Salary of a Bartender
Average Salary of a Bartender in 2025
Are you considering a career as a bartender? Or perhaps you’re already in the field and curious about whether your pay is competitive?
This blog will show you exactly what bartenders earn in 2025. We will look at real salary data from thousands of jobs across America.
You will learn how much money you can make at different career stages. We will also compare salaries in different states and countries. Plus, we will share simple tips to help you earn more money. Knowing your worth in 2025 is very important for your career success.
This guide answers questions like: What is the average salary of a bartender? How much do entry-level bartenders make? Which states pay the most? How can you increase your earnings?
What's the Average Salary of a Bartender in the USA?
$30,500 per year (Average)
We calculated this average using data from multiple top job platforms. Salary.com reports $28,411 per year, while U.S. News shows $37,090 based on 2023 data updated for 2025. Indeed lists the average at $17.80 per hour ($37,024 annually).
PayScale shows a base pay of $10.33 per hour. ZipRecruiter, however, lists entry-level positions at $15.91 per hour.
Compared to last year, bartender salaries have remained steady with slight regional variations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a median hourly wage of $16.12 as of May 2024. This reflects steady demand for skilled bartenders in the hospitality industry.
Bartender Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $30,500 per year based on an analysis of major job board platforms. This represents the middle point where half of all bartenders earn more and half earn less.
Salary range: The lowest-paid bartenders earned about $21,447. In contrast, the highest-paid made $32,207, based on recent industry data. Toast POS reports the national range spans $16,500 to $31,000 annually before tips.
Salary by experience:
Entry-level pay is $15.91 per hour. This is about $33,093 a year, based on ZipRecruiter data for those with under 1 year of experience.
Mid-level: $17.80 per hour ($37,024 annually) based on Indeed data for experienced bartenders.
Senior-level: $19-25 per hour, or $39,520-$52,000 yearly, for skilled bartenders in upscale venues.
75th percentile: $32,207 per year, according to a comprehensive salary analysis. This means 75% of bartenders earn less than this amount.
Bartender Salary Regional Comparison
Location plays a huge role in how much bartenders earn.
States with higher costs of living usually pay more. Tourist areas and big cities with busy nightlife also offer better salaries. Some rural areas may pay less but have lower living costs. Different regions have varying demands for entertainment and dining, which affect pay rates.
Here's how salaries compare across different states and regions.
Washington and California provide great pay. But living costs are also high. Florida and other tourist-friendly states might have lower base salaries. However, they offer better tipping chances during busy seasons.
6 Tips to Grow Your Salary as a Bartender
1. Work in High-End Places: Upscale bars and restaurants pay much more than casual spots. High-end bartenders make $19-25 an hour. They also earn great tips. In regular bars, pay is lower, around $12-15 an hour.
2. Master Craft Cocktail Skills: Specialty cocktail knowledge increases your value dramatically. Craft bartenders in top spots can make 20-30% more than regular drink makers, says industry analysis.
3. Work Peak Hours and Weekends: Weekend and evening shifts generate the highest tips. European Bartender School says that weekend shifts in fancy bars pay a lot more than weekday or lunch shifts.
4. Get Bartending Certifications: Professional bartending certifications and responsible beverage service training boost your value to employers. Certified bartenders often start at higher hourly rates.
5. Move to High-Paying States: Washington is the highest paying state for bartenders, while Florida is among the lowest. Relocating to states with better hospitality wages can boost income by 15-20%.
6. Build Strong Customer Relationships: Regular customers who know and trust you tip better. Provide great service and remember what customers like. This will help boost your tips a lot.
FAQs About Bartender Salary
Is the average salary of a Bartender before or after taxes?
Salary figures from Salary.com, Indeed, and other job sites are gross annual salaries. They are reported before taxes. You will need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes from these amounts.
Does the average salary of a Bartender include tips?
Most base salary figures do not include tips. PayScale shows base hourly rates. However, tips can significantly boost your earnings, often doubling or tripling your take-home pay.
What is the starting salary for a Bartender?
Entry-level bartenders earn an average of $15.91 per hour according to ZipRecruiter. New bartenders usually earn between $12 and $16 per hour. This varies by location and type of establishment.
How much do Bartenders make per hour with tips?
The European Bartender School reports $12.67 per hour including tips on average. Skilled bartenders in busy spots can make $20-30 or more per hour in tips during peak hours.
Which state pays Bartenders the most?
Washington is the highest paying state for bartenders according to ZipRecruiter data. California, New York, and Massachusetts also offer well-above-average bartender wages.
Do experienced Bartenders earn more than beginners?
Yes. Experienced bartenders earn $17.80+ per hour compared to entry-level workers at $15.91 per hour. Senior bartenders in premium establishments can earn $25+ per hour plus tips.
How fast is the Bartending field growing?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 9% growth from 2023 to 2033. This is much faster than the average for all jobs. About 134,600 openings are projected each year.
What factors affect a Bartender's salary the most?
Key factors include location, establishment type, experience level, shift timing, and tip-earning ability. Weekend evening shifts in upscale venues pay the most.
Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. The information and data are compiled from various international salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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