What does a Bartender do?
A bartender is a person who takes food and drink orders at a bar, mixes alcoholic beverages, serves customers and keeps the bar area clean, stocked and organized. Bartenders may have several other job titles such as barkeep, barman, barmaid, bar chef, tapster, mixologist, flairman and alcohol server. A bartender can work in bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels and at private events and often work late evening and weekend shifts.
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Working as a Bartender
Depending on their role, qualifications, specialization and years of experience, a bartender may:
- Take customers' food and beverage orders at the bar
- Prepare both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the bar
- Serve customers and interact with customers at the bar to provide a positive experience
- Keep the bar area clean, organized and well stocked
- Welcome customers to the bar and make recommendations for food or drink orders when needed
How much does a Bartender make in the United States?
Average base salary
The average salary for a bartender is $15.98 per hour in the United States and $150 tips per day.57.8k salaries reported, updated at September 27, 2023
Where can a Bartender earn more?
Compare salaries for Bartenders in different locations
How much do similar professions get paid in United States?
Front End Associate
Job openingsAverage $15.33 per hour
Front of House Team Member
Job openingsAverage $14.36 per hour
Food Runner
Job openingsAverage $16.15 per hour
Beverage Server
Job openingsAverage $14.67 per hour
Bar Staff
Job openingsAverage $13.11 per hour
Common questions about for a Bartender
What are the job responsibilities of bartenders?
The following are some of the functions of Bartenders:
- Mixing drinks according to recipes
- Taking drink orders from clients
- Monitoring the level of clients' intoxication
- Collecting payments from clients
Are licensed or certified bartenders insured?
Bartenders who serve alcohol must have the liquor liability insurance to protect themselves from potential lawsuits.
Can bartenders be held liable?
Under the laws governing bars that sell alcohol, bartenders can be held liable if they serve alcoholic drinks to visibly intoxicated clients.
