One of the most recurrent positions everyone has worked on or thought to start is a job as a bartender. Especially young people (of legal age), because they usually attend parties at nightclubs.
But what if you are interested in obtaining a bartender job near me but have yet to gain experience? Is it hard to get hired if this is your case? Can you get good money out of this job? Here we’ll tell you all about it and more.
How do I start a bartending job with no experience?
First, you must know that it is possible to start working as a bartender without experience. For example, if you have a family or a friend that owns a bar, it could be an excellent opportunity to get involved and get the job.
This way, you’ll be able to learn how’s the environment if the pay is good, and of course, the experience that will be needed to look for bartending jobs near me.
But, having a friend or a family member that owns a bar is not necessarily the only way to start working in this field. If you genuinely believe you are fit for the job because of your personality and communication skills, do not hesitate to hand over your resume to a bar owner.
However, there is one main requirement to get started as a bartender. That is the bartending license. It is mandatory; otherwise, you won’t get the job, even if you have experience.
If you already have the license, the experience may not be needed, and you’ll be able to start in an entry-level bartending job near me. So, to be clear, getting hired as a bartender with no experience is not as complicated as you may think.
How do I get experience to start working as a bartender?
There are plenty of options to gain experience in the bartending field. For example, you can start looking for a bartender open to take you as a trainee. That way, you’ll be behind the bar and learn how to make drinks, interact with clients, etc.
If this is your case, it is essential to keep in mind the following recommendations:
- Observe instead of asking questions. Yes, you can ask if you have a doubt, but remember they are working, so it’ll be better if you try to learn mainly by watching them.
- If you need to ask something in particular, wait until there are no clients.
- Treat them with respect, and be open to learning.
- Help them in any way. Don’t forget you are their assistant.
You can also start as a barback if you want to find, for example, a nightclub bartender job near me. You’ll learn from the actual bartenders, besides this is a position that doesn’t require experience, therefore, is an entry-level bartender job.
As a barback, you’ll have to clean the working area, restock the products, and be prepared to do heavy-lifting duties.
Can you make good money as a bartender?
One of the main questions is if there are high-paying bartending jobs near me. Well, you must know that it may not be as lucrative as you think, but it has good pay.
According to Glassdoor, a bartender earns per hour $12.00 ($23,040 per year). However, this wage does not include tips. So, in the end, the salary will be higher.
On the contrary, you may find Indeed bartender jobs near me where you can earn $14.07 and $27,014 per year. Like any other job, the salary will vary on several aspects, such as the bar, location, if you have experience or if the position is full or part-time.
How much money do bartenders make in tips per night?
It also depends, but according to Indeed, the average is $150. Of course, there are cases when you make much more than that, like $300 or even more. And the same will happen if the bar doesn’t have a good night, so the tips you’ll earn could be as low as only $50.
Consider that the tip wages on weekends will be higher than on weeknights.
So how much is the average salary that a bartender can earn per year, including tips? It is approximately $60,787, which according to the Average American Income for 2022 ($51,480), it’s above, so it is a job where you can make good money.
Where can I find bartending jobs near me?
In platforms such as:
- Indeed
- ZipRecruiter
- Glassdoor
Another alternative to finding a bartender job is going around nightclubs and handing in resumes, whether you have experience. You can also check the job ads in the local newspaper.
Requirements
First, you must be of legal age because you will be working with alcoholic beverages. Secondly, you need a bartending license. Otherwise, you will not be hired.
Although these are the main requirements, depending on the company, you may be asked to meet some physical requirements, such as:
- Be able to handle heavy objects.
- Be able to stand for at least 8 hours.
- Be able to keep up with the pace of the restaurant or bar.
- Be prepared to bend, walk, and lift, among others.
FAQS
Where is the best place to work as a bartender?
According to worker reviews/comments on Indeed, the best places to work in the U.S. as a bartender are:
- Marriott International
- The American Legion
- Texas Roadhouse
- The Cheesecake Factory
(Reviews are based on a rating between 3.7 stars of 5. The best rating came from the Marriott hotel, with a score of 4.1).
Is bartending a good career path?
Although it is a job that can give you many dividends, thought as a career, it may not be a good option, although it is true that with the experience you have as a bartender, you can find jobs in the hospitality industry.
From this point of view, it can be a good option for a career. However, many see this job as a way to make a living while they finish college.
Are there any disadvantages of working as a bartender?
Yes. Usually, you have to work nights, weekends, and extra hours. Because of this, the bartenders work on holidays, so you won’t have the time you may want on these days.
And, of course, there is the issue of working late at night. Your sleep may also be compromised, leading to unhealthy habits that could affect your health.
References
- What is the average American income in 2021? (no date) PolicyAdvice. Available at: https://policyadvice.net/insurance/insights/average-american-income/
- Popular bartender companies in United States – indeed (no date). Available at: https://www.indeed.com/career/bartender/companies