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Bartenders Salary in the United States

Median pay, percentile range, and highest-paying US metros, from 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.

Median annual salary
$34,340
~$17/hr · ~$2,862/mo
Total US jobs
756.7K
Faster than average
Education
No formal credential
Growth: +6%

Salary range

10th %ile
$20,110
25th %ile
$27,400
Median
$34,340
75th %ile
$47,570
90th %ile
$73,770

Highest-paying US metros for Bartenders

MetroLocal salary
Kahului-Wailuku, HI$86,280
Urban Honolulu, HI$75,340
Kennewick-Richland, WA$55,820
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA$56,640
Walla Walla, WA$54,030
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ$61,220
Bellingham, WA$56,110
Portland-South Portland, ME$54,170
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$58,180
Yakima, WA$49,700

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 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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Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. (May 2025 OEWS.)