. A small number of workers may be promoted to head bartenders or restaurant managers, while a handful may open their own establishment, according to the BLS.
Bartender Job Requirements
There are no degree requirements for bartenders, and training generally occurs on the job. Strong customer service skills are essential to a bartender's success. Trainees often work with experienced personnel for up to one year to gain knowledge of bartending procedures.
Students can receive formal training by attending bartending, technical or vocational schools. There they learn about appropriate conduct and attire, different drink recipes and local and state regulations regarding the serving of alcohol. In most areas of the country, bartenders must be at least 18 years of age. A large number of employers prefer applicants who are at least 25.
Bartenders work a demanding job, constantly moving around and having to remember many different orders at once. If you wish to become a bartender, you may complete minimal on-the-job training or attend bartending school to improve your job prospects. The job outlook for this career seems favorable, as many bartenders end up leaving their positions.
