Bartender

Also called: Mixologist, Barkeep

Mixes and serves drinks, checks IDs, and keeps the bar's guests happy.

A day in the life

You set up the bar with fresh citrus and ice, then shake cocktails for three hours straight while chatting with guests. You keep an eye out for anyone who has had too much. At a busy bar, tips can make this a solid living.

Pay over a career

Starting
$22k
Typical
$33k
High
$62k

Tips cause big swings; busy city and hotel bartenders can earn far more.

Training

No formal education, about 0 years after high school. On-the-job training; must be 18-21 depending on state; bartending courses optional.

Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.

Outlook

Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Drink robots exist in a few airports, but reading guests, checking IDs and making the bar fun stay human.

Could start within a month

Age 21+. One way to start: Take a TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol course online, then apply at restaurants with bars First: Alcohol server card (a few hours online); 21 in many states, 18 in some

Start now, in high school

Classes: Hospitality CTE class, Chemistry, Spanish.

Official data: O*NET occupation 35-3011.

More Beverage (Wine, Beer, Spirits, Coffee & Tea) careers

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.