How to become bartenderseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Food Service Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$34,340

25th–75th pct. $27,400–$47,570

Top pay (est.)

$95,900

Top 10% $73,770

Pay in 5 years

$40,300est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$47,400est.

$40,800–$55,000

Outlook score

58/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

20%

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+5.0%

121K openings / yr

How to become bartenders

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Bartenders

Key skills

Active Listening

3.1

Service Orientation

3.1

Reading Comprehension

3.0

Social Perceptiveness

3.0

Coordination

3.0

Persuasion

3.0

Writing

3.0

Instructing

3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

5.0

English Language

3.8

Education and Training

3.4

Sales and Marketing

3.0

Mathematics

2.6

Law and Government

2.3

Administrative

2.3

Administration and Management

2.2

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicHandling and Moving ObjectsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCoaching and Developing OthersTraining and Teaching OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionNear VisionSpeech RecognitionProblem SensitivitySpeech Clarity

Education of workers

High school diploma

43%

Less than high school

37%

Some college

16%

Post-secondary certificate

Bachelor's degree

Training before entry

1–3 months

36%

None / short demo

32%

Up to 1 month

31%

6–12 months

Related work experience

1–2 years

26%

3–6 months

21%

6–12 months

18%

2–4 years

16%

None

12%

1–3 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as bartenders

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Fast Food and Counter Workers Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages.	$31,200	57/100	30%
2	Waiters and Waitresses Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.	$35,230	50/100	18%
3	Cooks, Restaurant Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants.	$37,390	65/100	19%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.	$44,080	60/100	30%
5	Food Preparation Workers Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.	$35,320	42/100	30%
6	Cooks, Fast Food Prepare and cook food in a fast food restaurant with a limited menu.	$30,890	41/100	35%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.