The median hourly wage (including tips) of bartenders was $8.98 in May 2010. The lowest 10% earned less than $7.60 per hour, and the top 10% earned more than $15.14 per hour.

Bartenders' earnings often come from a combination of hourly wages and customers' tips. Earnings vary greatly, depending on the type of establishment. For example, in many full-service restaurants, tips are higher than wages. Many entry-level or inexperienced workers earn the minimum wage. However, many others earn more per hour because they work in jurisdictions that set minimum wages higher than the minimum.