StartenderStartender

How to Become a Bartender in New Orleans

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

Where to start in New Orleans

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

● LIVE ON STARTENDER

22 bartender gigs open right now in New Orleans

Real openings at real venues, newest first. Applying takes one tap in the app — your STARCARD goes straight to the venue.

TTandem Hospitality Group
Bartender
Tandem Hospitality Group
Bartender📍 New Orleans$12/hr

Upscale bar seeks a skilled bartender to craft signature cocktails and provide exceptional service. The ideal candidate is knowledgeable about local craft beers and wines. Excellent communication skills are required to interact with customers and make personalized recommendations.

Apply now → 6 days ago
HHolywater
Bartender
Holywater
Bartender📍 New Orleans$2/hr

Holywater NOLA, a high-end dining and events destination in New Orleans, seeks a skilled Bartender with high-volume experience. The ideal candidate is a team player who can deliver exceptional guest experiences. Industry-leading tips are available for top performers.

Apply now → 6 days ago
HHouse of Blues
Music Hall Bartender House of Blues New Orleans
House of Blues
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion
Apply now → 1 wk ago
SSaba
Bartender
Saba
Bartender📍 New Orleans$8/hr

Saba, a modern Israeli restaurant in New Orleans' Uptown neighborhood, seeks a skilled bartender to craft creative cocktails. The ideal candidate is charismatic and knowledgeable about mixology. Competitive pay and opportunities for growth are offered.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
DDistrict Lounge
BARTENDER — APPLY NOW
District Lounge
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion
Apply now → 1 wk ago
AASM Global
Bartender, Concessions - Caesars Superdome
ASM Global
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion
Apply now → 1 wk ago
AASM Global
Bartender, Premium - Smoothie King Arena
ASM Global
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion
Apply now → 1 wk ago
BBon Ton Prime Rib
Bartender
Bon Ton Prime Rib
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion

Bon Ton Prime Rib, a historic New Orleans restaurant, seeks a skilled bartender to deliver classic cocktails in a fine dining setting. The ideal candidate is a team player with a passion for timeless classics. Monday to Friday interviews are held at the location.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
AASM Global
Bartender
ASM Global
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion
Apply now → 1 wk ago
MMuriel's Jackson Square Bistro
Bartender Wanted
Muriel's Jackson Square Bistro
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion

Muriel's is hiring a bartender to join their team. They're looking for a skilled and available candidate. Apply at info@muriels.com.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
ZZea
Bartender Wanted
Zea
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion

Zea is hiring a skilled bartender to join their team. They're looking for a charismatic and experienced professional. Competitive opportunity in a dynamic venue.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
DDistrict Lounge
Bartender Wanted
District Lounge
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion

District Lounge seeks a skilled bartender with barbacking experience for potential additional shifts. A strong candidate can provide opportunities for extra hours. Experience is a plus.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
CCaesars New Orleans
Bartender Apprentice, Nobu (Caesars New Orleans)
Caesars New Orleans
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion

Nobu at Caesars New Orleans seeks a detail-oriented team player to assist with drink orders and bar maintenance. This apprentice role requires a focus on customer service and maintaining high standards. A clean and stocked bar is a top priority.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
HHillstone
Service Bartender
Hillstone
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion
Apply now → 3 wks ago
HHouse of Blues
Restaurant Bartender House of Blues New Orleans
House of Blues
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion
Apply now → 3 wks ago
HHotel Indigo New Orleans
Bartender
Hotel Indigo New Orleans
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion
Apply now → 3 wks ago
CCaesars New Orleans
Bartender, Emeril's Kitchen (Caesars New Orleans)
Caesars New Orleans
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion

Emeril's Kitchen at Caesars New Orleans seeks a skilled bartender to provide top-notch service. The ideal candidate is friendly and skilled in crafting exceptional drinks. Excellent service skills are a must.

Apply now → 6 wks ago
BBourbon Orleans Hotel
Bartender - Beverage 1
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion

Bartender job at Bourbon Orleans Hotel in New Orleans.

Apply now → 6 wks ago
JJolie
Bartender
Jolie
Bartender📍 New OrleansInquire for pay

Bartender job at Jolie in New Orleans.

Apply now → 8 wks ago
QQ&C Hotel and Bar New Orleans, Autograph Collection
Bartender
Q&C Hotel and Bar New Orleans, Autograph Collection
Bartender📍 New Orleans$10.00 per hour plus tips

Bartender job at Q&C Hotel and Bar New Orleans, Autograph Collection in New Orleans.

Apply now → 8 wks ago
CCaesars New Orleans
Bartender, Casino Bars (Caesars New Orleans)
Caesars New Orleans
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion

Bartender job at Caesars New Orleans in New Orleans.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
CCaesars New Orleans
Bartender, Part Time - Manning's Sports Bar (Caesars New Orleans)
Caesars New Orleans
Bartender📍 New OrleansOpen to discussion

Bartender job at Caesars New Orleans in New Orleans.

Apply now → 11 wks ago

What you’ll make

New Orleans runs on its bars — the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street stay busy nightly, and festival season spikes demand. Plan around roughly $150–$350 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 New Orleans bars and clubs find and book bartenders directly — free for talent. Build a profile that works like a portfolio and get found.

There are 22 bartender gigs open in New Orleans right now — get discovered for them.

Build your free profile →

FAQ

How long does it take to become a bartender in New Orleans?
Most people can start in a few weeks. A bartending course runs 1–2 weeks; many New Orleans 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 New Orleans?
You typically need an alcohol-service certification (like TIPS or your state/local equivalent) — it’s quick and inexpensive. Beyond that, New Orleans venues care most about speed, reliability and real experience.
Can you bartend in New Orleans 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 New Orleans?
New Orleans runs on its bars — the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street stay busy nightly, and festival season spikes demand. Plan around roughly $150–$350 on a strong night with tips.

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