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Food Service · North Carolina

How to Become a Bartenders in North Carolina

Bartenders in North Carolina earn a median salary of $36,470/year, which is 6% above the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a bartenders takes home approximately $1,076/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$36K
Median salary in North Carolina
+6%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
20,070
Employed in North Carolina

What a bartenders can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$36,470
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$2,475/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,399/mo
Rent as % of take-home56.5% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$36,470/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,076/mo

Becoming a bartenders in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Bartenders positions in North Carolina typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many bartenders positions in North Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification

North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for bartenderss. Requirements vary by state, contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in North Carolina

North Carolina employs 20,070 bartenders. The highest concentrations are in Wilmington and Pinehurst-Southern Pines.

Bartenders salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Wilmington$38K$18.22/hr1,460
Pinehurst-Southern Pines$38K$18.13/hr280
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$37K$17.97/hr5,660
Durham-Chapel Hill$37K$17.84/hr1,180
Raleigh-Cary$36K$17.37/hr3,070
Asheville$35K$17.01/hr1,240
Winston-Salem$35K$16.79/hr1,020
Fayetteville$35K$16.77/hr500
Greensboro-High Point$35K$16.61/hr1,310
Rocky Mount$34K$16.25/hr140
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$32K$15.32/hr530
Burlington$31K$14.98/hr260
Jacksonville$31K$14.9/hr240
Greenville$30K$14.51/hr300
Goldsboro$28K$13.34/hr130

Bartenders salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$16K
25th percentile
$22K
Median (50th)
$36K
75th percentile
$57K
90th percentile (senior)
$74K
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Bartenders careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a bartenders make in North Carolina?

The median bartenders salary in North Carolina is $36,470 per year ($17.53/hr). This is 6% above the national median of $34,340. Salaries range from $16,180 to $74,450.

What are the requirements to become a bartenders in North Carolina?

Bartenders positions in North Carolina typically require No formal educational credential. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a bartenders afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $36,470, a bartenders in North Carolina would take home approximately $2,475/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,399/month, that's 56.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for bartenders in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for bartenders in North Carolina are Wilmington ($37,890), Pinehurst-Southern Pines ($37,700), Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia ($37,390). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does North Carolina have state income tax for bartenders?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $36,470 salary, this means roughly $1,641/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.