StartenderStartender

How to Become a Bartender in Portland

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

Where to start in PDX

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

● LIVE ON STARTENDER

36 bartender gigs open right now in PDX

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

TTop Burmese
Server/Bartender NEW
Top Burmese
Bartender📍 Portland$17/hr

Top Burmese in NW Portland seeks sales-driven servers and bartenders who can create memorable experiences and drive sales. Confident hospitality professionals with strong product knowledge are a fit. Independent work environment with opportunities to increase check averages.

Apply now → 1 day ago
AAngel Face
Bartender/ Server
Angel Face
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Classic cocktail bar seeking versatile staff with 6 years experience to handle both bartending and serving duties. Health and dental insurance are offered for 3 to 4 shifts per week. Experienced professionals are needed for this unique role.

Apply now → 2 days ago
GGumba
Bartender
Gumba
Bartender📍 Portland$18/hr

Gumba, a fresh pasta restaurant with craft cocktails, seeks a skilled bartender. The ideal candidate is experienced and certified, with a focus on technique and presentation. Part-time position available.

Apply now → 2 days ago
RRounders Bar and Lotto
Bartender
Rounders Bar and Lotto
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Rounders Bar and Lotto seeks a friendly bartender to join their laid-back team. The ideal candidate is quick on their feet and provides top-notch service. Accurate cash handling and responsible alcohol service are a must.

Apply now → 4 days ago
BBar Sprezzatura
All FOH; Server, bartender, barback, runner, busser, host, sommelier
Bar Sprezzatura
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Bar Sprezzatura, a refined cocktail bar in Portland, seeks skilled hospitality professionals for front-of-house roles. Passionate and detail-oriented individuals are desired to join the team. Opportunities include server, bartender, and sommelier positions.

Apply now → 4 days ago
A
BARTENDER
ASYLUM SPIRITS (INSIDE HAWTHORNE ASYLUM)
Bartender📍 Portland$18/hr

Asylum Spirits, a busy bar with 40+ drafts, seeks a skilled bartender with craft cocktail knowledge for Sunday to Tuesday shifts. Mandatory days with opportunities for extra shifts. Experience building cocktails is required.

Apply now → 5 days ago
PPaydirt
Bartender Wanted at Paydirt
Paydirt
Bartender📍 Portland$17/hr

Paydirt, a dedicated drinking establishment, seeks a talented and down-to-earth bartender for 3-4 shifts a week. The ideal candidate is engaging and creative, with a passion for kindness and customer interaction. A fulfilling work environment is offered.

Apply now → 6 days ago
LLULU
Bartender
LULU
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Lulu, a Central Eastside cocktail bar, seeks a skilled bartender with a deep understanding of spirits and cocktails. The ideal candidate crafts unique experiences and intricate drinks with warm hospitality. Expertise and engaging conversation skills are essential.

Apply now → 6 days ago
HHoliday Inn Portland-Airport (I-205) by IHG
Restaurant Bartender / Server
Holiday Inn Portland-Airport (I-205) by IHG
Bartender📍 Portland$17/hr

Energetic and friendly professionals are needed to serve and mix drinks at a hotel restaurant. The ideal candidate enjoys meeting new people and providing exceptional service. Outstanding dining experiences are created for hotel guests and locals.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
TThe Fields Bar & Grill
Barback/Bartender in Training ($26hr w Tips)
The Fields Bar & Grill
Bartender📍 Portland$17/hr

Upscale venue seeks charismatic team player to train as a bartender. $26/hour plus tips, with opportunities to entertain and delight guests. Friendly and outgoing individuals with a passion for hospitality are a good fit.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
DDolly Olive
Bartender | Server
Dolly Olive
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Dolly Olive & Bar Dolly, a collective of restaurants, seeks a versatile team member to handle bartending and serving duties. The ideal candidate is friendly, collaborative, and self-motivated. Passion for great food and hospitality is a must.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
SStraightaway
Bartender/Brand Ambassador
Straightaway
Bartender📍 Portland$20/hr

