Average Bartenders Salary in Madison, WI
Bartenders in Madison, WI, earn an average annual salary of $26,990. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $39,890, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this vibrant Wisconsin city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,930.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,650 bartenders and a Location Quotient of 1.86, Madison exhibits a strong concentration of these professionals, indicating a robust and potentially competitive job market. The high concentration suggests that demand for skilled bartenders is significantly above the national norm, offering ample opportunities for those in the profession.
Salary Overview
The average Bartenders in Madison, WI earns-32.3%below the national average.
$13
$519
$2,249
Bartenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that bartender salaries in Madison, WI, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general wage inflation and the evolving hospitality landscape. This trend likely reflects increased demand for skilled service professionals and potential adjustments to minimum wage laws.
Bartenders Salary Distribution in Madison, WI
Salary progression for bartenders in Madison, WI, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills, such as mixology or sommelier knowledge, can command significantly higher earnings. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,930 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,243 | $9.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,450 | $10.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,738 | $16.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,930 | $18.2 |
Detailed Bartenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for bartenders in Madison, WI, stands at $26,990. When compared to the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this salary offers a purchasing power that aligns with the typical American lifestyle. While not exceptionally high, it provides a stable income relative to the cost of essential goods and services in the area.
Job Market Context
3,650
Total Jobs
9.013
Per 1K Jobs
1.86
Location Quotient
Madison, WI has 1.9x the national concentration of Bartenders jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Madison, WI, boasts a Location Quotient of 1.86 for bartenders, signifying a job market where this profession is nearly twice as concentrated as the national average. This elevated concentration suggests a high demand for bartenders relative to the general workforce, indicating a potentially favorable environment for job seekers and a competitive landscape for employers seeking talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bartenders
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Bartenders Salary | $23,870↓ 12% | 33 mi |
| Rockford, IL Bartenders Salary | $33,290↑ 23% | 59 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Bartenders Salary | $25,850↓ 4% | 68 mi |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Bartenders Salary | $28,130↑ 4% | 72 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Bartenders Salary | $26,390↓ 2% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Madison, WI
Hiring Bartenderss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bartenders make in Madison, WI?
The median annual salary for a Bartenders in Madison, WI is $26,990. This typically ranges from $17,930 for entry-level positions to $37,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 32.3% lower than the national median of $39,890.
Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Bartenderss?
No, Madison, WI is not a particularly lucrative place for bartenders based on average salary.The average annual salary of $26,990 is significantly below the national average of $39,890. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is standard.
Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Bartenders?
The Cost of Living Index in Madison, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($23,870) and Rockford, IL.
How does Madison's bartender salary compare to the national average?
Bartenders in Madison, WI, earn an average of $26,990 annually, which is substantially lower than the national average of $39,890.
What is the cost of living for bartenders in Madison, WI?
The cost of living in Madison, WI, is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. This means that the $26,990 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How concentrated is the bartender job market in Madison, WI?
Madison, WI, has a high concentration of bartenders, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.86, meaning the profession is 86% more concentrated than the national average.
What is the total number of bartenders in Madison, WI?
There are approximately 3,650 bartenders employed in Madison, WI.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,650 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 9.013 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Bartenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Madison, WI