Skilled Trades
Bartenders
Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.
Median salary (BLS)
$34,340
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$20k – $74k
Job outlook
+6% (faster than average)
AI exposure
Plan a path to Bartenders
Education
Typical entry: No degree required
Plan my path to this →How to qualify
EstimateLicense requiredCost to qualify
$100–$2,600
Time to qualify
3.1 yr
Renewal
$50/yr
- 1
Registered apprenticeship (paid)
ExperienceEarn-while-you-learn training — apprentices are paid during the program; fees are tools/books, not tuition.
$0–$2,000 · 36 months · varies by state source
- 2
Journeyman exam & state/local license
LicenseMost states and municipalities test and license journeyman-level trades workers.
$100–$600 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source
Estimated typical U.S. route for "Bartenders" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.
Typical progression
Junior Bartenders
Entry / Junior
$20,110
~2 yrs to advance
Bartenders
Established
$34,340
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Bartenders
Senior
$54,055
Key skills
A typical day
- •Clean glasses, utensils, and bar equipment.
- •Collect money for drinks served.
- •Balance cash receipts.
- •Check identification of customers to verify age requirements for purchase of alcohol.
- •Clean bars, work areas, and tables.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Skilled Trades
Explore all- Purdue University50% admit · $78,000 grad pay
- Ohio State University53% admit · $68,000 grad pay
- Pennsylvania State University55% admit · $70,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.