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Bartenders Salary in Kentucky

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Bartenders make in Kentucky?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$28,780
Median Annual Salary
▲ +0.7% vs 2024
$34,970
Mean Salary
$28,780
Median Salary
$13.84
Hourly Rate
6,870 people work as Bartenders in Kentucky

Bartenders salary by percentile in Kentucky

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Bartenders salary in Kentucky — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Bartenders in Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $16,110$16,11025th25% earn less than $17,920$17,920MedianHalf earn more than $28,780$28,78075th75% earn less than $45,770$45,77090thTop 10% earn more than $63,140$63,140

Bartenders in Kentucky earn a median salary of $28,780 per year ($2,398/month). This is 15.0% below the national average of $33,876. Kentucky ranks #32 out of 51 states for Bartenders pay. Approximately 6,870 people work in this occupation across Kentucky. Salaries increased by 0.7% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Bartenders

Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.75
Service Orientation
3.62
Social Perceptiveness
3.25
Speaking
3.12
Critical Thinking
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.44
English Language
3.63
Education and Training
3.16
Sales and Marketing
3.14
Administration and Management
2.99
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (43.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Bartenders in Kentucky

Salaries for Bartenders in Kentucky range from $16,110 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $63,140 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $17,920 and $45,770.

Median $28,780
P10: $16,110 P25: $17,920 P75: $45,770 P90: $63,140
10th
$16,110
25th
$17,920
Median
$28,780
75th
$45,770
90th
$63,140
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $16,110 $7.75 $1,342
25th Percentile $17,920 $8.62 $1,493
Median (50th) $28,780 $13.84 $2,398
75th Percentile $45,770 $22.00 $3,814
90th Percentile (Experienced) $63,140 $30.36 $5,261

Note: The mean (average) salary of $34,970 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#32
Kentucky ranks #32 of 51 states
$33,876
National avg. for Bartenders
-15.0%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Kentucky:

What does this salary really buy? See Bartenders salary in Kentucky adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Bartenders take-home pay in Kentucky after taxes →

Explore Bartenders Data in Kentucky

Bartenders Salary by State

Compare Bartenders pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Bartenders make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Bartenders in Kentucky is $28,780 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $34,970.
What is the salary range for a Bartenders in Kentucky?
Salaries for Bartenders in Kentucky range from $16,110 at the 10th percentile to $63,140 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $17,920 and $45,770.
What is the starting salary for a Bartenders in Kentucky?
Entry-level Bartenders positions in Kentucky typically start around $16,110 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $17,920 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Bartenders in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 6,870 people are employed as Bartenders in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Bartenders in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Bartenders in Kentucky is approximately $13.84 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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