Meet the Bartenders of Sin City

Las Vegas is well known for its buzzing nightlife and iconic bars. Millions of tourists are attracted to the city annually to get a taste of sin city. Keeping all of those tourists happy and energetic are countless gallons of alcohol and dedicated bartenders to serve up their favorite spirits and cocktails.

Vegas and alcohol seem to go hand and hand, so it’s no surprise that there are more bartenders in this city to keep the casinos and nightclubs popular. According to a recent analysis performed by Hangover Heaven, there are over 12,700 bartenders in Las Vegas - the third highest in the nation behind Los Angeles and NYC - but how do their demographics and wages stack up to the nation?

A City Saturated With Bartenders

If you go to Las Vegas, your odds of running into a bartender are very high even if you don’t frequent the nightlife scene. One out of every 50 Vegas citizens serves alcohol for a living, which is the highest proportion for an American city. Vegas employs 208% more bartenders than the national average - meaning if you’re in the search for a new bartending job this may be a place to go.

Nevada Attracts Seasoned Bartenders

The average bartender is about 40 years old in Nevada, five years older than the American average of 35. While this is a dream gig for many 21-year-old college students, it’s probably not the best idea to train in a city where 18% of the population are self-proclaimed binge drinkers. Bartenders should be able to make a rum and coke in their sleep before venturing into the overwhelming entertainment capital.

Higher Work Demands Mean Higher Pay… Or Does it?

One may assume that this fast-paced nightlife scene would lead to better pay, though this is not necessarily the case. The average Las Vegas bartender is paid $13.47 an hour, just under a dollar higher than the national wage. This is nowhere near the mean hourly wage in Honolulu of $21.14. While Hawaii may not seem like the dream location for a bartender, it is home to the most well-paid bartenders (not to mention countless gorgeous beaches)!

Breaking Gender Stereotypes

While the majority of bartenders in America are females, approximately 56% of Nevada bartenders are males. While the gender pay gap is still very apparent (men bartenders make 23% more than women in Nevada), the state is at least taking steps in achieving equality in gender representation within the industry.

It’s an Unpredictable Occupation

Obviously working behind a bar isn’t exactly the traditional office desk work environment. However, bartending in Vegas is an especially unpredictable scene, given the rambunctious party crowd it attracts. This is definitely not an excuse to get paid to party 24/7, but bartenders can expect to see some crazy sights on the daily. One bartender recalls his experience in Sin city, and claims Las Vegas to be the best city to bartend in, so long as you can handle the wild crowds.

Working in Nevada certainly has its ups and downs, but it seems to be an experience like no other. Without bartenders, the party scene would be incomplete without them.