Average Bartenders Salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Bartenders in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area earn an average annual salary of $28,130. This figure is notably below 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 levels for this profession within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,720.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 7,090 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.79, the Milwaukee-Waukesha area demonstrates a strong concentration of bartender roles relative to the national average. This indicates a robust and potentially growing job market for bartenders, suggesting consistent demand for their services within the local hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Bartenders in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns-29.5%below the national average.
$13.5
$541
$2,344
Bartenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that bartender salaries in Milwaukee-Waukesha, mirroring national trends, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for skilled service professionals, and evolving wage regulations likely contribute to an upward trajectory in earnings for those in this field.
Bartenders Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
The career path for a bartender typically involves salary progression based on experience and skill. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned bartenders with extensive knowledge of mixology, customer service expertise, and potentially supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,820 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,098 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,470 | $11.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,163 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,720 | $21 |
Detailed Bartenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,130 for bartenders in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national standard, indicating a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
7,090
Total Jobs
8.656
Per 1K Jobs
1.79
Location Quotient
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI has 1.8x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.79 for bartenders in Milwaukee-Waukesha signifies a job market that is 79% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher availability of bartender positions relative to the general workforce, indicating a competitive yet potentially abundant market where demand for skilled individuals is pronounced.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bartenders
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Bartenders Salary | $25,100↓ 11% | 25 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Bartenders Salary | $25,200↓ 10% | 33 mi |
| Sheboygan, WI Bartenders Salary | $26,380↓ 6% | 48 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Bartenders Salary | $25,850↓ 8% | 54 mi |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Bartenders Salary | $23,870↓ 15% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Hiring Bartenderss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bartenders make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The median annual salary for a Bartenders in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $28,130. This typically ranges from $17,820 for entry-level positions to $43,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 29.5% lower than the national median of $39,890.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Bartenders?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is average, the nominal salary for bartenders is significantly lower than the national average. The strong concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Bartenders?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($25,100) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 8.656 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Milwaukee-Waukesha area has a higher concentration of bartender roles than the national average, indicating a stronger local presence for this occupation.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for bartenders in Milwaukee?
A Location Quotient of 1.79 means that bartenders are more than 79% more concentrated in Milwaukee-Waukesha than in the U.S. overall, highlighting the region's specific demand for this profession.
How does the Cost of Living in Milwaukee-Waukesha affect bartender salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Milwaukee-Waukesha is at the national average. This means the $28,130 salary, while below the national average pay, offers average purchasing power locally.
What does the total local workforce number imply for bartenders?
A total local workforce of 7,090 for bartenders indicates a substantial pool of professionals in this role within the Milwaukee-Waukesha area, reflecting the size and importance of the hospitality industry there.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,090 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 8.656 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 Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI