Bartenders
Description OES Code: 65005
Fill drink orders that waiters and waitresses take from customers. They prepare standard mixed drinks and, occasionally, are asked to mix drinks to suit a customer's taste.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $6.33
25th Percentile $6.86
50th Percentile $7.79
75th Percentile $8.70

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage minimum
25th Percentile $6.33
50th Percentile $7.47
75th Percentile $8.90

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Bartenders employed in public bars may receive more than half of their earnings as tips. Their tip earnings may be lower than those of other food and beverage service workers, (They may often be paid higher hourly wages to offset this.)

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 40,000
Projected Employment 2008 42,300
Percent Change 1998-2008 5.8%
Separations 1998-2008 17,600

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 350
Projected Employment 2006 390
Percent Change 1999-2006 11.4%
Separations 1999-2006 110

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Food and beverage service workers are on their feet most of the time and often carry heavy trays of food, dishes, and glassware. During busy dining periods, they are under pressure to serve customers quickly and efficiently. The work is relatively safe, but care must be taken to avoid slips, falls, and burns.

Advancement
Due to the relatively small size of most food and beverage-serving establishments, opportunities for promotion are limited. Workng as a bartender is attractive to people seeking a short-term source of income rather than a career.

Getting the Job & Other Information
After gaining some experience, some dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers are able to advance to bartender jobs. Keen competition is expected for bartenders and other food and beverage service jobs in popular restaurants and fine dining establishments, where potential earnings from tips are greatest.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
There are no specific educational requirements for food and beverage service jobs. Many employers prefer to hire high school graduates. For many people, a job as a food and beverage service worker serves as a source of immediate income, rather than a career. Many entrants to these jobs are in their late teens or early twenties and have a high school education or less. Usually, they have little or no work experience.

Most bartenders pick up their skills on the job by observing and working with more experienced workers. Some bartenders acquire their skills by attending a bartending or vocational and technical school. These programs often include instruction on State and local laws and regulations, cocktail recipes, attire and conduct, and stocking a bar. Some of these schools help their graduates find jobs.

Skills & Other Requirements
Bartenders need a good memory to avoid confusing customers' orders and to recall faces, names, and preferences of frequent patrons. These workers should also be good at arithmetic so they can total bills without the assistance of a calculator or cash register if necessary.

Usually, bartenders must be at least 21 years of age, but employers prefer to hire people who are 25 or older. Bartenders should be familiar with State and local laws concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages.

References
US Bureau Of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Butlers, Tour Bus Drivers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)