Occupation · SOC 35-3011
Bartenders
Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.
Median wage
$33,530
$19,930–$71,920
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
745,610
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
6 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningService OrientationSocial PerceptivenessSpeakingCritical ThinkingCoordinationPersuasionTime Management
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingSales and Marketing
Technology & tools
Data base user interface and query softwarePoint of sale POS softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareElectronic mail softwareInternet browser software
Representative tasks
Clean glasses, utensils, and bar equipment.Collect money for drinks served.Balance cash receipts.Provide customers with directions or answers to questions.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Glassware, utensils, and bar equipment — clean and sanitize following standard protocols under direct supervisor guidance during a shift.Customer identification — check and verify age requirements for alcohol purchase using established procedures at a bar or restaurant entrance.Beverage orders — receive and repeat back accurately from patrons or serving staff in a busy front-of-house environment.Wine and bottled or draft beer — serve to seated patrons following portion and presentation standards under close supervision.Cash payments for drinks — collect and process using a point-of-sale terminal with supervisor assistance during a live service shift.Bar surfaces, work areas, and tables — wipe down and maintain cleanliness between customer seatings according to venue protocol.Basic cocktail recipes — prepare by following standardized recipes and measured pours under the direction of a senior bartender.Customer greetings and order-taking — initiate using clear, friendly speech in a high-traffic bar environment.Drink modifiers and allergen information — recognize and relay to the preparing bartender when flagged by a patron at the service counter.POS software interface — navigate to enter drink orders, apply discounts, and print receipts under direct instruction during training shifts.
developing
Cash receipts and till — balance at the end of a shift by reconciling sales records with physical cash in a bar or tavern setting.Intoxicated patrons — identify early warning signs and apply persuasion techniques to slow or stop service in accordance with venue policy.Draft beer lines, speed wells, and bar tools — maintain and troubleshoot minor issues independently during a standard service shift.Drink orders for multiple patrons — prioritize and sequence preparation efficiently using time-management strategies during peak service periods.Transportation arrangements — coordinate taxis or rideshare services for visibly intoxicated guests to limit venue liability.Regular customers' preferences — track and anticipate using memory and POS customer notes to deliver personalized service in a neighborhood bar.Upselling and suggestive selling — apply knowledge of premium spirits and specials to increase average check size during routine table service.Conflict or complaint from a dissatisfied patron — address calmly and resolve using social perceptiveness and self-control on the bar floor.Inventory stock levels behind the bar — monitor throughout a shift and restock from the back-of-house supply to prevent service gaps.Alcohol service laws and liability policies — interpret and apply consistently when managing edge-case customer situations during a closing shift.
proficient
Complex cocktail menus — craft and execute specialty drinks to consistent quality standards across a full shift with no supervisory oversight in an upscale bar environment.Dram shop and responsible-service regulations — apply autonomously to all patron interactions, including refusing service and documenting incidents in compliance with local law.High-volume bar service — coordinate independently across multiple simultaneous orders, managing pace and accuracy during peak weekend rushes.New drink specials and seasonal menus — develop recipes, cost ingredients, and present proposals to management in a full-service restaurant or bar setting.Junior bar staff performance — monitor in real time during service and provide immediate corrective feedback on technique and customer interaction.Cash handling discrepancies — investigate and resolve end-of-shift variances using POS transaction reports and reconciliation procedures.Customer loyalty and retention — cultivate through consistent social engagement, personalized service, and memory of repeat-guest preferences in a competitive bar environment.Vendor product knowledge — evaluate new spirits, wines, and beers through tasting and comparison to make informed stocking recommendations to management.Emergency or disruptive patron situations — manage decisively, involving security or law enforcement as appropriate, while maintaining calm for other guests.Bar layout and workflow — optimize physical arrangement of tools, glassware, and product placement to maximize efficiency during service at a high-capacity venue.
advanced
Bar program strategy — design and implement a comprehensive beverage menu, pricing structure, and brand identity aligned with venue concept and revenue goals.Staff training curriculum — develop and deliver onboarding and ongoing instruction covering technique, compliance, and customer service for an entire bar team.Responsible alcohol service policies — author venue-wide protocols and lead compliance training to minimize liability exposure across all shifts and locations.Financial performance of the bar — oversee labor cost, pour cost, and revenue targets by analyzing POS data and adjusting operations to meet ownership goals.Supplier and distributor relationships — negotiate product pricing, exclusivity agreements, and promotional support on behalf of the establishment.Culture of hospitality and integrity — model and reinforce standards of guest interaction, professionalism, and ethical conduct for all front-of-house staff.Scheduling and staffing decisions — direct shift coverage, cross-training assignments, and succession planning across the full bar operation.Marketing and promotional initiatives — lead social media campaigns, tasting events, and partnership activations to drive guest traffic and brand awareness.Crisis and reputation management — respond to health incidents, regulatory inspections, or public complaints at an organizational level, coordinating with ownership and legal counsel.Industry best-practice adoption — evaluate emerging trends in mixology, technology, and service models and champion their integration into bar operations to sustain competitive advantage.
Also known as
16 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Catering BartenderBar AttendantMixologistBarmanBarkeeperBar TenderEvent BartenderBarkeepBartenderService BartenderRestaurant BartenderBar CaptainBarmaidTaproom AttendantDrink MixerBanquet Bartender