Bartending: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for aspiring hospitality professionals, this program equips learners with the practical and managerial expertise needed to excel in beverage service environments. Students gain comprehensive training in crafting drinks, overseeing bar operations, and navigating the regulatory landscape of the service industry.
- Mixology: Master the art and science of creating signature cocktails, including ingredient pairing, flavor balancing, and presentation techniques.
- Oenology: Develop knowledge of wine selection, tasting protocols, storage conditions, and pairing strategies for diverse culinary and guest preferences.
- Accounting and Cash Management: Learn accurate handling of daily transactions, reconciliation procedures, and financial reporting specific to bar operations.
- Inventory and Cellar Management: Gain skills in tracking stock levels, minimizing waste, organizing storage systems, and maintaining optimal conditions for spirits and wine.
- Bar and Lounge Management: Understand operational workflows, staff scheduling, equipment maintenance, and creating a welcoming, efficient service environment.
- Applicable Laws and Regulations: Study state and federal rules governing alcohol service, including licensing requirements, responsible serving practices, and compliance protocols.
- Customer Service Excellence: Cultivate interpersonal skills to deliver personalized, professional, and memorable guest experiences across diverse clientele.
- Labor and Employment Regulations: Become familiar with workplace standards, employee rights, safety protocols, and legal responsibilities for supervisory roles.
Bartending Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Bartending Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Bartending degrees, including Bartenders. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 745,610 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartenders 35-3011 | $33,530 | $19,930 - $71,920 | 745,610 | $16.12 |
Bartending Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $18,390 in South Carolina to $68,820 in Hawaii—a 274% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, New York, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 745,610 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Bartending by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 7 institutions offering Bartending programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Bartending is found at NUC University (NUC) (179 graduates), Crescent City Bartending School (26 graduates), IVAEM College (15 graduates), Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Carolina), Carolina Campus (9 graduates), and Puerto Rico Advance Institute (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 237 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUC University (NUC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
179 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | nuc.edu |
| Crescent City Bartending School |
Other Award
|
26 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | crescent.edu |
| IVAEM College |
Other Award
|
15 | Caguas, Puerto Rico | Private | ivaempr.com |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Carolina) |
Other Award
|
9 | Carolina, Puerto Rico | Private | uagm.edu |
| Puerto Rico Advance Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | prai2010.com |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Residency
|
3 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College |
Other Award
|
1 | North Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | uaptc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Bartending programs
How much can I earn with a Bartending degree?
Salaries for Bartending graduates vary by role and location. Bartenders earn a median of $33,530 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $68,820 compared to $18,390 in South Carolina. Approximately 745,610 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Bartending programs?
Currently 7 accredited institutions offer Bartending degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include NUC University (NUC) (179 graduates), Crescent City Bartending School (26 graduates), and IVAEM College (15 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Bartending growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,617 in 2010 to a peak of 247 in 2020, before declining slightly to 237 in 2023-24. This represents a 85% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Bartending degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Bartenders. Related occupations employ approximately 745,610 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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