What Is A Barback? Job Description Template, Salary And Responsibilities

What is a Barback?

Often considered the backbone of the bar, barbacks work alongside bartenders to ensure the bar runs smoothly and efficiently. They handle a variety of tasks that keep the bar stocked, clean, and organized, allowing bartenders to focus on customer service and drink preparation.

Barbacks typically work in fast-paced environments where they must be quick, efficient, and attentive to the needs of both the bartenders and the customers. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the size and type of bar or restaurant, but their primary goal is to support the bar's operations and maintain a seamless service experience.

Barback Job Description

A barback's job description encompasses a wide range of tasks that are essential to maintaining an efficient and well-stocked bar. They work closely with bartenders, assisting with various behind-the-scenes activities that keep the bar operational and service running smoothly. While their primary role is to support bartenders, barbacks often interact with customers as well, ensuring an enjoyable bar experience.

What Does a Barback Do?

A barback’s duties include restocking supplies, cleaning and organizing the bar area, and assisting with any tasks that keep the bar running efficiently. They are responsible for ensuring that bartenders have all the necessary ingredients and tools at their disposal, which helps speed up service and maintain high standards of cleanliness and organization.

Barback Duties

Barbacks perform a wide range of duties that may include the following.

• Restocking Supplies: Ensure the bar is always stocked with necessary supplies, including glasses, napkins, straws, garnishes, and ingredients.
• Cleaning and Organizing: Keep the bar area clean and organized, including washing glasses, wiping down surfaces, and disposing of trash.
• Assisting Bartenders: Help bartenders by fetching ingredients, preparing garnishes, and refilling ice bins.
• Handling Deliveries: Receive and store deliveries of stock, such as alcohol, mixers, and other bar supplies.
• Maintaining Equipment: Check and maintain bar equipment, ensuring everything is in working order.
• Customer Assistance: Occasionally assist customers by clearing tables, delivering drinks, or answering questions.
• Inventory Management: Track inventory levels and report shortages or issues to the bar manager.
• Setting Up and Closing Down: Assist in setting up the bar before opening and closing it down at the end of the night.

Barback Skills

Barbacks need a variety of skills to effectively support bartenders and ensure efficient bar operations. These skills include:

• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods and handle physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy kegs and crates.
• Attention to Detail: Keen eye for cleanliness and organization, ensuring the bar area is always presentable.
• Multitasking: Efficiently handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Clear and effective communication with bartenders, customers, and other staff members.
• Time Management: Prioritize tasks to ensure smooth and efficient bar operations.
• Teamwork: Work collaboratively with bartenders and other staff to provide excellent customer service.
• Adaptability: Quickly adapt to changing situations and handle unexpected tasks with ease.
• Basic Knowledge of Mixology: Understanding basic drink ingredients and preparation to assist bartenders as needed.

Below you’ll find a template for a barback job description to get you started.

Barback Job Description Template

Reports To: Bar Manager / Head Bartender

Job Overview: As a barback at [Bar/Restaurant Name], you will be an essential part of our team, ensuring that the bar operates smoothly and efficiently. Your primary responsibility will be to support bartenders by maintaining stock, cleanliness, and organization, contributing to an exceptional experience for our customers.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Restock bar supplies such as glasses, garnishes, ice, and beverages to ensure bartenders have everything they need.
• Clean and organize the bar area, including washing glasses, wiping down surfaces, and disposing of trash.
• Assist bartenders with tasks such as fetching ingredients, preparing garnishes, and refilling ice bins.
• Receive and store deliveries of stock, such as alcohol, mixers, and other bar supplies.
• Check and maintain bar equipment to ensure everything is in working order.
• Occasionally assist customers by clearing tables, delivering drinks, or answering questions.
• Track inventory levels and report shortages or issues to the bar manager.
• Assist in setting up the bar before opening and closing it down at the end of the night.

Qualifications:

• No prior experience necessary, however, previous experience in a bar or hospitality role is preferred.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and work efficiently under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong customer service orientation.
• Attention to detail and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Physical stamina and mobility, including the ability to lift kegs, crates, and navigate the bar area with ease.

Schedule:

• [Specify schedule]
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Compensation:

• Salary: $/hour [specify range if applicable]
• Tip Income: [if applicable]
• Benefits: [if applicable, include things like health insurance, employee discounts, etc.]

Barback Salary

Understanding the compensation for a barback can help you set realistic expectations. Barback salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the type of establishment.

How Much Does a Barback Make?

Barbacks in the USA earn an average salary of $29,616 per year, which breaks down to approximately $14.24 per hour. This rate can vary significantly. Entry-level positions typically offer starting salaries around $11.65 per hour, while those with more experience and expertise can earn up to $19.05 per hour. Factors such as the size and location of the bar, the volume of business, and the barback's level of experience all contribute to these variations in pay.

Do Barbacks Get Tips?

In many establishments, barbacks do receive tips as part of their compensation. The tip structure can vary. In some bars, bartenders share a portion of their tips with barbacks as a recognition of their support and hard work. Occasionally, customers may tip barbacks directly for their assistance and service. 

Barback FAQs

What Training Does a Barback Need?

Barbacks typically receive on-the-job training, learning from experienced bartenders and managers. No formal education is required, but familiarity with bar operations and basic knowledge of drink ingredients can be beneficial.

Do Barbacks get Paid More than Servers?

Generally, barbacks earn less than servers, as servers often receive higher tips directly from customers. However, barbacks can still make a decent income, especially when tips are shared.

What are the Working Hours for a Barback?

Barbacks often work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as these are the busiest times for bars and nightclubs. Shifts can vary, and flexibility is usually required.

What is the Difference Between a Bartender and a Barback?

Bartenders are responsible for directly serving customers by preparing and mixing drinks, taking orders, and providing customer service. Barbacks, however, support bartenders by restocking supplies, cleaning, and organizing the bar area. While bartenders focus on customer interaction and drink preparation, barbacks handle the logistical tasks that ensure the bar runs smoothly.

Can a Barback Become a Bartender?

Yes, many barbacks use the position as a stepping stone to become bartenders. Gaining experience and demonstrating reliability can lead to opportunities for advancement within the bar or restaurant.