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Bartender

Also called: Banquet Bartender, Bar Captain, Mixologist

Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.

No four-year degree needed Bright outlook Food & hospitality
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Median pay
$34,340/yr
Typical range
$20,110 – $73,770
Outlook
Bright outlook

What does a Bartender do?

  • Clean glasses, utensils, and bar equipment.
  • Collect money for drinks served.
  • Balance cash receipts.

How to become a Bartender

Training: A high school diploma or GED, though some people start without a diploma. Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Skills you'll use

Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questionsTalking to othersLooking for ways to help peopleUnderstanding people's reactionsNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Is it a fit for you?

  • Self-Control
  • Social Orientation
  • Dependability
  • Optimism
  • Stress Tolerance

Tools and technology

Microsoft OutlookFocus point of sale POS softwareIntuit QuickBooks Point of SaleWeb browser software

Questions people ask

How much does a Bartender make?

About $34,340 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $20,110 and $73,770. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.

How long does it take to become a Bartender?

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Do you need a college degree to be a Bartender?

No four-year degree is needed. A high school diploma or GED, though some people start without a diploma.

Is Bartender a good career to get into?

O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.

Related careers

Barista$31,200 a yearDining Room & Cafeteria Attendant & Bartender Helper$33,980 a yearFast Food & Counter Worker$31,200 a yearFood Preparation Worker$35,320 a yearWaiter & Waitress$35,230 a yearChef & Head Cook$62,470 a year

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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