Some bartenders acquire their skills by attending a bartending school or taking vocational and technical school courses that include instruction on state and local laws and regulations, cocktail recipes, attire and conduct, and stocking a bar. Some schools help their graduates find jobs. Moderate growth in job openings for bartenders, as consumption of alcohol outside the home is expected to decline. Job openings will be available as a result of the need to replace the high proportion of workers who leave this occupation every year. There is substantial movement into and out of the occupation because the limited formal education and training requirements allow easy entry.
Bartenders derive their earnings from a combination of hourly wages and tips.
Potential earnings are greatest in popular restaurants and fine dining establishments. Other occupations whose tasks include serving customers and helping them feel at ease and enjoy themselves include flight attendants, butlers and tour bus drivers. There are many related food service positions, including waiter or waitress, and host or hostess.