How to Become a Bartender in Los Angeles

No experience needed to start. Here’s the real path to your first shift in LA — 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 LA 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 LA venues find and book you directly.

Where to start in LA

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

● LIVE ON STARTENDER

10 bartender gigs open right now in LA

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

ZZinc Café & Market
Bartenders
Zinc Café & Market
Bartender📍 Los AngelesOpen to discussion

Zinc seeks charismatic team players to join their staff. They want individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment. Competitive candidates have a strong work ethic and excellent communication skills.

Apply now → 2 days ago
JJWMarriott/Ritz-Carlton LALIVE
Bartender
JWMarriott/Ritz-Carlton LALIVE
Bartender📍 Los AngelesOpen to discussion

Upscale bar seeking a skilled bartender to craft precise drinks and maintain a clean, organized space. Attention to detail and anticipation of guest needs are key. A focus on freshness and presentation is required.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
KKassi at Hotel Irwin
BARTENDER $25 hour
Kassi at Hotel Irwin
Bartender📍 VeniceOpen to discussion

Erwin Hotel in Venice Beach seeks a skilled bartender for its Kassi Lobby. $25 hourly rate offered. Experienced professionals with a passion for mixology are preferred.

Apply now → 7 wks ago
BBar Shishi
Daytime Bartender/Host
Bar Shishi
Bartender📍 Los Angeles$25/hr

Bar Shishi, a Tokyo-inspired speakeasy, seeks a skilled daytime bartender with a passion for mixology and excellent customer service skills. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments and can provide top-notch service. Experience with precision-style bartending is a plus.

Apply now → 8 wks ago
LLady Delilah
Bartender
Lady Delilah
Bartender📍 Los Angeles$11.35/hr

Lady Delilah, a lavish nightlife venue, seeks experienced bartenders with a passion for mixology and excellent customer service skills. The ideal candidate has 2 years of high-volume experience and can thrive in a fast-paced environment. Strong knowledge of drink preparation is required.

Apply now → 10 wks ago
LLady Delilah
Lead Bartender
Lady Delilah
Bartender📍 Los AngelesOpen to discussion

Upscale nightlife company seeks a talented Lead Bartender for Lady Delilah in New York City. The ideal candidate is energetic, professional, and skilled at multitasking. Excellent customer service and beverage quality are expected in this fast-paced environment.

Apply now → 12 wks ago
BBar Shishi
Bartender
Bar Shishi
Bartender📍 Los AngelesOpen to discussion

Bartender job at Bar Shishi (Coming Soon to Miami Beach) in Miami.

Apply now → 12 wks ago
PPouring With Heart
PWH - Bartender
Pouring With Heart
Bartender📍 Los Angeles$25–$35/hr

Las Perlas in Los Angeles seeks a skilled Bartender with 3+ years of experience to deliver exceptional guest experiences. The ideal candidate has a people-first mindset and balance of technical skill and creativity. Competitive wage of $25-$35+ with tips is offered.

Apply now → 17 wks ago
IInvited (ClubCorp)
Bartender
Invited (ClubCorp)
Bartender📍 Los AngelesOpen to discussion

Bartender job at Invited (ClubCorp) in Los Angeles.

Apply now → 17 wks ago
FFixins Soul Kitchen
Bartenders
Fixins Soul Kitchen
Bartender📍 Los AngelesOpen to discussion

Upscale bar seeking a bartender with deep spirits and cocktail knowledge who can execute flawlessly under pressure. You'll craft exceptional drinks for discerning guests while delivering the precision service this environment demands.

Apply now → 19 wks ago

What you’ll make

LA spreads its nightlife across neighborhoods, so the best money follows the busiest rooms — Hollywood clubs, WeHo bars and event work. Plan around roughly $200–$420 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 Los Angeles bars and clubs find and book bartenders directly — free for talent. Build a profile that works like a portfolio and get found.

There are 10 bartender gigs open in LA right now — get discovered for them.

Build your free profile →

FAQ

How long does it take to become a bartender in Los Angeles?
Most people can start in a few weeks. A bartending course runs 1–2 weeks; many Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
You typically need an alcohol-service certification (like TIPS or your state/local equivalent) — it’s quick and inexpensive. Beyond that, Los Angeles venues care most about speed, reliability and real experience.
Can you bartend in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
LA spreads its nightlife across neighborhoods, so the best money follows the busiest rooms — Hollywood clubs, WeHo bars and event work. Plan around roughly $200–$420 on a strong night with tips.

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