Bartending Side Hustle

Bartending as a side hustle is a solid way to give a boost to your income while you pick up new skills and meet a ton of people from all walks of life. Whether you’re pouring cocktails at a fancy wedding or shaking up drinks at a local pub on weekends, bartending brings in good cash, offers flexible schedules, and ensures every shift is different and lively.

Bartending Side Hustle: How Much Can You Make?

The money you make as a part-time bartender depends greatly on your location, the type of venue, and how many hours you’re able to fit in. Here’s what you should know:

• Hourly Wage: Many bartenders start earning somewhere between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on how much experience they have and the kind of place where they work.
• TIPS!: Here’s where your paycheck can really get a boost; working in busy spots with generous customers can often see you walking away with an extra $100 or more per shift, just in tips.
• Weekly/Monthly Income: If you pick up two shifts a week at a lively bar, that could add up to an extra $300–$800 a month, sometimes even more if you clock extra hours during busy seasons.

It’s important to remember that earnings can swing a lot. However, with people skills and a strong work ethic, bartending can pay better than a lot of other side gigs. Most of the time, you’ll get paid at the end of the night in cash—which is great for handling bills or unexpected expenses fast.

Sample Bartending Gig: A Night at The Taps

For a real-world example, imagine taking a busy Saturday night shift at a local bar called The Taps. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Arrive and Prep: Get to work about an hour before the doors open to set up the bar and go over the drink specials with coworkers.
2. Serving the Rush: When the place is crowded, things move quickly as you’re shaking, pouring, and mixing drinks for customers for about four to five hours. This is when the best tips roll in. A friendly attitude and remembering someone’s favorite drink can make a difference; most nights, I walk away with $60–$80 in tips by midnight, and on holidays, even more.
3. Wrap-Up: When the night ends, you help close, clean up, handle receipts, and count up your cash. It’s not uncommon to end up with $150 or so between base pay and tips for about six hours.

Event bartending gigs—think weddings, corporate parties, or pop-up food festivals—can be even more lucrative. You might get a flat fee for a few hours of steady work plus tips from guests, such as $150 plus whatever tips you can pull in during the event.

How to Get Started with Bartending as a Side Hustle

Jumpstarting your sideline as a bartender doesn’t require years of prior bar experience. Here’s a straightforward game plan to get you going:

1. Learn Basic Bartending Skills

• Get familiar with how to pour standard cocktails, set up a bar, and keep up friendly chatter with customers. Tons of online courses, YouTube videos, and even free online resources from big-name liquor brands can help you pick up the basics fast if you’re just starting out.

2. Get Your Certifications (If Needed)

• Certain cities or states require bartending certificates or responsible beverage service training (like TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol). These training sessions are typically done online, take just a couple of hours, and are under $40 to complete.

3. Find Side Gigs

• Check online job boards, Facebook community groups, or apps made for connecting event bartenders with employers. Sometimes, simply asking around at local bars or restaurants is all it takes—the industry depends a lot on personal connections and networking.

4. Build Up Experience

• Start by taking slower shifts—Monday or Tuesday nights are a good option if you’re new—then work your way up to the crowded weekends once you’re more comfortable and confident behind the bar.
• You can also volunteer to bartend for friends’ parties, local fundraisers, or community events. It’s fantastic practice and a perfect way to get your name out there for more paid work later on.

Another helpful tip: check out bartender training nights or shadow a seasoned bartender if you get the chance. The more hands-on practice you get, the better your skills—and your nerves—will be when it matters most.

Side Hustle Perks: Beyond the Extra Cash

Bartending is about more than just the cash. Plenty of other perks make this a unique and rewarding side hustle:

• Flexible Scheduling: You can hand-pick shifts that work with your primary job and only work when you want.
• Cash in Hand: Walking out at the end of a shift with tip money in hand is satisfying and useful for unexpected expenses or boosting your savings.
• Social Connections: Bars are lively spots. You’ll work with friendly teams and interact with regular customers—there’s rarely a dull moment.
• Skill Growth: This gig improves your confidence, multitasking, and customer service abilities. It also sharpens your memory and sometimes even adds to your knowledge of different spirits and drink recipes.

