- Median annual pay
- $33,530
- Employment
- 756,700
- Ten-year outlook
- +5.9%
- Annual openings
- 129,600
BLS, 2024
U.S., 2024
2024–34
Projected average
The work
Core tasks
- 01Clean glasses, utensils, and bar equipment.
- 02Collect money for drinks served.
- 03Balance cash receipts.
- 04Check identification of customers to verify age requirements for purchase of alcohol.
- 05Clean bars, work areas, and tables.
- 06Attempt to limit problems and liability related to customers' excessive drinking by taking steps such as persuading customers to stop drinking, or ordering taxis or other transportation for intoxicated patrons.
- 07Take beverage orders from serving staff or directly from patrons.
- 08Serve wine, and bottled or draft beer.
- 09Plan, organize, and control the operations of a cocktail lounge or bar.
- 10Stock bar with beer, wine, liquor, and related supplies such as ice, glassware, napkins, or straws.
- 11Serve snacks or food items to customers seated at the bar.
- 12Mix ingredients, such as liquor, soda, water, sugar, and bitters, to prepare cocktails and other drinks.
Capabilities
Essential skills
Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive LearningMonitoringLearning StrategiesWritingMathematicsScience
Employment outlook
Where the role is heading
U.S. employment is projected to move from 756,700 in 2024 to 801,500 in 2034, a +5.9% change.
BLS projects an average of 129,600 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.