41 Bartender Statistics That Will ASTONISH You!

bartender statistics
Joe | Last Updated: October 30, 2023
I'm Joe, a veteran bartender with over a decade in the industry and a burning passion for mixing drinks.

Ever been curious about what goes on behind the bar? I mean, we all love a good cocktail (or mocktail), and we’ve all had that one bartender who just seems to know exactly what we’re in the mood for.

But there’s a whole world behind those shakers that most people outside of the industry never get to see.

I’ve dug up 41 bartender statistics that genuinely surprised me, and as someone who’s been in the game for over a decade, that takes some doing.

Whether you’re a regular at your local pub or just someone who enjoys a fun fact, these stats will give you a whole new perspective the next time you order your favorite drink.

Let’s get into it…

Key takeaways:
1. There are well over half a million bartenders currently employed in the US
2. The bartending industry is growing rapidly, with a projected annual growth of 5.2% from 2021 to 2026
3. Women take up the majority of bartenders at 60.3%
4. 8% of all bartenders are LGBTQ
5. New York has the highest demand for bartenders

Contents show

Key Bartender Stats

  1. There are over 568,533 bartenders currently employed in the United States.
  2. The average bartender’s age is 34 years old.
  3. New York, NY has the highest demand for bartenders.
  4. The estimated job growth of bartenders over 10 years is 5.8%
  5. The bartending industry in the USA and Canada is experiencing significant growth with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2021 to 2026.
  6. The market size of bartending in the US has an estimated value of $26.5 billion in 2021
  7. The bar and nightclub industry market is estimated at $36 billion in 2023
  8. There are approximately 69,485 registered bars in the US, an increase of 1.5% from 2022

Drink Preferences

  1. Beer is most preferred by men aged 18-34, not college-educated, with an income less than $100,000.
  2. Wine is most preferred by women aged 55 and older, college-educated, with an income of $100,000 or more.
  3. Spirits are most preferred by men aged 18-34, not college-educated, with an income between $40,000 and $99,999.
  4. Gen Z drinks 20% less and spends 40% less on alcohol compared to Millennials.
  5. Gen Z’s alcohol spending: Liquor (48%), Wine (28%), Beer (21%).

Gender and Diversity Stats

The bartending profession, like many others, is a reflection of the broader societal landscape, showcasing a mix of genders, ethnicities, and sexual orientations.

As the industry continues to evolve, so does the composition of its workforce which is great to see.

Here are some statistics that shed light on the gender and diversity aspects of bartending:

  1. Women make up a majority of bartenders at 60.3%, with men representing 39.7%.
  2. The most common ethnicity of bartenders is White (65.0%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (19.0%), Unknown (6.1%) and Black or African American (5.6%).
  3. 8% of all bartenders are LGBTQ.

>> Read more: 25 MUST-SEE Brewery Statistics

Pay Related Stats

Bartender earnings can vary widely based on several factors, including experience, the establishment worked in, as well as the geographical location of the bar.

Here’s a snapshot of what the pay landscape looks like in the industry.

  1. The average male bartender’s salary in the US is $30,899
  2. The average female bartender’s salary in the US is $24,616
  3. Women earn 0.94¢ for every $1 earned by men
  4. The hospitality industry is the highest-paying for bartenders.
  5. The state with the highest average annual wage for bartenders in 2020 was the District of Columbia
  6. A bartender’s wage compared to the national average is $28,677 less
  7. The highest paying industry for bartenders are museums, art galleries, historical sites, & similar institutions with an average wage of $41,670.
  8. The median hourly wage for bartenders was $12.67 in May 2021

>> Read more: 41 Super INTERESTING Beer Statistics

Industry Trends & Stats

  1. The American Craft Spirits Association reported that the number of active craft distillers in the U.S. grew by 15.5% in 2018.
  2. U.S. consumers drink more tequila than anyone else globally.
  3. Flavored alcoholic beverages are outperforming traditional non-flavored ones.
  4. Non-alcoholic drinks are projected to account for a third of the spirit beverage market by 2024.
  5. The market for cannabis beverages is estimated at $752 million in the U.S., expected to reach $2 billion globally by 2026.
  6. 33% or more of Americans spent $50 or more on a bottle of alcohol in 2022, compared to 24% in 2021.
  7. Agave-based drink sales increased 15.9% in 2020.
  8. Whiskey was the fastest-growing spirit in terms of global volume growth in 2019.
  9. A poll in 2020 found that 23% of adults in the U.S. were participating in “Dry January”
  10. The majority of bartenders receive on-the-job training, but there’s been a rise in formal mixology courses and certifications in recent years.
  11. Milwaukee, Wisconsin is the “drunkest city” based on bars, breweries, and wine bars
  12. Memphis, Tennessee is the most “sober city” based on bars, breweries, and wine bars
  13. Montana has the highest concentration of bartender jobs

>> Read more: 55 Bar Industry Statistics That Will SHOCK You

Consumer Behavior

  1. A survey found that millennials are less likely to tip than older generations, but when they do tip, they tend to give more.
  2. Sales of wine and beer were down 2%, cider down 4%.

Education and Skills

  1. The most common majors achieved by bartenders in 2020 were Business
  2. The three key skills for bartenders are: Active Listening, Service Orientation, and Social Perceptiveness

>> Read more: 56 INTRIGUING Gin Facts & Statistics

Quick Summary

The bartending industry showcases a landscape of evolving consumer preferences and notable trends.

From the data, it’s evident that Americans continue to enjoy their drinks, with a notable shift towards premium and health-conscious options.

Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, the bar industry has shown resilience, with a market value of $36 billion in 2023 and an expected growth rate of 5.09% through 2027.

Cities like Milwaukee, New Orleans, and Portland lead in bar density, while Gen Z’s emerging preferences for drinks like soju and hard kombucha hint at future market directions.

With bartending showing no signs of slowing down and the industry’s trends continuing to grow, bartenders have plenty of opportunities to innovate and thrive in the coming years.

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