Bartenders Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Bartenders in the United States is $34,340 per year — about $17 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $27,400 and $47,570 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Bartenders
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $86,280 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $75,340 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $55,820 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $54,030 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $61,220 |
| Bellingham, WA | $56,110 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $56,640 |
| Binghamton, NY | $47,950 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | $54,170 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $58,180 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Bartenders make in the US?
The median salary is $34,340 per year (about $17 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $27,400 and $47,570 a year.
How much do Bartenders make per hour?
About $17 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $34,340 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Bartenders?
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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