Occupation AtlasBartenders

O*NET · 35-3011.00

Bartenders

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

Also called Banquet Bartender · Bar Attendant · Bar Captain · Bar Tender · Barkeep · Barkeeper · Barmaid · Barman
8 more

Bartender · Catering Bartender · Drink Mixer · Event Bartender · Mixologist · Restaurant Bartender · Service Bartender · Taproom Attendant

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Home Health Aides

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCERealistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic4.65
  • C Conventional4.53
  • E Enterprising3.85
  • S Social3.74
  • A Artistic2.30
  • I Investigative1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma37%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent43%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate3%
  • Some College Courses16%
  • Bachelor's Degree1%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (26%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (36%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (38%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • PersuasionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
Show the other 23

Tasks

16 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Collect money for drinks served.Importance 4.8
  2. Clean glasses, utensils, and bar equipment.Importance 4.8
  3. Check identification of customers to verify age requirements for purchase of alcohol.Importance 4.7
  4. Balance cash receipts.Importance 4.7
  5. Clean bars, work areas, and tables.Importance 4.7
  6. 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.Importance 4.6
  7. Take beverage orders from serving staff or directly from patrons.Importance 4.6
  8. Serve wine, and bottled or draft beer.Importance 4.5
  9. Plan, organize, and control the operations of a cocktail lounge or bar.Importance 4.5
  10. Stock bar with beer, wine, liquor, and related supplies such as ice, glassware, napkins, or straws.Importance 4.5
  11. Serve snacks or food items to customers seated at the bar.Importance 4.4
  12. Mix ingredients, such as liquor, soda, water, sugar, and bitters, to prepare cocktails and other drinks.Importance 4.3
Show the other 8
  1. Slice and pit fruit for garnishing drinks.Importance 4.0
  2. Ask customers who become loud and obnoxious to leave, or physically remove them.Importance 3.8
  3. Arrange bottles and glasses to make attractive displays.Importance 3.8
  4. Create drink recipes.Importance 3.4
  5. Supervise the work of bar staff and other bartenders.Importance 4.4
  6. Order or requisition liquors and supplies.Importance 4.1
  7. Plan bar menus.Importance 3.6
  8. Prepare appetizers such as pickles, cheese, and cold meats.Importance 3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.4Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English LanguageImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Education and TrainingImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • MathematicsImportance 3.0Level 2.6
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
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  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Food ProductionImportance 2.5Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.4Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • PsychologyImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.3Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.3Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.1Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • GeographyImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.7Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • ChemistryImportance 1.5Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • DesignImportance 1.4Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • MechanicalImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.4Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • PhysicsImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • BiologyImportance 1.3Level —
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.3Level —
  • TransportationImportance 1.2Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near VisionImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Manual DexterityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
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  • Auditory AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Finger DexterityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • MemorizationImportance 3.0Level 2.8
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.0Level 2.9
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • OriginalityImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.6Level 2.6
  • Control PrecisionImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • StaminaImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • VisualizationImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Static StrengthImportance 2.3Level 2.6
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.3Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.1Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.1Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.8Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Getting InformationImportance 3.7Level 2.6
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.6Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
Show all 41
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.5Level 2.8
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.5Level 2.6
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Organize a work schedule that is repetitive and easy to plan
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 2.6
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.3Level 2.9
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.2Level 2.7
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.2Level 2.6
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Processing InformationImportance 2.9Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.7Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.7Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.8
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.6Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Working with ComputersImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others4.7
  • Spend Time Standing4.6
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.3
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.2
  • Physical Proximity4.1
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.0
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.0
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People3.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate3.9
  • Frequency of Decision Making3.7

Technology

11 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (2)

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Outlook
Other tools (9)
  • AZZ CardFile
  • Compris software
  • Focus point of sale POS software
  • Intuit QuickBooks Point of Sale
  • MICROS Systems HSI Profits Series
  • NCR Advanced Checkout Solution
  • NCR NeighborhoodPOS
  • The General Store
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.