Bartender Salary in San Jose, CA

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
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How much does a Bartender make in San Jose, CA?

The average salary for a Bartender is $41,261 per year in San Jose, CA.

Bartenders in San Jose, CA, enjoy a rewarding career that offers both social interaction and flexible hours. The average yearly salary for a bartender in this vibrant city is around $41,261.


Salaries can vary based on experience and the specific establishment. Many bartenders earn between $31,000 and $35,396 early in their careers. As they gain experience, their annual earnings can increase significantly. Bartenders with several years of experience may make between $39,793 and $44,189. The higher end of the pay scale can reach up to $79,360 for those who excel in their roles and work in upscale venues or busy nightlife areas.


In addition to their base salary, bartenders often receive tips that can greatly boost their income. This makes bartending a potentially lucrative job, especially in bustling social scenes. Overall, being a bartender in San Jose presents a great opportunity for those who enjoy a lively work environment and wish to connect with a diverse group of customers.

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What are the highest paying cities for Bartender near San Jose, CA?

Bartenders can find some of the highest salaries in the San Jose area. Menlo Park tops the list with an average salary of $45,257, followed by Los Altos at $40,883. Other notable cities include Palo Alto and Redwood City, offering competitive pay for skilled bartenders.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Bartender jobs near San Jose, CA, highlighting Menlo Park, CA with the highest at $45,257 and Los Gatos, CA with the lowest at $35,206.
  1. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $45,257
    Working as a bartender in Menlo Park offers a vibrant experience surrounded by tech professionals and families. Popular spots like the Menlo Tavern attract a diverse crowd, making it an exciting place to develop your skills.
    Find Bartender jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  2. Los Altos, CA
    Average Salary: $40,883
    Bartenders in Los Altos enjoy a friendly community atmosphere with many local restaurants and pubs. The town's charm and high-quality dining options, such as The Post, provide a great platform for mixing drinks and engaging with guests.
    Find Bartender jobs in Los Altos, CA


  3. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $39,612
    Palo Alto's bustling nightlife creates excellent opportunities for bartenders to shine. With places like The Patio, bartenders can showcase their talents to a crowd of students, tech workers, and local residents.
    Find Bartender jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  4. Redwood City, CA
    Average Salary: $39,156
    In Redwood City, bartenders are part of a growing food scene filled with wineries and craft breweries. The lively downtown area and venues such as Fox Theatre offer chances to connect with patrons.
    Find Bartender jobs in Redwood City, CA


  5. Cupertino, CA
    Average Salary: $38,867
    Bartending in Cupertino means serving a diverse population with a mix of tech industry folks and families. Locations like The Cupertino Hotel allow bartenders to work in an elegant environment while offering signature cocktails.
    Find Bartender jobs in Cupertino, CA


  6. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $37,688
    Sunnyvale features many bars and restaurants where bartenders can thrive. The city's various cultural events and bustling nightlife create a dynamic environment for building relationships and mastering craft cocktails.
    Find Bartender jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  7. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $37,098
    Santa Clara's vibrant scene attracts sports fans and residents alike, especially near Levi's Stadium. Bartenders can enjoy a fast-paced work environment, serving guests during events in lively establishments.
    Find Bartender jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  8. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $36,918
    In Mountain View, bartenders can showcase their skills in a city famous for its innovative tech scene. The popular Castro Street is lined with numerous bars and restaurants, creating a fun and engaging workplace.
    Find Bartender jobs in Mountain View, CA


  9. Campbell, CA
    Average Salary: $35,842
    Campbell is known for its cozy bars and lively atmosphere. As a bartender, you will engage with a friendly community at establishments like The Blue Chip Club and enjoy the vibrant social scene.
    Find Bartender jobs in Campbell, CA


  10. Los Gatos, CA
    Average Salary: $35,206
    Los Gatos offers an upscale environment for bartenders looking to serve a sophisticated clientele. With scenic spots like the Los Gatos Lodge, you can enjoy crafting high-end cocktails in a beautiful setting.
    Find Bartender jobs in Los Gatos, CA

What are the best paying companies for Bartender in San Jose, CA?

In San Jose, CA, bartenders can find some of the best pay at Red Robin, where the average salary reaches $68,226. Other companies like jardin and The Bay Club Company also offer competitive wages, with average salaries of $48,000 and $46,000, respectively. This variety of opportunities allows job seekers to aim for a rewarding career in bartending.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Bartender jobs in San Jose, CA, highlighting Red Robin with the highest at $68,226 and Jackie's Place with the lowest at $37,167.
  1. Red Robin
    Average Salary: $68,226
    Red Robin is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious gourmet burgers. Bartenders here enjoy a lively work environment in locations all around San Jose, serving both local guests and visitors.


  2. jardin
    Average Salary: $48,000
    jardin offers a unique dining experience with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Bartenders at jardin play a key role in creating handcrafted cocktails at its San Jose location, providing excellent service to guests.


  3. The Bay Club Company
    Average Salary: $46,000
    The Bay Club Company operates upscale fitness and wellness centers. Bartenders here serve premium beverages to members, contributing to the overall luxury experience in San Jose locations.


  4. Bon Appétit
    Average Salary: $45,610
    Bon Appétit is committed to serving delicious food with a focus on quality and sustainability. Bartenders work at various catering events and in-house dining, bringing creativity to drink menus in San Jose.


  5. Applebee's
    Average Salary: $40,000
    Applebee's is a popular casual dining restaurant that values friendly service. Bartenders at Applebee's in San Jose are part of a team that creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests enjoying food and drinks.


  6. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $39,283
    Marriott International offers luxurious stays in San Jose. Bartenders in Marriott hotels serve upscale cocktails and beverages to guests, ensuring a high standard of service in a refined setting.


  7. Oak View Group
    Average Salary: $38,320
    Oak View Group focuses on delivering premium events and entertainment. Bartenders work at venues around San Jose, providing drinks to guests attending concerts and sporting events.


  8. Aramark
    Average Salary: $38,310
    Aramark provides food and beverage services in various settings, including events and corporate dining. Bartenders at Aramark in San Jose create custom drink options for clients, enhancing the dining experience.


  9. Nordstrom
    Average Salary: $38,240
    Nordstrom offers an upscale shopping experience. Bartenders in Nordstrom cafés and restaurants serve customers with specialty drinks, providing a pleasant break during shopping trips in San Jose.


  10. Jackie's Place
    Average Salary: $37,167
    Jackie's Place is a neighborhood bar and restaurant that prides itself on friendly service. Bartenders here take care of the local crowd in San Jose, known for their signature cocktails and unique atmosphere.

There are 6,240 Bartender job openings nationwide!

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Bartender
6,240 Job Openings
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