What does a barback do? 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.. Find barback jobs near you with average pay $12-$18/hr, required skills, and career path.
A barback is responsible for 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. 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.
As a barback, you can expect to earn between $12 and $18 per hour depending on experience and location. According to BLS OEWS, May 2024, this role typically requires prior experience. It is generally a Moderate job with Flexible scheduling.
Market rates for a barback range from $12 to $18/hr. A typical barback is responsible for 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. Calculate your exact take-home pay or find current barback openings on Indeed Flex.
To succeed as a Barback, you'll need a mix of hard skills and soft skills. Here are the most important ones:
Here is a typical career progression for a Barback:
Want to see more paths? Check out our Career Path Explorer tool.
Find flexible barback shifts
Get the Indeed Flex app on iOS or Android
Add your skills and verify your right to work
Choose when and where you want to work
Best For: People who want to break into bartending, enjoy physical work, and thrive in high-energy nightlife environments.
Estimate your potential weekly and monthly earnings as a Barback on the app.
Arrive and clock in, check with bartender on special prep needed
Stock ice wells, restock glassware, cut garnishes (limes, lemons, oranges)
Final prep before doors open - ensure all stations are ready
Service begins - stay alert for empty ice wells and dirty glasses
Rush hour - constant restocking, clearing empties, supporting bartenders
Mid-shift restock - replenish everything for late-night rush
Final push - keep energy up, maintain bar cleanliness
Close out - deep clean bar area, restock for next day, breakdown
All black is standard - black shirt, black pants, black non-slip shoes. No open-toed shoes.
See how Barback pay compares across roles and locations
Different roles offer varying pay based on skill requirements and demand.
Pay rates vary by location based on cost of living and local demand.
Everything you need to advance your career.
The information on this page is compiled from the following sources:
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.
“It took one day for me to be able to find work! I've had a great experience. That's why I've stayed with Indeed Flex for three years.”
“Having lost my job, I sought something flexible to allow me to pursue my university studies and second career while earning money at the same time. As much as you want to work, you can do.”
“What brought me to Indeed Flex was the flexibility to work in different places as it gives you the opportunity and freedom to be creative as a chef.”
Source: indeedflex.com
Download the Indeed Flex app and start earning today. Flexible work, on your schedule.
