How to Become a Bartender in 2026
Median salary: $33,530 · +5.9% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does a Bartender do?
Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.
Bartender Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Bartenders is $33,530. The bottom 10% earn around $19,930 while the top 10% earn over $71,920.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $19,930 |
| Early career (P25) | $25,790 |
| Median | $33,530 |
| Experienced (P75) | $46,790 |
| Top earners (P90) | $71,920 |
Highest-paying metros
Bartender salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaiitop | $68,820 |
| New York | $60,750 |
| District of Columbia | $54,930 |
| Vermont | $54,310 |
| Washington | $48,320 |
| Maine | $47,630 |
| Virginia | $46,860 |
| New Jersey | $45,660 |
| Arizona | $40,860 |
| Michigan | $39,500 |
| Delaware | $36,420 |
| Massachusetts | $36,000 |
| California | $35,900 |
| Maryland | $35,750 |
| Connecticut | $34,420 |
| Utah | $34,120 |
| Oregon | $33,970 |
| Colorado | $33,780 |
| Rhode Island | $33,700 |
| North Carolina | $32,410 |
| New Mexico | $31,370 |
| Florida | $30,850 |
| Alaska | $29,860 |
| Ohio | $29,850 |
| Nebraska | $29,400 |
| Illinois | $29,120 |
| West Virginia | $29,030 |
| Kentucky | $28,590 |
| South Dakota | $28,530 |
| North Dakota | $28,440 |
| New Hampshire | $28,100 |
| Kansas | $27,760 |
| Texas | $27,750 |
| Pennsylvania | $27,090 |
| Missouri | $27,060 |
| Minnesota | $26,840 |
| Arkansas | $26,030 |
| Nevada | $25,790 |
| Mississippi | $24,700 |
| Georgia | $23,500 |
| Idaho | $22,880 |
| Montana | $22,840 |
| Indiana | $22,790 |
| Alabama | $22,670 |
| Tennessee | $22,660 |
| Wisconsin | $22,520 |
| Iowa | $22,500 |
| Wyoming | $22,010 |
| Oklahoma | $21,620 |
| Louisiana | $19,620 |
| South Carolina | $18,390 |
How to earn more as a Bartender
The salary range for Bartenders spans $51,990 — from $19,930 at entry level to $71,920 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Kahului-Wailuku, HI at $80,040 — $46,510 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: No formal educational credential
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (short-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (ServSafe, food handler certification, ACF certification)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Many restaurants offer paid training for entry-level positions. Culinary schools and community college culinary programs provide more structured education (6 months–2 years). ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification ($36 exam) is required in many jurisdictions. Consider starting as a line cook or prep cook and working your way up — many successful chefs followed this path.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (ServSafe, food handler certification, ACF certification)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Restaurant work values hustle, consistency, and the ability to work under pressure — skills that transfer from many other careers. If you've worked in any fast-paced, customer-facing environment, you have relevant experience. Many restaurants will hire motivated career changers and train them from scratch. Starting in a support role (prep cook, line cook) and working up is a time-tested path.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
See how your skills transfer to Bartender — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
See how your skills transfer — freeAI and automation outlook
The Bartender role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.
See full AI risk breakdownRelated careers to consider
Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Bartender.
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SOC: 35-3011.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034