Where do bartenders make the most money? That is a very important question for every bartender looking to maximize their income. While the national average hourly wage is $16.14 (without tips), according to Indeed, a recruiting platform, some bartenders make up to $31.40 per hour on average while some make as low as $8.29.
Even if we focus only on official data, the point still persists. For example, the average hourly wage for a bartender, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) was $14.12 per hour in May, 2022. Yet, the top 10% earned more than $27.51 per hour while the bottom 10% earned less than $9.18.
Recruiting platform Indeed puts the average daily tips for bartenders at $150. But just as with the average salary, there are bartenders who make less than this and those who make more than it. In fact, according to Upmenu, an online ordering system for restaurants, “in busy establishments or high-end venues, especially during peak times or events, bartenders can make $500 or more in tips alone.”
In essence, the money a bartender makes – both basic salary and tips – depend on a number of factors including location, years of experience, skills, type of establishment (hotels, bars, casinos, cruises, etc.), among others.
In this article, we will focus on location as a factor that determines a bartender’s income. We will consider states where bartenders can expect to make the most money in the US both in terms of the salary and the tips. We’ll cover:
[Do you want to improve your bartender style? Visit the Broken Bartender store to order bartender-themed t-shirts and hats. We also provide pins, stickers, whiskey stones and more.]
Bartenders have reported that they make the highest money when they work in resorts, hotels, restaurants, and breweries/distilleries/wineries. Bars and casinos provide a middle-class income. Civic, social, leisure and recreational amenities have the lowest wage.
How bartenders can increase their pay
Finally, let’s consider the top factors affecting the pay of bartenders and what you can do to increase your income.
Given all we have discussed, it seems that, on average, some states are just better than others for bartenders. California, Arizona, Rhode Island, and Washington don’t just pay well in terms of average salary, they also have a better-than-average tipping culture.
In essence, bartenders looking to earn more should consider changing locations and seeking bartending jobs in well paying states.
However, bartenders should also consider the increase in cost of living as they move. If their real income remains the same, relocation may not be advisable unless the new location has greater potential for higher real income in the future.
Beam Box, an organization providing Wi-fi solutions to firms, have classified the types of establishments bartenders work for into three:
- Lower class: These are “dive bars, neighborhood pubs, and low-key or laid-back bars.” According to them, bartenders may not even get up to 20% in tips in these establishments.
- Middle class: These are “popular restaurants, hotels, sports bars, and casinos” where bartenders can make between $150 and $300 in tips.
- High class: These are “luxury casinos, hotels, upper-class bars, or fine-dining restaurants” where bartender pay is highest. Here, bartenders can get up to $1,400 in tips.
Bartenders can make more profit by moving up the “establishment ladder.”
Item added to your cart
Where do bartenders make the most money? That is a very important question for every bartender looking to maximize their income. While the national average hourly wage is $16.14 (without tips), according to Indeed, a recruiting platform, some bartenders make up to $31.40 per hour on average while some make as low as $8.29.
Even if we focus only on official data, the point still persists. For example, the average hourly wage for a bartender, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) was $14.12 per hour in May, 2022. Yet, the top 10% earned more than $27.51 per hour while the bottom 10% earned less than $9.18.
Recruiting platform Indeed puts the average daily tips for bartenders at $150. But just as with the average salary, there are bartenders who make less than this and those who make more than it. In fact, according to Upmenu, an online ordering system for restaurants, “in busy establishments or high-end venues, especially during peak times or events, bartenders can make $500 or more in tips alone.”
In essence, the money a bartender makes – both basic salary and tips – depend on a number of factors including location, years of experience, skills, type of establishment (hotels, bars, casinos, cruises, etc.), among others.
In this article, we will focus on location as a factor that determines a bartender’s income. We will consider states where bartenders can expect to make the most money in the US both in terms of the salary and the tips. We’ll cover:
[Do you want to improve your bartender style? Visit the Broken Bartender store to order bartender-themed t-shirts and hats. We also provide pins, stickers, whiskey stones and more.]
- Where do bartenders make the most money? Top 10 States (By basic salary)
- Where do bartenders make the most money? (By tips)
- How bartenders can increase their pay
How to Make $100K Bartending – Bartender Reality Check
FAQ
Where in the world do bartenders make the most money?
What is the highest salary of a bartender?
Can I make 100k as a bartender?