Bartenders
Bartenders mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to customers at bars, restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs. They take orders directly from patrons or through waitstaff, prepare drinks using various techniques and ingredients, and handle cash transactions. Most work in food service establishments with varying hours, including evenings and weekends.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against bartenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A bartender's shift involves preparing drinks from recipes, stocking supplies, and managing the bar area. Work includes taking orders, operating cash registers, and cleaning glasses and equipment throughout the shift. Bartenders interact constantly with customers while multitasking during busy periods. Evening and weekend shifts are common, with hours varying by establishment. Some shifts may involve training new staff on drink preparation and bar procedures.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited to bartending if you prefer concrete, hands-on work following established procedures and if you're organized and detail-oriented. You tend to perform well when there are clear standards to follow and systems to maintain, and you enjoy interacting with customers in a structured service environment.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Bartender · Texas Roadhouse · Fairfield, Solano County · $35,152–$72,800
- BARTENDER · Air Force Global Strike Command · Malmstrom AFB, Montana · $20.82–$24.29
- Bartender · Air Combat Command · Nellis AFB, Nevada · $20.4–$23.79
- Bartender · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Kingsville, Texas · $19.08–$19.08
- BARTENDER · Air Education and Training Command · Sheppard AFB, Texas · $19.08–$19.08
- Bartender NA-03 · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Gordon, Georgia · $19.08–$22.27
- Bartender · Air Education and Training Command · Randolph AFB, Texas · $20.97–$20.97
- Bartender NA-03 · United States Army Installation Management Command · Dugway Proving Ground, Utah · $19.08–$20.69
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $56,890 | $76,490 | $97,750 | 3,540 |
| New York | $37,090 | $61,210 | $77,750 | 43,130 |
| Washington | $47,930 | $55,830 | $62,900 | 16,800 |
| District of Columbia | $38,780 | $53,920 | $75,140 | 5,760 |
| Maine | $34,800 | $48,920 | $75,250 | 3,230 |
| Virginia | $34,640 | $47,070 | $73,340 | 13,370 |
| Vermont | $30,470 | $45,450 | $69,220 | 2,080 |
| Arizona | $33,520 | $45,070 | $73,320 | 14,840 |
| New Jersey | $35,330 | $44,020 | $58,310 | 16,260 |
| Oregon | $33,750 | $38,900 | $57,120 | 11,950 |
| Connecticut | $34,010 | $38,780 | $62,120 | 7,680 |
| Colorado | $32,430 | $38,170 | $62,640 | 17,000 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- ServSafe Alcohol — National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
- Certified Beer Judge — Beer Judge Certification Program
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against bartenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 35-3011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.