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Bartender

What You Need to Know About Bartender

Career Description Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.

Bartender Responsibilities

  • Mix ingredients, such as liquor, soda, water, sugar, and bitters, to prepare cocktails and other drinks.
  • Serve wine, and bottled or draft beer.
  • Clean glasses, utensils, and bar equipment.
  • Stock bar with beer, wine, liquor, and related supplies such as ice, glassware, napkins, or straws.
  • Supervise the work of bar staff and other bartenders.
  • Attempt to limit problems and liability related to customers’ excessive drinking by taking steps such as persuading customers to stop drinking, or ordering taxis or other transportation for intoxicated patrons.

Qualities of a Bartender

When polled, Bartenders say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

Types of Bartender

  • Bar Attendant
  • Drink Mixer
  • Mixologist
  • Bar Tender
  • Barkeeper

Is There Job Demand for Bartenders?

There were about 611,200 jobs for Bartender in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 15,100 new jobs for Bartender by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 102,300 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Bartender are Colorado, Utah, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Ohio, West Virginia, or Minnesota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Bartenders Make A Lot Of Money?

The average yearly salary of a Bartender ranges between $17,610 and $42,230.

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Bartenders who work in Hawaii, District of Columbia, or Vermont, make the highest salaries.

How much do Bartenders make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $21,840
Alaska $28,180
Arizona $31,320
Arkansas $21,140
California $30,850
Colorado $27,520
Connecticut $26,970
Delaware $25,310
District of Columbia $43,600
Florida $26,040
Georgia $21,590
Hawaii $55,060
Idaho $22,920
Illinois $24,280
Indiana $21,970
Iowa $21,220
Kansas $19,160
Kentucky $19,530
Louisiana $19,350
Maine $29,320
Maryland $23,500
Massachusetts $31,170
Michigan $24,070
Minnesota $23,560
Mississippi $20,100
Missouri $26,480
Montana $21,570
Nebraska $22,140
Nevada $27,590
New Hampshire $23,540
New Jersey $29,600
New Mexico $20,610
New York $34,800
North Carolina $25,510
North Dakota $20,880
Ohio $21,880
Oklahoma $21,630
Oregon $26,660
Pennsylvania $23,380
Rhode Island $27,100
South Carolina $22,010
South Dakota $22,300
Tennessee $21,180
Texas $27,240
Utah $26,380
Vermont $36,720
Virginia $26,420
Washington $35,390
West Virginia $21,740
Wisconsin $22,740
Wyoming $22,060

What Tools & Technology do Bartenders Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Bartenders:

  • Web browser software
  • Facebook
  • Point of sale POS software
  • Intuit QuickBooks Point of Sale
  • The General Store
  • Compris software
  • MICROS Systems HSI Profits Series
  • NCR Advanced Checkout Solution
  • NCR NeighborhoodPOS

How do I Become a Bartender?

What education is needed to be a Bartender?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Bartender?

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Who Employs Bartenders?

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Bartenders work in the following industries:

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Similar Careers

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References:

Image Credit: U.S. Army Europe Images via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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