Bartenders Salary in U.S.
In U.S., bartenders earn $33,530 at the median — $16.12 an hour. The range runs from $20K at the entry level to $72K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $34K get you in U.S.?
About bartenders
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level bartenders (10th percentile) start around $20K. Mid-career wages sit at $34K.Top earners bring in $72K or more - a $52K spread from bottom to top.
Bartenders pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $69K | +105% | 3,640 |
| New York | $61K | +81% | 42,550 |
| District of Columbia | $55K | +64% | 4,890 |
| Vermont | $54K | +62% | 2,210 |
| Washington | $48K | +44% | 19,140 |
| Maine | $48K | +42% | 3,060 |
| Virginia | $47K | +40% | 15,870 |
| New Jersey | $46K | +36% | 17,500 |
| Arizona | $41K | +22% | 13,360 |
| Michigan | $40K | +18% | 19,530 |
| Delaware | $36K | +9% | 2,380 |
| Massachusetts | $36K | +7% | 21,080 |
| California | $36K | +7% | 69,790 |
| Maryland | $36K | +7% | 13,770 |
| Connecticut | $34K | +3% | 8,280 |
Track bartenders salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
Related careers in Food Service
Frequently asked questions
How much do bartenders make in U.S.?
The median is $33,530 a year - that works out to about $16.12 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $19,930, and experienced bartenders can clear $71,920. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $34K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,415/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 58.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a bartenders salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median bartenders salary is worth about $33,530 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do bartenders get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.