Bartenders tend to work between 30 to 40 hours per week. This depends on several different factors, including:
Full-time bartenders often work around 40 hours per week, while part-time bartenders can work as little as a few hours per week, or as much as 30 hours or more per week. Bartenders work night shifts in greater numbers than those working day shifts, this is because nighttime is the busiest time for alcohol sales at restaurants, bars, clubs, and other establishments.
Certain bartenders can work split shifts, meaning they come in early in the morning or midday for one part of their shift, and then return again to their place of work at night for the second half of their shift. Some bartenders even work graveyard shifts starting at midnight and beyond.
Another factor to consider is freelance bartenders. These are bartenders that provide their services to several different establishments instead of just one. They are part of a rotating group of bartenders in this case. This can have a randomizing effect on the number of hours freelance bartenders work in a day or in a week.
What are the hours of the shifts? Day bartenders usually start between 9 and 10 AM and finish between 4 and 6PM. Night bartenders usually start between 4 and 6 PM and finish between 10 PM and 12 AM. Clubs or establishments will have shifts starting later and ending between 2 AM and 4 AM.
Certain bartenders can work split shifts, meaning they come in early in the morning or midday for one part of their shift, and then return again to their place of work at night for the second half of their shift. Some bartenders even work graveyard shifts starting at midnight and beyond.
Full-time bartenders often work around 40 hours per week, while part-time bartenders can work as little as a few hours per week, or as much as 30 hours or more per week. Bartenders work night shifts in greater numbers than those working day shifts, this is because nighttime is the busiest time for alcohol sales at restaurants, bars, clubs, and other establishments.
Bartenders tend to work between 30 to 40 hours per week. This depends on several different factors, including:
Another factor to consider is freelance bartenders. These are bartenders that provide their services to several different establishments instead of just one. They are part of a rotating group of bartenders in this case. This can have a randomizing effect on the number of hours freelance bartenders work in a day or in a week.
If you’re considering getting your bartending license in NYC, it might be a good idea to learn a little bit about what the job is like and the lifestyle that will meld well with it.
Aside from the various drinks and recipes that a bartender will need to know in order to do the job right, there are certain scenarios that you might not know how to handle unless you have the right experience. For instance, if a guest wants a specific type of beer not available on tap and refuses to accept that their preferred drink isn’t available, it will be important for a bartender to know how to diffuse the situation.
Once the last patron is out the door, your job becomes making things as easy as possible for the night shift. This can include, but by no means is limited to:
Many bartenders describe the job as “a show.” Since tips are a big part of the equation, a bartender is meant to be friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable. If you look too uncomfortable or hesitate too many times while serving your patrons, they might lose trust that you know what you’re doing. For this reason, many choose to attend bartending school before they try to look for a job, especially if they’re trying to tend a bar in a place as competitive as NYC.
Once the first customers arrive (and, for some bars, this can be as late as 5 p.m. or 10 p.m.), preparation time is over. The show has begun.
So You Want To Be A Bartender
FAQ
What is the work schedule for a bartender?
How long are most bartending shifts?
What is a typical day as a bartender?
Do bartenders have flexible schedules?
How many hours a day do bartenders work?
Bartenders that work in nightclubs often work 10 – 12 hours shifts that usually start late in the evening and end in the early morning hours. On the other hand, bartenders that work in restaurants on day shifts or work on a part-time basis may only work 4 – 6 hour shifts. It really depends and varies from person to person and bar to bar.
What is the workplace of a bartender?
The workplace of a bartender can vary depending on the establishment they work in. Bartenders can be found in a range of settings, including bars, pubs, nightclubs, hotels, restaurants, resorts, and even cruise ships. A typical bar environment consists of a well-equipped bar counter with a variety of spirits, mixers, and bar tools.
How long is a bartender shift?
The length of a bartending shift can vary depending on the bar, but most full-time bartender shifts range from between 8 and 10 hours, but some may be longer. Bank holidays, public holidays, and events may require bartenders to work extra hours as required.
Do bartenders work on weekends?
They often work late evenings, on weekends, and on holidays. Part-time work is common, and schedules may vary. Bartenders typically do not need formal education credentials to enter the occupation. Most states require workers who serve alcoholic beverages to be at least 18 years old.