What does a Head Bartender do?
Bartenders take order, make drinks, and serve them to customers. Bartenders work at a variety of restaurants and drinking extablishments, including bars, clubs, hotels, resorts, casinos, and restaurants. They tend to work weekends, late hours, and over holidays.
Bartenders do not need to have a formal education, but most have a high school diploma or equivalent. Bartenders generally acquire their skills through on-the-job training. The best bartenders are friendly and outgoing, have a good memory, and display composure.
- Provide high quality service to customers
- Adhere to all local and national liquor laws
- Mix and serve drinks following set standard recipes
- Greet guests in a timely manner and take orders
- Process cash and credit card transactions following appropriate procedures
- Maintain a safe and clean environment for guests and team
- Carry out all tasks with attention to detail, cleanliness, and safety
- Assist with inventory and inventory control
- A high school diploma or general education degree (GED)
- 2 years of experience in a bar or similar environment
- Must be 21 years of age
- Basic mathematical skills
- Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time
- Strong knowledge of spirits, wine, champagne, and mixed cocktails
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
- Ability to read and speak English proficiently
Head Bartender Salaries
Average Base Pay
Head Bartender Career Path
Learn how to become a Head Bartender, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Head Bartender Insights
“It was close to where I lived and a couple of the people were nice.”
Doc B's Fresh Kitchen“Most of the guests give really good tips and the earning possibility per night can be nice.”
“You meet a wonderful and eclectic group of people and make friends I still have to this day.”
Tao Group“Some of the best money in the industry for servers and bartenders (managers are notoriously underpaid)”
The Red Door“Fast money Coworkers were rad It was close to where I lived Mostly nice regulars Live music”
“Some of the managers are really entitled and treat others with little to no respect.”
Dirty Martini (UK)“Everyone works hard and is really friendly and you end up making really good friends.”
Beef O'Brady's“I only gave 2 stars because money was good and I loved the regulars at the bar.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of bartenders
A bartender spends their day mixing and serving alcoholic and some non-alcoholic drinks to customers at a restaurant or bar. A shift might start before customers arrive in order to make an inventory of supplies, prepare garnishes, and organize glassware. During opening hours, the bartender will take orders from customers and/or servers.
An advantage of this career is the low barrier to entry, as becoming a bartender requires no formal training or experience. At the same time, it's relatively easy to find a bartender job as these individuals are needed in every bar and restaurant all over the world. Bartenders typically start work in the afternoon into the night hours, which can be appealing for people who don't like to start work early in the morning.
On average, a bartender's salary is around ₹27,851 in the United States. Compensation may vary based on the type of bar or restaurant and the cost of food and drinks. On busy nights or during special events, customer tips can significantly increase a bartender's pay.
Yes, working as a bartender can be hard for some individuals. Bartenders typically stand on their feet and walk around for the majority of their shift. They interact with customers and other wait staff during their shift; this can be physically and emotionally exhausting day after day.