Bartenders vs Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Bartenders

Median Salary
$30,077
Average (Mean)
$36,127
Employed Nationwide
711,100
VS

Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other

Median Salary
$31,083
Average (Mean)
$33,477
Employed Nationwide
82,520
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other earns $1,006 more (3.3%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $30,077 $31,083
Average (Mean) Salary $36,127 $33,477
Total Employment 711,100 82,520
States with Higher Pay 15 23

Salary by State: Bartenders vs Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other

Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Bartenders pays more in 15 states; Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other pays more in 23.

State Bartenders Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other Difference
Alaska $27,840
$28,970
$-1,130
Arizona $44,390
$36,130
+$8,260
Arkansas $28,890
$28,890
$0
California $34,700
$35,360
$-660
Colorado $30,980
$35,250
$-4,270
Connecticut $32,500
$37,350
$-4,850
Florida $29,910
$29,940
$-30
Georgia $27,850
$26,430
+$1,420
Hawaii $55,940
$37,010
+$18,930
Illinois $29,660
$34,970
$-5,310
Indiana $22,550
$31,760
$-9,210
Iowa $21,770
$32,080
$-10,310
Kentucky $29,140
$26,410
+$2,730
Louisiana $20,700
$28,020
$-7,320
Maryland $34,860
$34,740
+$120
Michigan $31,010
$32,570
$-1,560
Minnesota $26,330
$43,560
$-17,230
Mississippi $21,500
$27,280
$-5,780
Missouri $28,210
$31,200
$-2,990
Montana $21,880
$24,960
$-3,080
Nebraska $27,040
$30,730
$-3,690
Nevada $28,860
$35,750
$-6,890
New Hampshire $27,610
$21,290
+$6,320
New Jersey $38,230
$32,840
+$5,390
New Mexico $28,580
$33,570
$-4,990
New York $45,980
$36,160
+$9,820
North Carolina $33,160
$27,280
+$5,880
Ohio $27,440
$25,820
+$1,620
Oregon $30,810
$31,200
$-390
South Carolina $18,610
$22,730
$-4,120
Tennessee $22,000
$29,120
$-7,120
Texas $27,520
$26,520
+$1,000
Utah $33,280
$30,440
+$2,840
Vermont $35,530
$30,330
+$5,200
Virginia $42,850
$27,520
+$15,330
Washington $48,570
$32,740
+$15,830
West Virginia $27,960
$30,990
$-3,030
Wisconsin $22,660
$29,960
$-7,300
Wyoming $21,620
$34,390
$-12,770

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Bartenders or Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
On average across all states, a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other earns more than a Bartenders. The national median salary difference is $1,006 (3.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Bartenders earn more than a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
A Bartenders earns a higher median salary than a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in 15 out of 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other pays more in 23 states.
What is the median salary for a Bartenders vs Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
The national median salary for a Bartenders is $30,077 per year, compared to $31,083 for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Bartenders or Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
There are more people employed as Bartenders. BLS reports approximately 711,100 Bartenders positions and 82,520 Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Bartenders or Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
Both Bartenders and Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.