How much do Barbacks make in Columbus, OH?

Barbacks in Columbus earn $12.00–$15.84 per hour, adjusted for Columbus's cost of living (index: 88). At 40 hours per week, that's roughly $2,411/month gross or $2,107 after estimated taxes. Actual take-home pay varies by filing status, deductions, and state/local taxes. Rates vary by employer, shift timing, and experience.

Can I afford a one-bedroom in Columbus on a Barback salary?

A one-bedroom apartment in Columbus averages $1,200/month, which is about 57% of a full-time Barback's take-home pay ($2,107/month). Housing costs are steep relative to this salary. Many workers share apartments or commute from nearby suburbs.

Are Barback jobs available in Columbus?

Yes — Barback positions are actively hiring in Columbus through a staffing app. Columbus is part of the Columbus area with strong demand in Logistics and Retail. New shifts are posted daily and many are entry-level friendly.

What do I need to work as a Barback in Columbus?

Most Barback positions in Columbus require: Must be 18+ (21+ in some states); Ability to lift 30+ lbs; Comfortable standing for long periods. Key skills employers look for include Speed & efficiency, Physical stamina, Attention to detail. Most employers provide on-the-job training, so prior experience isn't always required.

Is Columbus a good city for Barback work?

Columbus's cost of living is 12% below the national average, and local barback pay generally reflects that adjustment. The Logistics and Retail sectors typically drive demand for barback roles. Lower living costs mean your paycheck goes further here. Download the app to browse current shifts.

How quickly can I start as a Barback in Columbus?

Most workers start within 1-3 days of applying through the app. Download the app, complete your profile, and browse available Barback shifts in Columbus. You can accept shifts directly and start earning immediately.

Hospitality

Columbus, OH

Barback Jobs in Columbus

Temp and flexible barback positions in Columbus pay $12.00-$15.84/hr — 7% below the national average, with a cost of living 12% below the U.S. baseline.

$12-$16

Per Hour

$557

Weekly (40hrs)

Cost Index

EST

Time Zone

Find Barback Shifts Calculate Earnings

Quick Facts

Top Industries in Columbus

Logistics

Retail

Insurance

Hospitality

Monthly Costs

1-Bed Rent$1200

Groceries$310

Transport$75

More about Columbus

About Barback Jobs in Columbus

Barbacks in Columbus earn $12.00-$15.84/hr, below the national average.

Barbacks are essential support staff in bars and restaurants, assisting bartenders by stocking supplies, cleaning glasses, and ensuring the bar runs smoothly during busy service periods.

Most barback positions in Columbus are available as temporary, part-time, or flexible shifts.

Barback Pay: Columbus vs Nearby Cities

City	Hourly Pay	Cost of Living	1-Bed Rent
Columbus, OH	$12–$16/hr	88	$1,200
Chicago, IL	$13–$19/hr	107	$1,700
Cincinnati, OH	$12–$15/hr	84	$1,150
Cleveland, OH	$12–$15/hr	82	$1,000
Detroit, MI	$12–$16/hr	89	$1,050

Worker Proprietary Metric

Worker Affordability Score

Calculated for Barback in Columbus

1.9x

Challenging

Hours to pay rent

54%

Rent / gross income

152

Monthly disposable

7% less affordable than US national average

Data based on BLS OEWS wage data and HUD 2024 fair market rents.

What You’ll Actually Earn in Columbus

Monthly Income (40 hrs/wk)

Gross monthly$2,411

Est. taxes (~22%)-$530

Take-home$1,881

After Essential Costs

1-Bed Rent$1,200

Groceries + transport$385

Remaining$296

Based on avg Barback rate of $13.92/hr at 40 hrs/wk.

