What is a bartender server and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

Bartender servers are the best kind of people - they can do it all or, at least, they can take your food order and make your drink. Bartender servers don't need any formal education, but will learn skills while on the job.

The majority of bartender servers work in restaurants, bars, and clubs but some work in hotels and other food/drink establishments. When the establishment is going through a rush of people, this job can be a little hectic, especially when you're tired from working the night shift the day before.

Speaking of hours, you'll keep some odd ones. Generally, people don't like to drink their troubles away in the morning unless they're in paradise or on vacation. You can be sure that you'll spend many nights working late hours and no one will notice if you take a shot yourself.

ScoreBartender ServerUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $32,591

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.4

Growth Rate 18%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.63%

Asian 3.77%

Black or African American 5.91%

Hispanic or Latino 18.37%

Unknown 6.09%

White 65.21%

Gender

female 66.20%

male 33.80%

Age - 32
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 32
Stress Level
7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
4.1

Complexity Level is basic

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
10.0

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Bartender Server career paths

Key steps to become a bartender server

  1. Explore bartender server education requirements

    Most common bartender server degrees

    Bachelor's

    44.4 %

    High School Diploma

    23.2 %

    Associate

    21.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific bartender server skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Bartending14.84%
    POS10.26%
    Non-Alcoholic Beverages8.80%
    Fine Dining6.86%
    Drink Orders4.80%
  3. Complete relevant bartender server training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New bartender servers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a bartender server based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real bartender server resumes.
  4. Gain additional bartender server certifications

    Bartender server certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific bartender server certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for bartender servers include Hospitality Skill Certification for Bartender and Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research bartender server duties and responsibilities

    • Use micros, handle money, give change, manage bar cost, keep good customer relations to gain repeat business.
    • Direct bartending operations, seamless beverage services, inventory management and customer service.
    • Provide efficient hands-on food and beverage delivery while successfully upselling food and beverage orders.
    • Optimize bar revenue by upselling drinks and facilitating repeat business by cultivating relationships to encourage repeat patronage.
  6. Prepare your bartender server resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your bartender server resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a bartender server resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Bartender Server Resume templates

    Build a professional Bartender Server resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Bartender Server resume.
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
    Bartender Server Resume
  7. Apply for bartender server jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a bartender server job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Bartender Server Job

Zippi

Are you a Bartender Server?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average bartender server salary

The average Bartender Server salary in the United States is $32,591 per year or $16 per hour. Bartender server salaries range between $23,000 and $46,000 per year.

Average Bartender Server Salary
$32,591 Yearly
$15.67 hourly

What Am I Worth?

Loading...
Loading...
salary-calculator

How do bartender servers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Bartender Server reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Connecting with customers/regulars, building a foundation and not only making money for myself, but my bar. Making sure everyone has an amazing time while I’m on the clock!

Cons

Bad management


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022
Pros

Meeting new people. Each day is a new experience.

Cons

Some people are not very nice, they can be condescending and speak to you as though bartending is not a legitimate job choice.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Always loved working with people in the bar atmosphere I'm just looking for something different now

Cons

Sometimes things got out of hand when working at a bar and you needed hope


Working as a Bartender Server? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Bartender Server FAQs

Search for bartender server jobs

Loading...
Loading...

Bartender Server jobs by state

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse food preparation and restaurant jobs