How to become a bartender

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

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What bartenders do

• Collect money for drinks served.
• Clean bars, work areas, and tables.
• Attempt to limit problems and liability related to customers' excessive drinking by taking steps such as persuading customers to stop drinking, or ordering taxis or other transportation for intoxicated patrons.
• Slice and pit fruit for garnishing drinks.
• Arrange bottles and glasses to make attractive displays.
• Clean glasses, utensils, and bar equipment.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Learning Strategies
• Writing

Is bartender a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 33% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Hawaii $76,490
• New York $61,210
• Washington $55,830
• District of Columbia $53,920
• Maine $48,920

Bartenders salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.