Normally, a bartending school program lasts one to eight weeks. Employers frequently require previous barback, server, or bartending experience.
The typical length of the certification programs offered by bartending schools is two to three weeks. You can start to work as a bartender as early as you satisfy the age requirements in your state. There is no set path to becoming one. You will be required to memorize a large number of cocktail recipes, learn how to upgrade those cocktails with premium spirits, comprehend how each beverage is made and where it comes from, become familiar with the bartending supplies, and quickly assemble a variety of drinks. A few states require bartenders to be at least 21 years old, others set the minimum age for bartenders at 18.
How To Become A Bartender
If you’re thinking about pursuing this professional path, adhere to these steps on how to become a bartender:
1) Obtain A High School Diploma:
The first step toward beginning a job as a bartender is often completing high school. Focus on math classes in school to get ready for basic bartending tasks like controlling money fluctuation and giving customers change. To develop your taste and grasp of flavor combinations, you can also think about enrolling in optional classes on nutrition and food.
2) Think About Finishing College Or A Bartending Course:
To become a more competitive applicant for bartending positions, you can then get a post-secondary certificate or diploma.
3) Obtain The Necessary Bartending Credentials:
Many workplaces demand that you finish a responsible beverage service (RBS) training course in addition to being a legal adult.
4) Hone Your Bartending Skills:
Next, finish a bartending apprenticeship to obtain real-world experience.
5) Develop Your Abilities:
Develop and market your bartending skill set to make yourself a more desirable candidate to employers.
What Kind Of Training Is Required To Become A Bartender?
A bartender is a profession for which no formal schooling or training is needed. Experience alone can be used to learn the trade. However, reputable hospitality businesses favor or only choose applicants who have received proper bartending instruction. For the most part, bartenders do not receive any official training. By working as a bar helper or assistant, bartenders can learn on the job or by doing their own self-study.
Several bartenders acquire their initial training in bartending schools. There are bartending schools all across the country, and professionals advise choosing one that is authorized by the education department in your state and has courses that last at least 40 hours. People who enroll in bartending training learn how to operate bar equipment, prepare a wide range of cocktails, pour various drinks, and offer courteous service. They could study matters of health and safety, use cash registers, and conduct bartender job interviews.
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Are There Any Certification Or Licensure Requirements?
Fewer states impose any licensing or certification requirements on bartenders. For instance, Washington State mandates that bartenders pass an alcohol server training course and apply for a permit. Similar regulations apply in Wisconsin.
To find out what, if anything, bartenders need to accomplish before they can start working, contact the liquor control board in your state. Most of the time, a license is not required to work as a bartender. There is no formal, mandatory, nationally recognized qualification for bartending, while certain local regulations do demand permits or certificates.
As previously indicated, there are regional variations in local alcohol regulations and the qualifications needed to work in a bar. It typically takes 40 hours to complete a bartending school’s bartending license program. It takes as little as two hours if all you need is the basic minimum to legally tend a bar in your location. Online bartending courses range in price from $50 to $200, while in-person classes are priced between $400 and $800 but then again, it varies.
What Does A Bartender Earn?
Since the position involves on-the-job training before one can become a professional, bartenders typically start out with low salaries and can be employed as interns. However, seasoned bartenders can search for better employment options and make a solid living. A bartender’s pay is based on their expertise, experience, the college they attended to pursue their degree, place of employment, etc. The number of tips that bartenders receive from customers can supplement their pay and depend on the level of customer service they are ready to provide.
- In the United States, a bartender can expect to make an average salary of $33,491.
- The majority of bartenders mainly rely on tips to increase their hourly pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for bartenders in the United States in 2012 was $9.09, including tips.
- In that year, the top ten percent of bartenders earned more than $15 per hour. Particularly when tips are involved, bartenders do make substantial money.
- The US’s median income for 2019 was $31,100. Even though this is nearly $5,000 more than the average bartender’s wage, tips are not included.
Bartending is a very enticing and lucrative occupation because you can make more than $60,000 a year in tips.
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What Are The Job Prospects?
Between 2012 and 2020, the BLS predicts that the employment of bartenders will increase by 12 percent in the United States, which is about as fast as the average growth for all occupations. Although employment may increase, bartending jobs may face stiff competition. By gaining knowledge and training, bartenders can improve their employment prospects.
Bartender employment is expected to increase by 32 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is substantially greater than the average for all occupations. Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 111,300 openings for bartenders. Many of those positions are anticipated to be brought on by the need to replace workers who change careers or leave the workforce due to retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does bartending make good money?
Bartenders do indeed earn a solid living, particularly when tips are involved. The US’s median income for 2019 was $31,100 as previously mentioned in this article.
Q2. Is bartending hard to learn?
It’s not simple to become a bartender. You’ll need to be modest when you initially start out. You can start out as a barback and learn from a mentor both of which don’t require any prior experience. Your dream will come true more rapidly if you’re prepared to work hard and learn new things.
Q3. What is a bartender’s salary?
In 2020, the median pay for bartenders was $24,960. In that year, the top 25 percent earned $32,130, while the bottom 25 percent earned $19,620.
Q4. How do I start to become a bartender?
The following are some bartending advice and training programs that one can take to become a bartender:
- Professional bartending degree and license.
- Diploma in Flair Bartending and Mixology.
- Bartending Craftsmanship Certificate Program.
- Wines and spirits certificate program.
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