Bartending as a Career
Bartending can be a lucrative career, where you can save money quickly and move into owning a bar or restaurant. Bartenders’ income ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 per year. In California, the average bartender salary is $30,400 with $175 daily tips. Numbers vary across the state. Fine dining bartenders can average $70-80K. Nightclub bartenders in Vegas easily cross $100K. Bartenders make more than servers – $4 to $8 more per hour, plus tips from customers and tip share from servers.
Bartending Industry Outlook
Employment of bartenders will grow 18% from 2021-2031, faster than average. About 105,300 annual openings are projected. The median US earnings in 2021 were $51,480/year – bartending wages exceed this.
Becoming a Bartender
How long do you go to school to be a bartender? Bartending certification courses usually include 40 hours of coursework and require about 2 to 3 weeks to complete. But to meet the bare minimum to bartend, often it’s just a matter of taking a legally-mandated alcohol awareness course.
Making a Living from Bartending
Can you make a living from bartending? Bartending can indeed provide the opportunity to make a good living. With tips included, bartenders earn an average of $60,787.20 per year. However, the actual income can vary depending on factors such as location, establishment type, clientele, and individual skills and experience.
Effect of Shift Timing on Earnings
Time of day impacts tip earnings. Bartenders working crowded, peak hours when customers are more generous earn more tips than those during slower periods.
Financial Considerations
Before diving into high-paying bartending jobs, some benefits of high bartender incomes include: paying off debt or saving; increased financial stability and security; opportunities for career growth; and investing in additional training or education.
Tips and Tax Reporting
It’s important to accurately report tip earnings for tax purposes. In the US, bartenders must report all tips to employers to include in taxable income. IRS provides guidelines and bartenders should keep records of tips to ensure compliance.
Tipping is integral for a bartender’s income, significantly impacting overall earnings. In the US, it’s customary to tip 15-20% of the total bill. However, some establishments may pool tips while others allow bartenders to keep individual tips.