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While working in the world of nightlife can be lucrative—some bartenders take home hefty six-figure salaries!—it isn’t always glamorous. Signing up for the most profitable shifts may cost you nights-out with friends, and you never know when a customer will leave you a stingy tip. Like any other industry, you’ve got to hustle your way up the ladder, and even though there aren’t any technical requirements to become a Master of Booze, not everyone’s cut out for it. You’ve got to be able to think on your feet, be a self-starter and, most importantly, a team player.
We spoke with industry vets Lynnette Marrero and Pamela Wiznitzer, who’ve each tended bar for over a decade. Lynnette Marrero is a bartender, mixologist, and a co-founder of the world’s first all-female speed bartending competition, “Speed Rack.” She’s currently the beverage director at Brooklyn’s Llama Inn. Pamela Wiznitzer is a beverage consultant based in New York City. She was formerly a bartender at The Dead Rabbit. Here, a guide to everything you need to know about becoming a bartender.
Ultimately, whether bartending is a good job for you depends on your personality, interests, and goals. If you enjoy socializing, have a passion for mixology, and thrive in dynamic environments, bartending can be a fulfilling career. Additionally, the potential for flexible hours and financial rewards can be appealing.
Unfortunately, yeah, expect some unwanted flirting.
Customers will leave their number on the receipt, ask you out, or make unwelcome comments about all the ~shaking~ required to make a drink. (Yuck.) You can nip the bad behavior in the bud however you please, but a polite “Im not interested” will probably do. “That said, I married a guy who picked me up as a cocktail waitress, so…” laughs Marrero.
Speaking of $$$, bartending is more lucrative than you think.
“Sometimes, you might even make more money than your friends who sit at their computers five days a week,” says Wiznitzer. Its important to note, though, that how much you make varies shift to shift. According to Wiznitzer, it can literally range from $50 to $400 per shift. “Youll meet bartenders in Las Vegas working on the strip who make a clear six figures in a year,” she says.
Thats the thing, your take-home pay totally depends on where you work—a club, a high-volume restaurant, or your neighborhood spot. Its always a bit of a gamble when you work in bars, but the sub-minimum wage ensures that if you dont make enough tips to earn $15 an hour, your bar has to make it up to you.
On Glassdoor, the average annual salary for bartenders is around $20K, but if you include tips, your yearly take-home pay may double. But the sh*tty reality is, if someone doesnt tip well—or worse, doesnt tip at all—theres not much you can do about it. You just gotta suck it up.
So You Want To Be A Bartender
FAQ
Do you make good money as a bartender?
What is the disadvantage of being a bartender?
Is bartending a good long term job?
Is it hard to be hired as a bartender?
What are the pros and cons of being a bartender?
(Pros and Cons to Consider) Thinking About Being a Bartender? (Pros and Cons to Consider) Working as a bartender can be an exciting way to interact with lots of different people, work in an exciting industry and learn new skills. If you’re considering applying for a position as a bartender, it’s often helpful to learn more about the job first.
How much does a bartender make a year?
Bartenders work in bars, lounges or clubs and are responsible for making delicious long drinks and cocktails. $35,000 per year on average, most bartenders make between $28,000 – $42,000 per year. Low job security since you don’t need high levels of qualifications. Good if you like nightlife. Rather poor since you have to work in the nighttime.
Is a bartender a good job?
Working as a bartender can open doors to the entire hospitality scene, meaning your job can shift and grow just like any other career path. “We all have roles that we play, and there’s nothing more important or less important,” says Wiznitzer.
Do bartenders work at night?
As a bartender, you not only have to work at night, but you also have to work on many weekends. Your working schedule may also change without prior notice and it is just the nature of the game that you have to stay flexible regarding your working hours.