Many people see service industry roles as “in-between” gigs. For example, one might work as a bartender in their 20s while they try to find a more stable job.
But is that characterization fair? Even though the tipped minimum wage in the United States is just $2.13 per hour, bartenders can earn a lot of money through tips. Some may even earn enough money that it makes more sense for them to work as a bartender than in another field.
If you’re wondering exactly how much money that is, TikTok user Natalia Reinoso (@nataliaalyssandra) says it’s more than you’d expect.
Bartender Vs. Corporate Job: Who Makes More?
In her video, which currently has over 378,000 views, Reinoso recounts a conversation she had with friends who have “corporate” jobs.
“Recently all my friends in corporate America found out how much money I make a year as a bartender, and their jaws dropped when they found out it’s more than them,” she starts.
She continues, “Like, you thought I was a 27-year-old loser for free all this time?”
What’s The Average Income For A Bartender?
Exact numbers are a little difficult to find regarding bartender salaries. That’s because there’s a wide variety of bartending jobs out there. Additionally, many bartenders may not report their tips as earnings, making exact figures difficult to determine.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bartenders earn a median wage of $16.12 per hour. Provided they are working full-time, this means that the median bartender earns just over $33,000 per year.
This is less than an entry-level office job, which earns an average of around $43,000 annually.
However, these numbers don’t tell the whole story.
How Much Can A High-End Bartender Make?
If one is working at an expensive or busy venue, they have the opportunity to earn a lot more money.
For example, some bartenders on the internet brag about making almost $900 in a single night.
In 2024, the New York Post profiled a bartender who became famous on social media for a signature shot. On busy nights, this bartender claimed to bring home over $6,000 in a single evening.
That said, jobs like these aren’t easy. The same article notes that the bartender in question worked 45 days in a row from 8 pm to 5 am.
Do Looks Play A Role?
There’s some data to support the idea that one’s looks play a factor in how much they get tipped. One 2006 study found “attractive females,” as determined by 10 judges, earned more in tips on average in the evening than those the judges did not deem attractive.
Another study from 2015 had customers privately disclose how much they tipped their server, and then judge their attractiveness. Attractive servers generally received slightly more in tips than servers who were judged to be less attractive.
That said, the increases found by these studies were relatively minor. Instead, the biggest determinant of bartender tips appears to be location, both in terms of city and the venue in which the bartender works.
For example, bartenders in more expensive cities with higher prices, such as New York and San Francisco, tend to earn more than small-town bartenders. Additionally, bartenders working in busy nightclubs, resorts, or hotels tend to make more than those working in venues with fewer customers.
@nataliaalyssandra Babe, my body has more renovations then your house ?
Commenters Have Bartending Thoughts
In the comments section, some took this video as a sign of tipping culture gone too far.
“Prime example with tipping culture needs to end,” wrote a user.
However, others countered that, while the money is good, bartending is not a job that one can perform long-term.
“It’s fun when you’re young but it’s not sustainable,” said a commenter. “Who wants to be a 45 year old bartender?”
“I don’t think anyone thinks bartending/bottle service doesn’t make you good money. It’s about creating a career that’s sustainable long term,” shared another.
Still, a few users claimed they were enthusiastic about their bartending job, especially when comparing it to the jobs of their peers.
“Me as a bottle girl w an engineering degree making more than my college friends,” stated a further TikToker. “Like guys it’s not just for fun ok.”
BroBible reached out to Reinoso via email.