Bartender Salary in Alabama (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Bartenders in Alabama, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Alabama Median
$27,980
per year
Hourly Rate
$13.45
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-19% vs US median
US median $34,340
State Rank
#35 of 51
6,560 employed here

How much does a Bartender make in Alabama?

A Bartender working in Alabama earns a median salary of $27,980 per year, or about $13.45 per hour. That is 19% below the national median of $34,340 for this occupation.

Within Alabama, entry-level pay starts around $17,260 while the top 10% make $55,500 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $21,480 and $35,510 a year.

Bartender salary range in Alabama

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$17,260$8.30
25th percentile (early career)$21,480$10.33
50th percentile (median)$27,980$13.45
75th percentile (experienced)$35,510$17.07
90th percentile (top earners)$55,500$26.68

How Alabama compares

Alabama ranks 35th out of 51 states and territories for Bartender pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Hawaii$76,490
2New York$61,210
3Washington$55,830
4District of Columbia$53,920
5Maine$48,920

Working as a Bartender in Alabama

Nationally, about 756,000 people work as Bartenders in the United States. No college degree is required — most training happens on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Alabama pay ($27,980) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Bartender make in Alabama?
The median Bartender salary in Alabama is $27,980 per year, or about $13.45 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $17,260 at the entry level to $55,500 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Alabama pay compare to the national average?
Alabama pays Bartenders about 19% less than the national median of $34,340. Alabama ranks 35th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Alabama a good state for Bartenders?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $27,980 a year. About 6,560 Bartenders are employed in Alabama. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Alabama?
The highest-paying occupations in Alabama include Cardiologist ($519,480), Dermatologist ($394,550), Anesthesiologist ($392,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Bartender salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.