You know that feeling when you’re watching Vanderpump Rules and you’re like, “How in the hell does Tom manage to live at SUR AND pay for a $2000 apartment?!” I know. Life is difficult sometimes, but that’s why we need to talk about money! Specifically, how much money does a bartender make in Los Angeles? Go ahead and grab another PBR for this one because the news may surprise you… But first, check out this whopping statistics from PayScale:
We’ve all heard of the high cost of living in Los Angeles. But some positions pay far more than the average salary and it’s good to know what positions offer you the best earning potential. Here are some methodologies for looking at salaries for bartenders in Los Angeles.
Bartender salary in los angeles
If you are interested in working as a bartender in Los Angeles, you may make anywhere between $20,000 and $35,000 annually. Bartenders that work at high-end restaurants can make the most money. Bartenders that are just starting out and those that work at corporate venues tend to make the least. The true benefit of bartending is not necessarily the income but instead its flexibility and the fact that it’s easy to find a job within this industry.
Don’t expect to see a bartender bringing home $20,000 right out of college, or even after several years of experience. Bartender salary in Los Angeles and other major cities rely heavily on tips. Most reasonably skilled bartenders can expect to make anywhere from the low $30Ks up to about $45,000 for their first ever job. Also note that bartenders with specialized skills like whiskey knowledge or cocktail recipe creation can command higher salaries—the sky is really the limit here. As a general rule of thumb, the higher you are ranking on the production scale in a popular bar, the more you’ll earn in tips and salaries.
The manager of a popular bar in Los Angeles could make anywhere from $45,000 to $80,000 annually. The salary for bartenders is different for everyone.
While bartending is ultimately a skilled job, there are many variables when it comes to determining exactly how much you can make as a bartender. Ultimately, what your salary will be depends on factors like experience, where you choose to work, and most importantly — tips.
If you play your cards right, you can make some serious contact on the VIP side of town. It’s not just about how much you love mixed drinks, although that should remain a priority above all else. Bartending is about showing you’ve got what it takes to make money for your employer. That means developing your own personality and style, making yourself known around town and becoming a local celebrity in the hospitality zone.
