Also called: Bar Back, Bartender Helper
Keeps a bar stocked and clean so bartenders can work fast, and is the usual path to bartending.
A barback hauls ice, changes beer kegs, restocks bottles, washes glasses, and watches the bartenders' every move to learn the craft.
May 2025 BLS figures for bartender helpers and dining attendants; includes tips.
No formal education, about 0 years after high school. No experience needed; must meet the state's minimum age to work in a bar.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing faster than average (about 6% over 10 years). BLS projects faster-than-average growth (2024-34).
Low risk for 10 years. Hauling ice, kegs and glassware in a busy bar is physical work robots won't do soon.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply at busy bars and restaurant bars; most states let 18-year-olds barback, some require 21
Classes: Physical education, Hospitality CTE class, Spanish.
Official data: O*NET occupation 35-9011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.