Barback Job Description Template
Barbacks are essential support staff who ensure bartenders have everything they need to serve guests efficiently. They handle the physical work of stocking, cleaning, and restocking so bartenders can focus on crafting drinks and engaging with customers.
At a Glance
- Certification Required
- Recommended but not required
- Training Time
- Varies
- Pay Range
- $28,000-38,000/year
- Pay Structures
- Hourly + Tip-Out, Hourly Only, Tip Pool Share
What Does a Barback Do?
A barback keeps the bar running smoothly by restocking bottles, ice, and glassware, changing kegs, cleaning workstations, and assisting with bar prep. They anticipate bartender needs and work behind the scenes to maintain bar operations during service.
Barback Duties and Responsibilities
Include these in your job description:
- Stock and replenish liquor, beer, wine, and mixers
- Keep ice bins full throughout service
- Wash, dry, and restock glassware
- Change beer kegs and CO2 tanks
- Prepare garnishes and mixers before service
- Clean bar surfaces, floor mats, and equipment
- Empty trash and recycling regularly
- Assist with inventory counts and organization
- Run food or drinks when needed
- Support bartenders during busy periods
- Break down and clean bar at end of shift
Customize based on your services. Remove duties you don't offer.
Skills and Qualifications
Key requirements to look for in candidates:
Qualifications
- Must be 18 years or older (21 in some states)
- Ability to lift 50+ pounds repeatedly
- Physical stamina for standing and moving throughout shift
- Reliable and punctual
- Strong work ethic and attention to detail
- Team player with positive attitude
- Ability to work in fast-paced environment
- Basic knowledge of bar operations preferred
- Interest in learning bartending skills
- Flexible schedule including nights and weekends
Barback License & Certification Requirements
Certifications to verify when hiring:
Recommended (Not Required)
RBS Certification (California)Optional
May be required depending on state and whether the barback handles or pours any alcohol.
Food Handler CardOptional
Often required for handling garnishes, ice, and any food items.
Always verify certifications before hiring. Employing unlicensed staff for roles requiring certification can expose your business to fines and liability.
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Barback Salary Guide
Use these ranges to set competitive pay and attract talent:
| Level | Hourly Rate | Tips | Total Comp | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $12-15/hr | $30-75/shift (tip-out) | $28,000-38,000/year | Casual bars, restaurants, starting position |
| Experienced | $14-18/hr | $50-120/shift (tip-out) | $35,000-48,000/year | Busy venues, proven reliability |
| Lead Barback | $16-20/hr | $75-150/shift (tip-out) | $42,000-55,000/year | Training responsibilities, high-volume venues |
These are estimated ranges based on industry data. Actual compensation varies by location, establishment type, and experience.
Posting salary in your job description increases applications by 30%+ compared to "DOE" or unlisted pay.
Disclaimer: Salary ranges are estimates based on industry data and may vary by employer, experience, and location. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as guaranteed compensation figures.
Pay Structure Options
Choose the right compensation model for your business:
Hourly + Tip-Out
Base hourly wage plus a percentage of bartender tips, typically 10-20% of the tip pool.
Pros:
- + Participation in tip income
- + Motivation to support bartenders
- + Better earnings at busy venues
Cons:
- - Tip-out varies by night and bartenders
- - Less than bartender earnings
- - Dependent on overall bar performance
Hourly Only
Fixed hourly rate with no tip participation.
Pros:
- + Predictable income
- + Simple pay structure
- + No dependency on tip variance
Cons:
- - Lower total earnings potential
- - Less motivation during busy periods
- - May feel disconnected from team success
Tip Pool Share
Equal share of tip pool with other support staff (bussers, barbacks).
Pros:
- + Fair distribution among support staff
- + Encourages teamwork
- + Consistent percentage
Cons:
- - May feel unfair based on workload
- - Less direct reward for hard work
- - Complex pool calculations
Copy-Paste Barback Job Description Template
**Job Title:** Barback **Location:** [City, State] **Employment Type:** [Full-time/Part-time] **About Us:** [Insert 2-3 sentences about your establishment and culture.] **Position Overview:** We're looking for a hardworking barback to support our bartending team. This is an excellent entry point into the bar industry with opportunities to learn and advance. **Responsibilities:** - Stock and replenish bar supplies throughout service - Maintain clean and organized bar area - Keep ice wells full and glassware stocked - Change kegs and assist with inventory - Prepare garnishes and mixers - Support bartenders during busy periods - Break down and clean bar at close **Requirements:** - Must be 18+ years old - Ability to lift 50+ pounds - Physical stamina for demanding work - Reliable and punctual - Positive attitude and team player - Flexible schedule including nights/weekends - No experience required - will train **Compensation:** - $[X]-$[X]/hour + tip-out - Average tip-out: $[X]-$[X]/shift - [Benefits if applicable] **Growth Opportunity:** We promote from within! Many of our bartenders started as barbacks. We'll train you on cocktails and bar operations as you develop. **To Apply:** [Application instructions]
Customize the bracketed sections [like this] for your business before posting.
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Hiring Tips
Best practices for evaluating and hiring candidates:
- Look for reliability and work ethic over experience
- Ask about physical job experience and stamina
- Emphasize growth opportunities into bartending
- Test problem-solving with scenario questions
- Check references for punctuality and reliability
- Consider personality fit with your bartending team
- Assess their interest in learning the craft
- Be clear about physical demands of the role