How Much Do Bartenders Make in New Jersey?
In the New York–Newark–Jersey City area, bartenders earned a mean of $27.91 an hour ($58,050 a year) in May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — well above the national median of $15.15 an hour. BLS wage figures include tips.
Bartender pay by New Jersey area
Mean wages for bartenders, May 2023 (latest BLS area data verified for this page).
| Metro area | Bartender jobs | Mean hourly | Mean yearly |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York–Newark–Jersey City (NY-NJ-PA) | 31,670 | $27.91 | $58,050 |
| Atlantic City–Hammonton (NJ) | 1,890 | $21.28 | $44,270 |
| Ocean City (NJ) | 620 | $20.81 | $43,290 |
| Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington (PA-NJ-DE-MD) | 13,000 | $16.87 | $35,090 |
| United States (median) | — | $15.15 | $31,510 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Bartenders (35-3011), May 2023. Famous Bartending School's locations in Newark, Wayne and Woodbridge are in the New York–Newark–Jersey City area.
What affects how much you make
- Where you work in the state: North Jersey bars in the NYC metro area pay far more on average than South Jersey (see table).
- The venue: busy bars, clubs, hotels and event venues generate more tips than quiet restaurants.
- Your shifts: weekend nights and holidays are the highest-earning shifts.
- The season: summer at the Jersey Shore is peak season for bartenders.
- Speed and skill: bartenders who can handle volume and make drinks accurately get the best shifts.
Most bars won't hire someone without training or experience. Our course gives you unlimited hands-on training behind a real bar so you're ready for those shifts. See what it costs →
Bartender pay in NJ — common questions
Everything you need to know about bartending school in New Jersey
How much do bartenders make in New Jersey?
In the New York–Newark–Jersey City area, bartenders earned a mean of $27.91 an hour ($58,050 a year) in May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. South Jersey pays less: the Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington area averaged $16.87 an hour. BLS wage figures include tips.
How much do bartenders make per shift in NJ?
In our experience, NJ bartenders typically earn $150–$300 per shift including tips. It depends on the venue, the night of the week and the season — weekend nights, holidays and summer at the shore pay the most.
Can you make $1,000 a week bartending in NJ?
It's possible, but it depends on where and when you work. At $150–$300 per shift, 4–5 busy shifts a week at a high-volume bar, club or event venue can reach $1,000. New bartenders usually start at the lower end and earn more as they move to busier venues.
How do you get a bartending job in NJ with no experience?
Get hands-on training first — most bars won't hire someone who has never worked a bar. Bartending school gives you real-bar practice and a certificate, and our job placement team starts helping the day you graduate: partner NJ bars send us their bartender openings, and 99.9% of graduates are placed.
How old do you have to be to bartend in New Jersey?
18. New Jersey's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control says no one under 18 may be employed to work on licensed premises that serve alcohol. Some supervisory or management roles may require you to be 21 or older.
Related: How to become a bartender in NJ · Do you need a license to bartend in NJ? · Bartender training · Locations