Bartenders

What the job really is

Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.

At a glance

• Sector: Food Preparation & Serving
• O*NET-SOC code: 35-3011
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Clean glasses, utensils, and bar equipment.
• Collect money for drinks served.
• Balance cash receipts.
• Check identification of customers to verify age requirements for purchase of alcohol.
• Clean bars, work areas, and tables.
• Attempt 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.
• Take beverage orders from serving staff or directly from patrons.
• Serve wine, and bottled or draft beer.
• Plan, organize, and control the operations of a cocktail lounge or bar.
• Stock bar with beer, wine, liquor, and related supplies such as ice, glassware, napkins, or straws.
• Serve snacks or food items to customers seated at the bar.
• Mix ingredients, such as liquor, soda, water, sugar, and bitters, to prepare cocktails and other drinks.

Tools and technology

Facebook, Microsoft Outlook, 2-prong strainers, 3-piece cocktail shakers, 4-piece cocktail shakers, 4-prong strainers, AZZ CardFile, Bar spoons, Barcode scanners, Beverage machines, Blenders, Breathalyzers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Waiters and Waitresses
• Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
• Fast Food and Counter Workers
• Baristas
• Food Preparation Workers
• Chefs and Head Cooks
• Food Service Managers
• First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Bartenders — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.