Can bartenders work full time?

Asked by: Schuyler Labadie Jr.  |  Last update: January 24, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (30 votes)

Full-time bartenders work roughly 40 hours a week, with an average shift, day or night, lasting between 10 to 12 hours. This includes set-up or breakdown time and often does not include breaks. Part-time bartenders, on the other hand, can work anywhere from a few hours to 30 hours.

Can a bartender make $1000 a week?

At any normal bar, you should expect to make anywhere from $250-300 per night in tips. Work 3 nights per week and that's already close to $1000 per week, just in tips. 5 nights per week and you can be bringing in $1500 per week just in tips alone.

What is the 50 rule in bartending?

What's the 50% rule in bartending? The proper time to serve customers the next cocktail is once they've consumed 50% of their drink.

How many hours does a bartender work a day?

Bartenders work on their feet on average about 8-10 hours, but shifts that are even longer are not out of the question.

Can a bartender make a decent living?

Yes. Absolutely. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics shows bartenders make about $25ka year. That is a low number for someone bartending full time and has some experience. Money management is key. Saving is important, you never know when the world is going to create a needless panic that shuts you down.

So You Want To Be A Bartender

16 related questions found

Do bartenders make over 100k?

In California, bartenders can earn a base pay from $38,000 to $60,000 a year. The average is around $48,000. Additional pay is in the range of $19,000 to $35,000, with $28,000 as the median amount.

Is bartending a low skill job?

Furthermore, bartenders are expected to possess a wide range of skills beyond simply mixing drinks. They must have extensive bartending knowledge of different types of alcohol, spirits, wines, and cocktails, as well as the ability to recommend and pair beverages with customers' preferences.

How long is a typical bartender's shift?

Full-time bartenders work roughly 40 hours a week, with an average shift, day or night, lasting between 10 to 12 hours. This includes set-up or breakdown time and often does not include breaks. Part-time bartenders, on the other hand, can work anywhere from a few hours to 30 hours.

Is bartending a stressful job?

The Cons You Need To Know About Bartending

I asked a few of my bartender mates what the most stressful elements of their jobs were and they literally all said the same thing: Dealing with difficult customers, trying to work a busy shift when you're short staffed and the erratic and often long hours.

Can you drink while working as a bartender?

Answer: It Depends on State, Local, and House Laws. Most states don't let bartenders drink on the job. States vary in their enforcement of these laws.

What are the 5 P's of bartending?

"We focus on the fundamentals of training. Everything from why you shake, when you muddle, to the practicalities of the job, and what we call the five 'P's of world class service: pride, passion, preparation, professionalism and presentation.

What is a dirty dump in bartending?

A “dirty dump” in bartending refers to the technique of transferring the entire contents of a cocktail shaker into a serving glass, without the use of a strainer. This method includes all the ice, as well as any muddled fruits, herbs, and other solid ingredients used in the cocktail's preparation.

What is the golden rule of bartending?

You can have all the awards in the world, but those awards don't pay the bills.” Bartenders need to remember the immortal, golden rule of bartending that it's not about them, it's about the customers.

Where do bartenders make the most money?

1. Where do bartenders make the most money? Top 10 States (By basic salary)
  1. Hawaii. According to data from Zippa, Hawaii pays the highest average annual bartender salary at $36,832. ...
  2. New Jersey. ...
  3. Washington. ...
  4. 4. California. ...
  5. New York. ...
  6. Massachusetts. ...
  7. Rhode Island. ...
  8. North Dakota.

Is making $1200 a week good?

$1,200 per week is $5,190 per month.

This is almost exactly what residents of Los Angeles, California, and Colorado Springs, Colorado are making each month ($5,166.52 and $5,209.52, respectively). This is a good indicator that you would be financially comfortable in these cities.

Is bartending a good side hustle?

A freelance bartending side hustle is a great way to earn some extra income. If you have the skills and a few free weekends a month, you can start bartending private events or pick up shifts at a local bar to practice your craft and make a few extra bucks.

Why do bartenders give free shots?

Generally, the only reason a drink or shot “on the house” is offered is because you've already been a pretty good guest. Whether you've been paying for your drinks as you go, and tipping well, or have just been polite and courteous to the bartender.

Are bartenders happy with their job?

A solid majority of bartenders enjoy their work environment, probably contributing to overall higher satisfaction with working as a bartender.

Is bartending mentally draining?

Hospitality is not easy work, and it requires a lot of energy and focus in addition to excellent interpersonal skills. Bartending is often a stressful environment, and the physiological effects of stress add up over time. In this demanding industry, drug and alcohol use are often used as coping mechanisms.

What do bartenders do during the day?

In addition to mixing and serving drinks, bartenders stock and prepare beverage garnishes and maintain ice, glasses, and other bar supplies. They also wash glassware and utensils and serve food to customers who eat at the bar.

Do bartenders travel a lot?

Traveling bartender jobs are plentiful.

All over the world, people are moving from place to place and working in bars serving drinks and making cocktails.

How many drinks should a bartender make in an hour?

The average bartender can make and serve 10 to 15 drinks per hour. But, of course, this number will vary depending on the type of drinks you're serving and the experience of your bartenders.

What is the average age of a bartender?

How Old Are Bartenders Usually? Bartenders are usually around 33 years old on average. This can vary depending on the establishment they work in and their experience.

What time do bartenders start working?

What are the hours of the shifts? Day bartenders usually start between 9 and 10 AM and finish between 4 and 6PM. Night bartenders usually start between 4 and 6 PM and finish between 10 PM and 12 AM. Clubs or establishments will have shifts starting later and ending between 2 AM and 4 AM.

Do you have to be good at math to be a bartender?

Because bartenders must be good at calculating tabs, take as many high school math classes as possible. If you would like to own your own bar someday, consider taking business or accounting classes.