Key Responsibilities

Restock bar supplies including glassware, ice, and garnishes
Clean and sanitize bar equipment and glassware
Assist bartenders during rush periods
Maintain cleanliness of bar area
Receive and store deliveries

Skills & Requirements

Key Skills

Speed & efficiency

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Team communication

Organization

Requirements

Must be 18+ (21+ in some states)
Ability to lift 30+ lbs

Earnings Calculator for Columbus

Calculate Your Barback Earningsin Columbus

Hourly Rate$14/hr

$12/hr$15.84/hr

Hours per Week25 hr

5 hr (Part-time)50 hr (Full-time+)

Include tips ($2-$10/hr average)

Weekly

$500

Monthly

$2,165

Yearly

$26,000

Includes ~$150/week in estimated tips

Open Full Pay Calculator

Career Path from Barback

Barback

0-1 years

Bartender

1-3 years

Head Bartender

3-5 years

Bar Manager

5+ years

FAQs: Barback Jobs in Columbus

Where Barbacks Work in Columbus

Columbus has active hiring opportunities for barbacks at these major employers. Compiled from public sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics and company reports.

Ohio Stadium / OSU Events

Hospitality & Dining

hospitality

$14-$26/hr(Indeed)

~280 seasonal hires, 140+ ongoing

Day, Evening, Night, Weekend shifts

Peak hiring: May, June & December

Source: BLS QCEW metro patterns, company careers | Verified: 2026-04-13

Easton Town Center

Hospitality & Dining

hospitality

$14-$26/hr(Indeed)

~280 seasonal hires, 140+ ongoing

Day, Evening, Night, Weekend shifts

Peak hiring: May, June & December

Source: BLS QCEW metro patterns, company careers | Verified: 2026-04-13

Short North Hospitality Group

Hospitality & Dining

hospitality

$14-$26/hr(Indeed)

~280 seasonal hires, 140+ ongoing

Day, Evening, Night, Weekend shifts

Peak hiring: May, June & December

Source: BLS QCEW metro patterns, company careers | Verified: 2026-04-13

Columbus Job Market Snapshot

Top Industries for Barbacks

industrial$17-$23/hr

retail$14-$20/hr

hospitality$14-$26/hr

Best Times to Apply

June - Summer peak hiring

November - Holiday season

March - Spring events & tourism

Major Employment Areas

Metro core & corridorsVaries by submarket

Airport logistics zoneWarehouse & cargo

Healthcare & education clusterHospitals & campuses

Last updated: 2026-04-13

Data Sources & Methodology

The information on this page is compiled from the following sources:

[1]
BLS QCEW — Employment and wage data at state and county level by industry.Visit
[2]
BLS CES — Monthly survey of ~670,000 worksites providing industry-level employment and earnings data.Visit
[3]
Census ACS — Demographic, economic, and housing data for communities.Visit
[4]
Indeed Hiring Lab — Monthly posted-wage data by job title from Indeed job listings.Visit
[5]
MWPVL — Comprehensive database of distribution center and warehouse locations.Visit
[6]
DOL/State Labor Depts — Minimum wage rates, tip credits, licensing requirements, and regulations by state.Visit

Data Freshness

CategoryCost of Living

Last Updated2026-01-15

Next Update2027-01-15

We strive to keep all data accurate and up-to-date. Pay rates may vary based on location, experience, and employer.

About this data

Figures on this page are compiled from the public sources cited above and may be out of date. They are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional career, legal, tax, or financial advice. For the most current pay rates, verify with the original source, a qualified professional, or check the Indeed Flex app directly for real-time shift availability and compensation.

Barback Jobs in Columbus

About Barback Jobs in Columbus

Barback Pay: Columbus vs Nearby Cities

Worker Affordability Score

What You’ll Actually Earn in Columbus

Key Responsibilities

Skills & Requirements

Earnings Calculator for Columbus

Career Path from Barback

FAQs: Barback Jobs in Columbus

Explore More Opportunities

More Jobs in Columbus

Barback in Other Cities

Related Resources

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Where Barbacks Work in Columbus

Columbus Job Market Snapshot

Data Sources & Methodology

Data Freshness

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