If you enjoy energetic environments and making fast connections with others, bartending might quickly become more than just a side job—it can be a fun hobby.

Finding Your First Bartending Gig

Landing that first bartending job can seem intimidating, especially if your resume is light on bar experience. But a proactive attitude goes a long way in this business:

• Network: Share your interest in bartending with friends, family, and coworkers. Bartending gigs often get filled by word of mouth, so the more people know you’re interested, the better.
• Walk In: Local venues often post “help wanted” signs. Stopping by to introduce yourself shows initiative and gets your face in front of a manager—in this business, that’s a big deal.
• Use Apps and Groups: Job apps like Indeed and Craigslist, plus city-specific Facebook groups, are your allies here. Search for terms like “event bartender” or “part-time bar staff” to find temporary gig listings.

And remember, it’s perfectly normal to get your start in small dive bars or less glamorous venues. Some of my favorite memories come from working in neighborhood bars where regulars trade stories, jokes, and return every week for more—these places help you build up your skills fast.

• Stay Friendly and Attentive: An easy manner, being present, and having a sense of humor leads to more repeat customers and bigger tips.
• Keep Moving: During busy times, efficiency makes a difference. Prep garnishes ahead of time, memorize popular drinks, and keep your workspace tidy to speed things up.
• Watch Alcohol Laws: Know the basics of ID verification and drink limits for your area. Following these rules is crucial to keep your job and avoid legal trouble.
• Be Reliable: Always show up on time and be ready to go. Establishing yourself as dependable means better shifts and more responsibility down the line.

Tools, Gear, and Essentials

You don’t have to invest in a full professional bar setup, but a few tools are must-haves if you’re freelancing or picking up gigs at events:

• Bartenders Kit: Bring your own shaker, bottle opener, jigger for measuring, and strainer. These make life easier and help you look like you know what you’re doing from the get-go.
• Notebook or App: Keep note of special drink recipes or customer preferences. A small notebook tucked in your apron or a note-taking app on your phone will save you a lot of time.
• Wear Good Shoes: Since you’ll be on your feet for hours, invest in slip-resistant, comfortable shoes to make those long shifts less uncomfortable.

Extra tip: If you freelance, bring hand sanitizer and a couple of clean towels—it’ll help keep things neat and make you stand out as someone who thinks ahead.

Growing Your Bartending Side Hustle

Once you’re confident behind the bar, consider looking for work at higher-end venues or at private events. Upscale settings can mean bigger tips and more opportunities. Bartenders who show off a knack for mixing unique drinks can get hired specifically for private parties and sometimes make $300 or more in a single evening. Building a reputation as someone who’s not only reliable but also brings good energy and skill opens the door to steady gigs and even creative opportunities, like helping restaurants brainstorm signature cocktail menus.

It’s also wise to use social media to quietly spread the word about your side hustle. Posting photos of your own creative drink recipes, a neatly arranged bar, or even behind-the-scenes shots of busy nights (with client or employer permission) signals to your circle that you’re available for side gigs. This can attract private party requests or even steady freelance work faster than you’d think.

Networking extends online too: joining bartender communities or local hospitality groups online can connect you with other freelancers, venues, and folks looking for event help.

Start Your Bartending Adventure

Bartending as a side hustle gives you the freedom to work when it suits you, build connections, and score quick cash. Pick up the basics, jump into a few shifts, and see how it fits into your lifestyle. You might be surprised by how much you learn—and earn—along the way. The energy of the nightlife, the friendly faces, the extra income, and the spontaneous moments all make bartending an adventure worth checking out.

Comments, Stories, and Questions

I always like hearing how people find their way into bartending as a side gig or any surprising lessons they stumble upon in the process. Drop your questions or stories below, and feel free to share tips or feedback. It’s a community that learns best from honest advice and firsthand experience.