Do Bartenders Make More Than Servers?

The eternal restaurant industry debate: do bartenders make more than servers? The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think. While both positions depend heavily on tips, the earning potential varies dramatically based on location, venue type, and shift timing. 

Here's what the current 2025 data reveals about the bartender vs. server wage comparison.

The numbers tell a complex story

Bartenders earned an average salary of $37,090 in 2023, while waiters and waitresses made $36,530, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's a modest $560 difference annually—barely enough to cover a month's worth of groceries. But these base salary figures only scratch the surface of the real earning picture.

Bartenders and servers earn remarkably similar amounts, with both positions heavily dependent on tips for their total compensation.

Tips drive the real difference

The most crucial factor in determining who earns more isn't base wages; it's tips.The median share of hourly earnings that come from tips accounts for 58.5% of wait staff's earnings, and 54% of bartenders' earnings.

Servers made a median of $24.10 in tips per hour in September 2024, a 5.8% increase from a year prior in California, one of the highest-paying states for restaurant workers. Meanwhile,tipping dropped slightly in Q2 2024 to a total average of 18.8%.

Venue type makes all the difference

Where you work matters more than your job title when it comes to earning potential.

Waitstaff in full-service restaurants have a median hourly wage of $27.00, with the top 25% earning $41.50 or more, according to National Restaurant Association data. The same principle applies to both servers and bartenders: those working in upscale establishments consistently out-earn their casual dining counterparts.

Geographic location creates wage gaps

State and local laws significantly impact earning potential for both positions. In 2025,the tipped minimum wage rate is $2.13 an hour federally, but many states mandate higher wages. California leads the pack, requiring full minimum wage before tips, while other states allow employers to pay the federal tipped minimum.

In June,cashiers at quick-service restaurants in California made a median hourly wage of $16.98, further underlining how state legislation affects base wages across all restaurant positions.

Shift timing affects earning potential

Both bartenders and servers know that timing is everything. Bartenders who work the weekday lunch shift at a restaurant can't expect to make the same tips as a bartender who works weekend evening shifts.

This scheduling reality means that experienced bartenders and servers often compete for the same high-earning time slots, regardless of their specific role.

Experience and skills command premium pay

Career progression affects both positions similarly. Entry-level servers start at the minimum wage for tipped employees, which is $2.13 per hour under federal law. Including tips, they generally earn an annual income ranging from $20,000 to $25,000, whileexperienced servers can significantly increase their earnings, often exceeding $40,000 annually.

The same pattern applies to bartenders, where those with specialized cocktail knowledge and strong customer service skills can command positions at higher-end establishments with better earning potential.

Current industry challenges affecting both roles

The restaurant industry continues to experience pressures that impact all tipped positions.Tipping patterns have shifted significantly, with full-service restaurant tips falling to 19.1% in Q2 2025. This represents the lowest level Toast has observed in seven years, suggesting a potential downward trend in tip income for both bartenders and servers.

Despite these challenges, the industry is projected to grow, with sales forecast to reach $1.5 trillion in sales in 2025. This expansion creates new opportunities for experienced bartenders and servers as operators grow their businesses and new ones emerge.

So who actually makes more?

The honest answer: it depends entirely on your situation. In identical venues working similar shifts, bartenders and servers earn remarkably similar amounts. The real determinants of income are:

• Venue quality and price point: High-end establishments pay significantly more than casual dining

• Location: States with higher minimum wages and affluent customer bases offer better earning potential

• Shift timing: Evening and weekend shifts consistently generate higher tips

• Experience level: Skilled professionals can access better positions with higher earning potential

• Customer interaction skills: Both roles reward those who excel at building rapport and providing excellent service

Rather than focusing on whether bartenders or servers make more, consider which role better matches your skills and which venues in your area offer the best earning potential.

FAQ

Q: Do bartenders or servers make more tipsmore in tips?

 A: Tips account for 58.5% of wait staff earnings and 54% of bartenders' earnings, with servers having a slight edge in tip dependency. However, actual tip amounts vary significantly by venue and shift.

Q: Which position has better advancement opportunities? A: Both roles offer similar advancement paths, including management positions, though some bartenders specialize in high-end cocktail programs that can earn even higher wages.

Q: How much do bartenders and servers actually make per hour? A:Servers earn an average base wage of $17.56 per hour (before tips), whileBartenders in the United States earn an average annual salary of $28,421 with an hourly rate of $14 before tips.

Q: Is there a significant difference in base wages? A: Base wages are typically similar, as both positions are often classified as tipped employees subject to the same minimum wage laws.

Q: Which position is more stable for income? A: Both positions face similar income variability due to their dependence on tips, though bartenders may have slightly more consistent interaction with customers throughout shifts.