How to Become a Bartender in Denver

No experience needed to start. Here’s the real path to your first shift in Denver — and how to get discovered once you’re ready.

Build your free profile →

The fast path

  1. Learn the basics. Take a short bartending course or start as a barback in a busy Denver bar — both teach you the craft fast.
  2. Get certified. Grab your alcohol-service certification (TIPS or your local equivalent). Quick, cheap, and venues expect it.
  3. Get real reps. Work the volume — speed and consistency behind a real bar are what get you hired and tipped.
  4. Get discovered. Build a profile that shows your work and personality so Denver venues find and book you directly.

Where to start in Denver

These are the busiest nightlife pockets — where the shifts (and the tips) are:

● LIVE ON STARTENDER

9 bartender gigs open right now in Denver

Real openings at real venues, newest first. Tap any gig to apply right here on startender.app — your STARCARD goes with every application.

PPunch Bowl Social
Bartender NEW
Punch Bowl Social
Bartender📍 DenverOpen to discussion

Punch Bowl Social seeks charismatic bartenders to join their team. This role is ideal for skilled mixologists who thrive in a fast-paced environment. Competitive perks are offered to top talent.

Apply now → 1 day ago
LLinger
Bartender
Linger
Bartender📍 DenverOpen to discussion

Linger serves globally-inspired street food. They need a skilled and charismatic bartender to join their team. Competitive pay and opportunities await a talented mixologist.

Apply now → 5 days ago
HHillstone
Service Bartender
Hillstone
Bartender📍 Denver$35–$40/hr

Hillstone seeks a friendly and motivated Service Bartender to join their team in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Compensation ranges from $35-40/hr with benefits including medical, dental, and life insurance. Part-time and full-time positions available with opportunities for professional growth.

Apply now → 6 days ago
TThe Westin Denver International Airport
Bartender
The Westin Denver International Airport
Bartender📍 DenverOpen to discussion

Upscale venue seeks a skilled bartender to craft precise drinks and maintain a clean bar environment. Attention to detail and strong communication skills are required. Opportunities to work with wine and champagne are available.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
TTamayo
Bartender
Tamayo
Bartender📍 DenverOpen to discussion

Tamayo is a vibrant culinary destination seeking a skilled bartender to join their team. This role requires a charismatic and experienced professional. Competitive pay and opportunities for advancement are offered.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
HHappy Hospitality
Happy Camper Denver- Bartender
Happy Hospitality
Bartender📍 Denver$25–$35/hr

Happy Camper Denver seeks a self-motivated bartender to join their vibrant team. The ideal candidate enjoys a dynamic work environment and is willing to take initiative. They'll pour craft drinks and create a lively atmosphere in a unique, art-inspired space.

Apply now → 4 wks ago
BBrothers Bar & Grill, The Shops at Northfield
Bartender - Brothers Bar & Grill, The Shops at Northfied
Brothers Bar & Grill, The Shops at Northfield
Bartender📍 DenverOpen to discussion

Brothers Bar & Grill in Denver seeks charismatic bartenders. Immediate openings available for skilled mixologists. Competitive pay and perks offered.

Apply now → 5 wks ago
BBarcelona Wine Bar
Bartender-Denver South
Barcelona Wine Bar
Bartender📍 DenverOpen to discussion

Upscale bar in Denver's south side seeks a charismatic bartender with top-notch communication skills. The ideal candidate is friendly and outgoing, able to provide exceptional service. Excellent communication skills are a must.

Apply now → 8 wks ago
BBarcelona Wine Bar-RiNo
Bartender-RiNo
Barcelona Wine Bar-RiNo
Bartender📍 DenverOpen to discussion

Upscale bar in RiNo seeks a charismatic bartender with top-notch communication skills. This role requires a friendly and outgoing personality to deliver exceptional service. Excellent communication is key.

Apply now → 19 wks ago

What you’ll make

Denver nightlife centers on LoDo and RiNo, where breweries, clubs and cocktail bars drive steady demand. Plan around roughly $160–$340 on a strong night with tips.

Get discovered

Once you’re ready, Startender gets you in front of the venues actually hiring. It’s a private, invite-only network where Denver bars and clubs find and book bartenders directly — free for talent. Build a profile that works like a portfolio and get found.

There are 9 bartender gigs open in Denver right now — get discovered for them.

Build your free profile →

FAQ

How long does it take to become a bartender in Denver?
Most people can start in a few weeks. A bartending course runs 1–2 weeks; many Denver bars also train barbacks on the job and promote them. The real timeline depends on how fast you get reps behind a busy bar.
Do you need a license or certification to bartend in Denver?
You typically need an alcohol-service certification (like TIPS or your state/local equivalent) — it’s quick and inexpensive. Beyond that, Denver venues care most about speed, reliability and real experience.
Can you bartend in Denver with no experience?
Yes — most pros start as a barback, learn the bar, and move up. Pair that with a course or certification and a profile that shows you’re ready, and you can land your first shift fast.
How much do bartenders make in Denver?
Denver nightlife centers on LoDo and RiNo, where breweries, clubs and cocktail bars drive steady demand. Plan around roughly $160–$340 on a strong night with tips.

Startender — the private network for nightlife pros. Bartender jobs in Denver →