Bartending Business Schools in the U.S.

Bartending schools (as well as culinary schools that offer beverage management courses) offer certificate programs that cover the essentials of becoming an efficient bartender. Combined with experience, a bartending certificate shows employers you have what it takes to run an efficient bar.

Bartender school teaches you the essentials of working behind the bar, including how to prepare drinks, interact with customers, stock the bar, and adhere to state and local laws. In addition to teaching drink recipes, bartending school gives you skills in bar and beverage management and prepares you for the administrative side of the bartending business. As a bartender, you may be responsible for tracking inventory, scheduling other staff, or monitoring profit margins. Courses in beverage management or accounting can help.

What Bartending Degrees Are Available?

Most bartending school programs lead to a bartending certificate. Bartending certificate programs can often be completed in as little as 2 weeks and give students a crash course in drink mixing, customer relations, and the legalities surrounding alcohol. Some culinary schools offer more comprehensive wine and beverage certificates that take several months to complete and cover more advanced skills such as wine pairings or bar management.

How Much Do Bartending Programs Generally Cost?

The cost of bartending certificate programs vary by school, but financing options and financial aid are usually available. Basic, two-week programs generally cost between $300 and $600, and students can create a payment plan that lets them pay in installments. More in-depth bar management, mixology, and wine certificate programs from culinary schools are pricier, with tuition costing up to $12,000 per semester. However, financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study options.

What Career Skills Are Essential for Bartenders?

Bartenders must have great people skills, work well under pressure, and know how to multi-task. Bar managers should be able to maintain professionalism in a recreational work environment and manage demanding--and occasionally unruly--customers.

What Career Options Are Available for Bartenders?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the food and beverage industry is expected to grow by 10 percent from 2008 to 2018 with an estimated 41,000 new bartending jobs created. Bartending jobs exist anywhere that serves alcohol, from neighborhood pubs to hotels, restaurants, and ball parks. The BLS reports that in 2008, the vast majority of bartenders were employed by either restaurants or drinking establishments, including bars, lounges, and clubs.

What Are the Top Culinary Cities around the Country?

New York, New Orleans, and San Francisco used to be the ultimate foodie cities--and they still have a lot to offer--but today dozens of other American cities have developed a thriving restaurant scene. Among them, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Las Vegas are now known for their innovative cuisines and top-notch restaurants. And of course, no great restaurant is complete without a great bar. Bartenders are also in high demand in tourist destinations, and they earn the highest average salaries in Hawaii (according to the BLS).

What Are the Average Salaries of Bartending School Grads?

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for bartenders was $17,770, with the top 10 percent earning approximately $31,060 per year. Food service managers--including beverage managers--earned a median annual wage of $46,320 in 2008, meaning earning a degree in beverage management can significantly boost your earning potential.

In general, bartenders at high-end restaurants earn the most money, and graduates of bartending schools may have an edge over others for these competitive positions.

Is Bartending School Really Necessary?

If you want to make a career out of bartending, Bartending school can give you the breadth of knowledge you need to work at the best bars and restaurants. When you're up against dozens of other candidates for a competitive position, education and experience is a powerful combination that can give you a leg up on the competition.