Does Bartending Pay?

Question

I'm a college student trying to make extra money. And I was wondering does bartending pay well. Most of your money probally comes from tips, but is it a good way to make money?

Also does going to bartending school help it easier for you to find a job?

Answer 1

I average between $45,000 and $50,000 per year. Bartending school does help, but the hands-on experience is the BEST way to learn.

Answer 2

I bought my house $130000 and a $40000 SUV from bar tending!I filled my home with beautiful antiques, bought great clothes and a Rolex!!!I loved it and made a shitload of money doing it.Now I'm married,(I met my husband through one of my customers) a new mom and a hairdresser (also great) but, I will never forget the great times and great money I made as a bartender.I took care of my customers and they took very good care of me.I used to bake a birthday cake for each of them (regulars)and call the other regulars to come and celebrate, I would call customers to come in when it was slow,I would see customers pull up and have their drink ready when they sat down,I also had cards and games to play when it was slow People appreciate good service and attention.As far as bartending school it is a waste of money.Learn the basic drinks, go to a small place tell them you worked for a catering company bartending that closed down and then wing it!Learn all you can, encourage people to try your practice drinks (Always charge them)After you know what you are doing and have your speed down you can go almost anywhere. Just remember a strong drink is not always a good drink.The first drink should have a little kick but after that make it a regular pour, you want your customers to have staying power and most of all a good time and you want your boss to know you know how to count a shot and not waste his money.Also, always treat everyone equally.Some customers may not tip well, but if they come in often it adds up or if they are entertaining & others like them they are a great help especially when really busy.Another thing I used to do is when people would come in is I would make sure they sat by others and not at the empty end of the bar, if you make them sit near one another they will eventually talk and become friends - friends especially new bar friends quickly begin to have fun and want to stay and play with thier new friend.I hope this helps.Good luck and always smile!!!

Answer 3

Pay can be very good if you're good at interacting with customers and work at a fairly popular place. For the jobs a college student would be looking to get, connections and personality are much more important than experience or bartending school.

Answer 4

If you're good at chatting and flirting a bit, you can make a pile of money. Bartending courses help; there are tons of drinks to learn and not every place wants to train you from scratch. If you go to a restaurant with a bar rather than a stand-alone bar, they might be more willing to train you, but you're likely to end up making less money in a restaurant.

Answer 5

Bartending school is a ripoff and a waste of time. Get a job at some chain restaurant's bar and they will train you.

Answer 6

Bartending is probably a great job for a college student, i also believe barback is aswell, you get alot of tips, and it's probably an exciting job.

Answer 7

Nydia bartending can be fun..but it has its down sides like last call at 1230 and trying to get the drunks out...yes its a fast way too make money...be freiendly smile...laugh...just nod at the hubbys bitching about wife and kids..my pet peeve was wifes calling asking for there husbands and husbands saying tell her im not here...id say either ...he told me to tell you hes not here...or hey tell her yourself ...good luck..have fun

Answer 8

my friend steve is a bar tender at don pueblo's he makes between $150-200 a night and he only wrks 4 nights a week for 5-6 hours a night...not bad if you ask me...plus he's allowed to drink on the job too.

Answer 9

it sure can depending on the clientele. the more you know your customers, know what they drink, keep their glasses full and talk with them the more tips you can get!

Answer 10

yes