Bartender Salary in Washington, DC
Updated
The median bartender in the Washington area earns $48,030 a year ($23.09 an hour), 40% above the U.S. median ($34,340). Half of the 14,560 bartenders there earn between $37,070 and $74,510.
Median $48,030
10th: $34,48090th: $91,510
| Annual pay | Washington area | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,480 | $20,110 |
| 25th percentile | $37,070 | $27,400 |
| Median | $48,030 | $34,340 |
| 75th percentile | $74,510 | $47,570 |
| 90th percentile | $91,510 | $73,770 |
| Average | $56,200 | $40,790 |
| Jobs | 14,560 | 756,390 |
Washington, DC ranks 3rd of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas for bartender pay. Highest: New York, NY ($61,220).
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Check my payBartender pay in other cities
- New York, NY: $61,220
- Seattle, WA: $58,180
- Phoenix, AZ: $46,940
- Buffalo, NY: $46,920
- Virginia Beach, VA: $46,700
- Richmond, VA: $46,070
- Portland, OR: $45,590
- San Jose, CA: $42,270
- All cities
Similar jobs in Washington, DC
- Fast Food Worker: $34,600
- Waiter: $46,040
- Restaurant Cook: $42,920
- Food Service Supervisor: $47,580
- Food Preparation Worker: $37,630
- All jobs in Washington, DC
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, published May 15, 2026
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, www.bls.gov/oes. BLS.gov cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from BLS.gov.