Bartenders
SOC Code: 35-3011Also known as:
Banquet Bartender, Bar Attendant, Bar Captain, Bar Tender, Barkeep
Median Annual Salary
$33,530
+5.9% growth (2024-2034)
130K
Openings/Year
757K
Current Jobs
What Bartenders Do
Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.
💰 Salary
$33,530
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.9%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
130K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
756,700
Projected Employment (2034)
801,500
Related Careers
Food preparation workers
$34,220 •
-3.4% growth
Fast food and counter workers
$30,480 •
+6.1% growth
Waiters and waitresses
$33,760 •
-0.7% growth
Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers
$32,670 •
+6.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Clean glasses, utensils, and bar equipment.
- Collect money for drinks served.
- Balance cash receipts.
- Check identification of customers to verify age requirements for purchase of alcohol.
- Clean bars, work areas, and tables.
- 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.
- Take beverage orders from serving staff or directly from patrons.
- Serve wine, and bottled or draft beer.
- Plan, organize, and control the operations of a cocktail lounge or bar.
- Stock bar with beer, wine, liquor, and related supplies such as ice, glassware, napkins, or straws.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Bartenders
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a bartenders:
Bartending/Bartender
237 degrees awarded •
7 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Bartenders
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become bartenders.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crescent City Bartending School | New Orleans, LA | 26 | C |
| 2 | Columbus State Community College | Columbus, OH | 3 | C |
| 3 | University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College | North Little Rock, AR | 1 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do bartenders make?
The median annual salary for bartenders is $33,530.
What education do bartenders need?
Most bartenders positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Bartending/Bartender.
Is becoming bartenders a good career choice?
Bartenders is projected to see +5.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 129,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for bartenders?
Top colleges for aspiring bartenders include
Crescent City Bartending School, Columbus State Community College, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to bartenders?
Bartenders may also be known as: Banquet Bartender, Bar Attendant, Bar Captain, Bar Tender, Barkeep, Barkeeper, Barmaid, Barman, Bartender, Catering Bartender, Drink Mixer, Event Bartender, Mixologist, Restaurant Bartender, Service Bartender, Taproom Attendant.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.