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How to Become a Bartender in Des Moines

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

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The fast path

  1. Learn the basics. Take a short bartending course or start as a barback in a busy Des Moines 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 Des Moines venues find and book you directly.

Where to start in Des Moines

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

● LIVE ON STARTENDER

3 bartender gigs open right now in Des Moines

Real openings at real venues, newest first. Tap any gig to apply right here on startender.app — your STARCARD goes straight to the venue.

SStepStone Hospitality
Bartender Des Moines, IA NEW
StepStone Hospitality
Bartender📍 Des Moines$15/hr

Upscale hotel bar in Des Moines seeks a skilled and hospitality-driven bartender. The ideal candidate is passionate about crafting memorable experiences through exceptional service and expertly made drinks. A welcoming atmosphere and attention to detail are key.

Apply now → 1 day ago
OOak Park
Bartender
Oak Park
Bartender📍 Des MoinesOpen to discussion
Apply now → 5 wks ago
TTopgolf
Bartender
Topgolf
Bartender📍 West Des MoinesOpen to discussion

Bartender job at Topgolf in West Des Moines.

Apply now → 12 wks ago

What you’ll make

Court Avenue and the East Village carry Des Moines' bar work, with Valley Junction adding a slower neighborhood scene. Plan around roughly $130–$285 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 Des Moines bars and clubs find and book bartenders directly — free for talent. Build a profile that works like a portfolio and get found.

There are 3 bartender gigs open in Des Moines right now — get discovered for them.

Build your free profile →

FAQ

How long does it take to become a bartender in Des Moines?
Most people can start in a few weeks. A bartending course runs 1–2 weeks; many Des Moines 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 Des Moines?
You typically need an alcohol-service certification (like TIPS or your state/local equivalent) — it’s quick and inexpensive. Beyond that, Des Moines venues care most about speed, reliability and real experience.
Can you bartend in Des Moines 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 Des Moines?
Court Avenue and the East Village carry Des Moines' bar work, with Valley Junction adding a slower neighborhood scene. Plan around roughly $130–$285 on a strong night with tips.

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