Wages
	Total Employed	Average Hourly Wage	Average Annual Wage
Indiana	8,060	$6.67	$13,870
Gary	980	$6.12	$12,740
Indianapolis	2,520	$6.70	$13,930
Evansville	300	$6.72	$13,980
National	358,450	$6.52	$13,560

Nationally, half of all people employed in this group earn between $12,280 and $16,460 each year.

Employment

Nationally, about 404,000 bartenders work in this medium-sized occupation. Jobs for bartenders are located throughout the country. However, most jobs are found in large cities and tourist areas. Vacation resorts offer seasonal employment. Major Employers: Restaurants Bars Hotels Country clubs

Outlook

National

Nationally, employment of bartenders is expected to experience little or no growth through 2008. Growth will be slow because people are drinking less alcohol at bars and restaurants. It is unlikely, however, that the number of bars and taverns will decrease anytime soon. Thus the number of jobs should hold steady. The turnover (workers moving to other jobs) rate for bartenders is high, which creates many openings. Competition for bartender jobs is strongest in fine restaurants, where earnings from tips are greatest.

Getting Hired

Employers prefer to hire people who are 25 or older. They prefer bartenders who have a neat, clean appearance and a courteous, outgoing manner. Many employers prefer high school graduates.

Job Advancement

Opportunities for advancement are limited. With experience, a bartender may find employment in a large restaurant or cocktail lounge where the pay is higher. A few may earn promotions to head bartender, wine steward, or beverage manager. Some bartenders open their own businesses. RELATED OCCUPATIONS Counter Attendants Hosts and Hostesses Waiters and Waitresses RELATED EDUCATION PROGRAMS Food Service