Hospitality, Food & Tourism career

Bartender

Also called: Mixologist · Barkeep · Bar Staff · Cocktail Bartender

What bartenders do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a bartender do?

Bartenders mix and serve drinks, take orders, check IDs, handle payments and keep the bar clean and stocked, while serving alcohol responsibly. The median pay is $34,340 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–4 weeks, and employment is projected to grow +5.0% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $34,340
    $16.51/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +5.0%
    2025–35, faster than average
  • Openings per year
    121,200
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    No formal educational credential
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    1–4 weeks
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    762,600
    Employment, 2025

What bartenders do

Bartenders are hosts, entertainers and drink experts. They mix cocktails, pour beer and wine, take food and drink orders, check IDs, handle payments, keep the bar stocked and clean, and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere. They also watch for intoxicated guests and serve responsibly.

Most bartenders learn on the job, often after working as barbacks or servers. Many states require responsible alcohol service training, and some require bartender licenses. Tips make up a large share of pay, so personality and speed matter.

Typical duties

  • Mix and serve cocktails, beer and wine
  • Take drink and food orders
  • Check IDs and serve responsibly
  • Handle payments and tabs
  • Stock and organize the bar
  • Clean glassware and work areas
  • Build rapport with guests

Work environment and schedule

Bartenders work in bars, restaurants, hotels, clubs and event venues. The work is fast-paced, social and on your feet, often late at night.

Schedule: Shifts are mostly evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

A day in the life

  1. Set up the bar: cut fruit, stock ice and check inventory.
  2. Open the bar and greet happy hour guests.
  3. Mix cocktails quickly during the rush.
  4. Check IDs and cut off an intoxicated guest politely.

See a full day in the life of a bartender →

Bartender salary

Half of bartenders earned more than $34,340 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $20,110 for the lowest 10% to $73,770 for the top 10%.

Full bartender pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a bartender

  1. Meet age requirements
  2. Start as a barback or server
  3. Get alcohol service certification
  4. Learn recipes and speed
  5. Advance

No formal education is required. Bartenders learn on the job, sometimes through bartending schools. Responsible alcohol service training is common and often required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a bartender →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Cocktail recipes
  • Pouring and measuring
  • POS and tab handling
  • Responsible alcohol service
  • Inventory

People skills

  • Personality and friendliness
  • Multitasking
  • Judgment
  • Composure

All bartender skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Tip income can be strong
  • Social, lively work
  • Quick to start
  • Flexible schedules

Cons

  • Late nights and weekends
  • Dealing with intoxicated guests
  • Income can vary
  • Physically tiring

Certifications and licenses

  • TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol: Responsible alcohol service training.
  • State bartender or server license: Required in some states.
  • Food handler card: Basic food safety training.
  • Wine or spirits certifications: Such as WSET or Certified Specialist of Spirits.

Career path

  1. Barback: Support bartenders.
  2. Bartender: Serve guests and drinks.
  3. Head Bartender: Lead the bar.
  4. Bar Manager or Beverage Director: Run bar programs.

Learn the job before day one

Our Bartender training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as make a classic margarita and check an ID, safety and how to land your first job.

View Bartender trainingIs this career right for me?

Server

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Barista

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  • $31,200
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Casino Dealer

Run table games such as blackjack, poker and roulette in casinos.

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Compare: Bartender vs. Server · Bartender vs. Barista · Bartender vs. Restaurant Manager · Bartender vs. Casino Dealer

Bartender FAQ

Do bartenders need school?

No. Most learn on the job.

Is a license required?

Some states require training or a license.

How much do bartenders make?

Pay depends heavily on tips and location.

How much does a bartender make?

The median annual wage for bartenders was $34,340 ($16.51 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $20,110 and the highest 10% earned more than $73,770.

How long does it take to become a bartender?

Most people need about 1–4 weeks of training. No formal education is required. Bartenders learn on the job, sometimes through bartending schools. Responsible alcohol service training is common and often required.

Do you need a degree to be a bartender?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

More bartender questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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