Bartenders

Career summary

Bartenders may also be called mixologists or tavern tenders.

#from wois 7852 Bartenders, no other info brought over

#4/2/19 lh

Bartenders prepare standard mixed drinks and pour wine and beer. They also prepare mixed drinks to match customers' specific orders. Bartenders must learn dozens of drink recipes. They prepare drinks quickly, accurately, and without waste.

Bartenders take orders directly from customers in most bars and many restaurants. In some places they receive drink orders from waiters and waitresses.

Bartenders often serve food to customers seated at the bar. Bartenders collect payments and operate cash registers. They may wash the glassware and utensils after each use. They clean up after customers and clean their work area.

Bartenders must also know their state's alcohol laws and regulations. They make sure customers meet age requirements for the purchase of alcohol. They also make sure customers do not drink too much alcohol.

Bartenders order and maintain liquor and bar supplies.

Related careers

This career is part of the Hospitality and Tourism cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Baristas
• Cashiers
• Casino Gaming Workers
• Counter and Rental Clerks
• Counter Attendants
• Craft Brewers
• Food Preparation Workers
• Food Service Worker Supervisors
• Restaurant Managers
• Waiters and Waitresses

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to bartenders.

• Collect payment and operate a cash register.
• Check identification of customers to make sure they meet age requirements for purchase of alcohol.
• Determine when a customer has had too much alcohol and try to stop them from drinking more.
• Wash glassware and utensils after each use. Clean bars, tables, and work areas.
• Take drink orders from customers and serving staff.
• Pour wine and beer.
• Mix ingredients to prepare drinks and prepare garnishes.
• Order and maintain liquor and bar supplies.
• Manage bar operations and supervise staff.
• Plan displays and bar menus.
• Prepare appetizers, such as nuts, pickles, or cheese.
• Serve food to customers seated at the bar.
• Create drink recipes.

Common work activities

Bartenders perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform for or work with the public
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Get information needed to do the job
• Teach others
• Handle and move objects
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Monitor and control resources
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Assist and care for others
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Think creatively
• Coach others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Document and record information
• Develop and build teams
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Schedule work and activities

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, bartenders:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They constantly work with customers and food service staff.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations.
• Deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous people on a weekly basis.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of customers and staff. They make sure people do not drink too much alcohol. They also make sure that glassware is cleaned properly.
• Have daily face-to-face discussions with customers and staff.
• Communicate weekly using the telephone to make supply orders.

Physical work conditions

• Mostly work indoors. They may occasionally work outdoors if tending bar at a party.
• Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
• Sometimes wear a uniform.
• Work very near other people. They have very little space between self and others.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. They must be able to mix drinks accurately, quickly, and without waste.
• Make decisions by their conduct that influence their company's reputation.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision or setting tasks.

Hours/travel

• Work less than 40 hours per week.
• May work days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May be required to work split shifts. For example, they might work from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with time off in between.

Physical demands

Bartenders frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for bartenders to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for bartenders to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Bartenders need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Teach others how to do something.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Bartending
• Wine Steward/Sommelier

Other programs of study to consider

• Food Services

Training

To work as a bartender, you typically need to:

• be at least 21 years old; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some bartenders receive a bartending certificate from a professional-technical school. Courses include information about state and local laws, mixing drinks, and stocking a bar. A bartending certificate is optional.

On-the-job training

Most bartenders learn their skills on the job from an experienced worker. Training includes:

• mixing drinks;
• providing customer service;
• using equipment needed for the job; and
• handling food properly.

In general, training lasts up to a month. After training, an experienced worker supervises your work. As you gain experience, you receive less supervision.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Food Service
• Hospitality
• Principles of Sales
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire people who are 25 or older. They prefer bartenders who have a neat, clean appearance and a courteous, outgoing manner. Many employers prefer bartenders to have a high school diploma or equivalent. They may also prefer those who have taken bartending courses.

Bartenders must know state and local laws about the sale of alcoholic beverages. Some states require bartenders to be certified in alcohol awareness. In states where certification is not required, employers may prefer applicants who have this knowledge. Most bartending courses include this certification in their training programs.

Tips

Get as much restaurant experience as you can. Temporary employment is one way to learn bartending skills. Formal training is also available. Talk with people who work as bartenders to learn about their job. Employers look for workers who can do many tasks at the same time effectively. This might be taking orders and mixing drinks, while at the same time collecting payments, keeping the bar clean, and making sure customers are satisfied.

#last cmt PSBJ pg 27 11/10-16 2006"Talking with John Wokas bar manager, Havana Cocktail Club" lh.

Licensing/certification

Bartenders are required to have a food worker card. To receive a card, they must attend a food safety training class, pay a $10 fee, and pass a written examination. The initial card is valid for two years. After that period, cards must be renewed every three years. With additional food safety training, workers can qualify for a five-year card.

Bartenders in Washington must also:

• be at least 21 years old;
• attend classes offered by a training provider approved by the Washington State Liquor Control Board on using safe and reasonable judgment when serving alcohol to customers; and
• take and pass a test to receive a Class 12 mixologist permit which documents their training and knowledge in this area.

Permits are valid for five years. To renew bartenders must attend classes and retest.

For more information on food worker cards, contact your local county health department listed in the county government section of your phone book. You may also find more information at the Washington Department of Health's Food Worker Card page. 

Visit the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board  website for information on approved Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) providers and requirements.

#Info ok but updated url for MAST brochure at WSLCB website 2/7/18 cj. More updating 4/2/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Bartenders 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Pay varies with the bartender's duties, the type of establishment, and the type of clients. Bartenders employed in public bars may receive more than half of their earnings from tips. Bartenders who do not interact directly with the customers are often paid higher hourly wages. This is because they rarely receive tips.

Full-time bartenders may receive paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Part-time workers generally do not receive benefits. Employers may provide meals and uniforms.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook depends on economic conditions and the expansion of hotels, entertainment and recreation places, and private clubs. Opportunities are best for journey-level bartenders with the skill to mix many different kinds of drinks.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Jobs for bartenders are located throughout the country. However, most jobs are found in large cities and tourist areas. Vacation resorts offer seasonal employment.

Major employers:

• Restaurants
• Bars
• Country clubs
• Hotels

National outlook

Demand for bartenders will remain strong as people continue to dine out and drink. Many new bars, taverns, and restaurants are expected to open to meet the increased demand for food,drinks, and entertainment. Demand may be limited by services such as take-out dining.

Competition for bartender jobs is strongest in fine restaurants, where tips are high. Graduates of bartending programs will have the best opportunities.

Other resources

American Beverage Licensees 
5101 River Road, Suite 108
Bethesda, MD 20816
301.656.1494

American Sommelier 

Hospitality Careers Online 

National Restaurant Association 
2055 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
800.424.5156
202.331.5900

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation 
2055 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
800.424.5156

North American Sommelier Association 

UNITE HERE 
275 - 7th Avenue, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10001
212.265.7000

Washington Hospitality Association 
510 Plum Street SE, Suite 200
Olympia, WA 98501
800.225.7166
360.956.7279

References

Career cluster

• Hospitality and Tourism

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Bartenders (35-3011.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Bar Attendant (312.477-010) 
• Bartender (312.474-010) 
• Taproom Attendant (312.677-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Conventional/Enterprising/Realistic
• Enterprising/Conventional/Realistic

COPSystem

• Service Skilled