A Portland-based craft distillery seeks a charismatic bartender to serve as a brand ambassador. This role offers variety, spanning the tasting room, events, and airport bar, with competitive wages and great tips. Medical and dental insurance are also provided.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
T
Bartender/Server
The Sextant Bar & Galley
Bartender📍 Portland$17/hr

The Sextant, a riverside restaurant and bar, seeks a skilled bartender/server with 2 years of experience and excellent customer service skills. A fast-paced environment requires multitasking and clear communication. Reliable transportation is a must.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
LLaurelhurst Market
Bartender
Laurelhurst Market
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Laurelhurst Market, a fine dining steakhouse, seeks an experienced bartender with strong wine and spirits knowledge. The role involves working a 4-day schedule, Saturday to Tuesday, and providing top-notch service to a 10-seat bar. Industry professionals with a passion for fine dining are preferred.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
TTakibi
FT Lead Bartender
Takibi
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Upscale bar seeking a skilled Lead Bartender with sake knowledge to manage daily operations and craft seasonal cocktail menus. A team player with strong customer service skills is desired. Seasonal menu creation is a key responsibility.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
KKingPins Family Entertainment Center
Part-Time Bartender
KingPins Family Entertainment Center
Bartender📍 Portland$17/hr

KingPins Portland's TapHouse Bar & Grill seeks a skilled part-time bartender to craft cocktails and serve exceptional food and beverage. The ideal candidate is charismatic and able to create memorable experiences. Pay is $16.80 per hour plus tips.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
MMarathon Taverna
Bartender Wanted- Dive/Sports Bar
Marathon Taverna
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Laid-back dive/sports bar seeks a reliable bartender with 30 hours of work per week. The ideal candidate is fast, friendly, and confident in a high-volume setting. A team player with solid customer service skills is a must.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
TTHE END
Bartender
THE END
Bartender📍 Portland$17/hr

The End, a neighborhood cocktail bar, seeks a charismatic bartender with strong cocktail knowledge and a team-first mindset. The ideal candidate provides engaging, attentive service with attention to detail. Great service and a collaborative environment are top priorities.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
CCampana
Bartender
Campana
Bartender📍 Portland$17/hr

Campana seeks a skilled bartender for part-time weekend nights. Wine knowledge and barista experience are a plus. Paid hourly with tips and perks like paid vacation accrual.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
SShort Round / Crying Tigers
Server - Bartender
Short Round / Crying Tigers
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Short Round is a laid-back Vietnamese and Thai street food spot seeking a friendly server. The ideal candidate is reliable and skilled at providing great guest experiences. Valid OLCC certification is required.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
P
Part-time Bartender
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Join a Portland bar team as a part-time bartender with lottery operations experience. A skilled and customer-focused individual is needed to mix drinks and manage sales. Reliable and friendly candidates are preferred.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
F
Full Time Bartender
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

A craft cocktail bar in Kenton seeks a skilled bartender to create classic and house drinks. The ideal candidate is passionate about craft cocktails and building genuine connections. A solid crew and opportunities for cocktail development await.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
OO'Dear Bar & Grill
Bartender
O'Dear Bar & Grill
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

O Dear Bar and 2nd St Bar seek a skilled and energetic bartender with current OLCC and food handlers certifications. The ideal candidate is friendly, enthusiastic, and highly motivated. Full-time and part-time positions are available with flexible shifts.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
TTwilight Room
Morning/Daytime bartender
Twilight Room
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

The Twilight Room seeks an experienced bartender with 5+ years of experience for morning/daytime shifts. The ideal candidate is comfortable in a fast-paced environment and able to work independently. Reliable and physically capable individuals are preferred.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
SSpitz - Portland - Restaurant | Bar - Mediterranean Food & More - Dine-In or Outdoor Dinning
Bartender/FOH
Spitz - Portland - Restaurant | Bar - Mediterranean Food & More - Dine-In or Outdoor Dinning
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Spitz, a fast casual counter service bar and restaurant in Portland, seeks a versatile Front of House team member with previous experience. Prior bartending experience is a plus, but not required. The right attitude is key in this dynamic environment.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
BBamboo Sushi - Bend
Bartender
Bamboo Sushi - Bend
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Bamboo Sushi seeks a skilled bartender to join their purpose-driven team. This role requires a charismatic and attentive individual. Competitive pay and opportunities for growth are offered.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
S
SERVER / BARTENDER
Bartender📍 Portland$17/hr

Family establishment in SW Hills Portland seeks an experienced server who can thrive in a fast-paced environment. $16.80/hour plus tips and opportunities for extra shifts. Reliable transportation required.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
PPal’s
Bartender
Pal’s
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Pal's at Tomahawk Bay Marina, a waterfront neighborhood hub, seeks a skilled bartender to join their team. This role is ideal for someone with a laid-back, Pacific Northwest vibe who can craft delicious cocktails. Full-time and part-time positions are available.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
CCambria Hotel Portland - Pearl District
Bartender
Cambria Hotel Portland - Pearl District
Bartender📍 Portland$18/hr

Upscale hotel seeking a charismatic bartender to craft expert cocktails and provide top-notch service. A friendly ambassador with city knowledge is desired. Unforgettable guest experiences are the goal.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
BBradford's Sports Lounge
Bartender
Bradford's Sports Lounge
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Bradford's Sports Lounge seeks a skilled bartender with a passion for craft cocktails and excellent customer service skills. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and is a team player. Competitive opportunity for a collaborative and skilled professional.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
AAFURI Slabtown
Server/Bartender
AFURI Slabtown
Bartender📍 Portland$17/hr

AFURI Slabtown seeks experienced servers and bartenders with 3+ years of full-service experience. Japanese restaurant experience is a plus. The ideal candidate is a team player who prioritizes guest service and product quality.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
BBoundary Social Club
Private Social Club Server/Bartender
Boundary Social Club
Bartender📍 Portland$17/hr

Boundary, a private social club for wine and spirits enthusiasts, seeks a skilled server with bartending experience. The ideal candidate provides exceptional member experiences and crafts innovative drinks. Compensation includes $17/hr plus excellent tips.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
BBar Mame
Bartender
Bar Mame
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Bar Mame, a detail-oriented bar in Portland's Hawthorne district, seeks a part-time bartender for Friday and Saturday nights. The ideal candidate is punctual and a team player, able to work both front and back of house. A passion for good drinks and service is a must.

Apply now → 3 wks ago
JJake's Crawfish
Bartender
Jake's Crawfish
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion
Apply now → 4 wks ago
BBicho’s
Bartender - Bicho’s
Bicho’s
Bartender📍 PortlandOpen to discussion

Bicho's, a Salvadoran and Mexican restaurant, seeks a skilled bartender to elevate the guest experience. The ideal candidate is efficient and provides excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment. Quality and consistency are key.

Apply now → 4 wks ago
CChart House
Bartender (Upscale / Fine Dining)
Chart House
Bartender📍 PortlandInquire for pay

Bartender job at Chart House in Portland.

Apply now → 9 wks ago

What you’ll make

Portland’s bar culture is dense and neighborhood-driven — the Pearl and SE Division keep cocktail bars and taprooms busy most nights. Plan around roughly $160–$330 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 Portland bars and clubs find and book bartenders directly — free for talent. Build a profile that works like a portfolio and get found.

There are 36 bartender gigs open in PDX right now — get discovered for them.

Build your free profile →

FAQ

How long does it take to become a bartender in Portland?
Most people can start in a few weeks. A bartending course runs 1–2 weeks; many Portland 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 Portland?
You typically need an alcohol-service certification (like TIPS or your state/local equivalent) — it’s quick and inexpensive. Beyond that, Portland venues care most about speed, reliability and real experience.
Can you bartend in Portland 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 Portland?
Portland’s bar culture is dense and neighborhood-driven — the Pearl and SE Division keep cocktail bars and taprooms busy most nights. Plan around roughly $160–$330 on a strong night with tips.

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