How to become a bartender

Becoming a bartender doesn't require an expensive school or years of waiting. It's a clear path: learn the craft, get certified, get a foot in the door, and put yourself in front of the right venues. Here's the whole thing.

Step 1 — Learn the craft

Master the most-ordered drinks, pouring, beer/wine service, and POS basics. Practice at home until it's automatic. Bartending school is optional — useful for confidence and connections, not required to get hired.

Step 2 — Get certified

Get a TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol certification, plus whatever your state requires. Check the rules where you live on our bartending license by state guide.

Step 3 — Get your foot in the door

Barbacking is the fastest, most reliable entry point — you learn the bar and get promoted from the inside. No experience? Here's how to land that first job.

Step 4 — Get in front of venues

Build a profile that shows who you are behind the bar — photos, your drink list, your availability — and put it where bars are looking. On Startender you can make a free profile and get discovered by the best venues in your city.

Step 5 — Level up

Once you're in, chase volume and better rooms — that's where the money and the reputation are. See how bartender pay really works.