In reality, a bartender takes in much more thanks to their tips, which are virtually undocumented. These fluctuate based upon the type of bar, the region of the country, and the time of the year, but regardless of the circumstances, pretty much every bartender expects to take home a reasonable wad of cash each night. It is very difficult to say what constitutes an average night of tipping as it all depends on the type of bar you work at and the shift you end up tending. On the low end of things, a bartender can literally walk out the door with next to nothing.

But this was at a little brewery in the middle of nowhere, outside of a town where a Monday night was as lazy as lazy can get.

These were very few and far between. At a more average bar—say a fairly well attended music or dance venue, sports bar, or middle-of-the-road restaurant—things are generally pretty steady. At the higher end of things we find the raging nightclubs, fine dining restaurants, and some of the specialty cocktail bars.

In some of these establishments—especially the fine dining—you can expect the occasional night where virtually no one comes in. There are a few places where a bartender can make a ridiculous amount of money. These are the establishments where that fabled six-figures may be found. They include anyplace where the clientele is comprised solely of the extremely wealthy, such as high-end resorts or the fanciest of restaurants.

How Much Money Does A Bartender Make? | Joe Bartender

The goal of any bartender in this sort of situation is to rake in as much as possible than take it easy for a few months. One of the main reasons that a bartender can earn so much money at these kinds of place is not only due to the wealth of its customers, but thanks to fact that they enjoy exclusive treatment. It should be the goal of any bartender at such an establishment to cultivate good relationships with each regular customer and learn the specifics of their lives and drinking habits.

First of all, remember everything you can about each of your regulars. Names, details about their work or family, how they like their drink, their opinions—-whatever.

And when you deliver their check, give a handshake and exchange names. It puts a personal touch on things.

Bartender - Career Rankings, Salary, Reviews and Advice | US News Best Jobs

This should be obvious, but never let anyone wait too long for their drink. For every second that they sit dry, your tip reduces.

Bartender Salary: How Top Bartenders Make $,+/Year | How to Become a Bartender

Always have a good story or a bad joke ready. A large part of your job is to entertain and provide socializing.

When things are slow, take the time to talk with your customers. Sometimes you end up locked in conversation with obnoxious or prattling drunks, but sometimes you find yourself in incredibly interesting discussions, and in either situation you usually end up well compensated for your time.

A good song can go a long way. Have a wide selection of music available, and pay attention to the vibe of your customers.

Bartending - Thumbtack

Try to put on the tune that hits the mood perfectly. Flirt, but not too much. Know when a compliment or a wink is playful, and know where the line is drawn. Everyone enjoys a bit of enticing attention, but remember that there is a time and place for it, and that pushing it too far can bring negative results.

It is perhaps time to start looking toward acquiring a job at one of the higher-paying establishments.

It can be difficult to work your way to the top, but a well-liked bartender can usually fit-in under any circumstances. I once hired a heavily-tattooed, over-pierced heavy-metal dude to bartend at a super-classy joint I was running. The reason was simple—he could be conversational, he could be funny, and he made drinks well. And as you get better at the whole process, the only place to go is up.

How to Write a Bartender Resume. What Is Flair Bartending?

Home Become a Bartender. Dives On the low end of things, a bartender can literally walk out the door with next to nothing.

In the middle At a more average bar—say a fairly well attended music or dance venue, sports bar, or middle-of-the-road restaurant—things are generally pretty steady. Toward the top At the higher end of things we find the raging nightclubs, fine dining restaurants, and some of the specialty cocktail bars.

At the pinnacle of things There are a few places where a bartender can make a ridiculous amount of money. How to Write a Bartender Resume Next post: Popular Posts Bartending Tips: