⭐ Hospitality ↑ 9% growth · Faster than average

Bartender

Bartenders craft cocktails, manage bar operations, and create the social atmosphere that keeps guests coming back — combining mixology skills with showmanship and genuine hospitality. Top bartenders at upscale venues, craft cocktail bars, and resorts earn six figures with tips included.

$31,890 Median Salary
637K US Jobs
2–8 weeks Training
$200–$2,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$20,000
Median
$31,890
Experienced
$65,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

9%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
637K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
TIPS Certification + State Alcohol Service Permit
Required Credential
TIPS Certification + State Alcohol Service Permit

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Bartending School or On-the-Job Training
Program Length
2–8 weeks
Typical Tuition
$200–$2,000
Work Setting
Restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts, nightclubs, cruise ships
🏆 Credential Required: TIPS Certification + State Alcohol Service Permit

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Bartender involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Restaurants environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Bartender by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC