Bartending in Texas opens numerous career opportunities with the potential to move up the ranks quickly. While experience is key to reaching the top, one of the fastest ways to join the industry is by receiving the necessary training, certifications, and skills.
With hourly wages between $15 to $25 and flexible schedules, bartending can be a lucrative option, especially if you’re studying on the side or have other commitments. If you’re a people person, becoming a bartender could be a perfect job for you.
However, before you start sending your resume, you should meet certain requirements that are local to Texas. Since regulations vary by state, deciding whether the Lone Star State is the right place to build your career is a crucial first step. For what’s next–read below!
What Are Bartender’s Responsibilities?
One of the main responsibilities of how to become a bartender in Texas is mastering the art of making drinks and understanding customers’ preferences. However, bartending involves much more than just mixing cocktails.
As a bartender in Texas, your responsibilities will include:
- Checking customer IDs to verify they meet the legal drinking age
- Restocking the bar with necessary supplies
- Following and enforcing health and safety regulations
These bartending responsibilities are common across various settings, including bars, restaurants, events, and other venues.
How To Become a Bartender in Texas?
You can become a bartender in Texas by following these 6 steps:
Step 1: Make Sure Your Age Meets the Requirements
According to Texas law, the minimum age to sell or serve alcohol depends on the type of business. For bars and restaurants where alcohol is consumed on-site, you must be 18 years of age or older to serve or bartend.
| However, if you’re under 18, you can still sell alcohol at grocery stores or other places where it’s meant for off-premise consumption. |
Step 2: Complete a TABC Certification Course
Texas law doesn’t mandate obtaining a TABC certificate, but it surely speeds up your job search and significantly improves hiring chances. Most employers prefer to hire TABC-certified candidates who pass the training and are knowledgeable about serving and selling alcohol.
This is because having a bartending license protects a business from the actions of a TABC-certified bartender who serves alcoholic beverages to minors or intoxicated customers.
Enroll in an online 2-hour TABC Bartending License training to learn about key topics:
✔️Texas Alcohol Laws and Regulations
✔️Preventing Sales to Minors and Intoxicated Individuals
✔️Proper ID Verification
✔️Setting Alcohol Consumption Limits
✔️The Effects of Alcohol on the Body
✔️Handling Difficult Customers
Get Your TABC Bartender License Today
Step 3: Gain Relevant Serving Experience
How to become a bartender in Texas with no experience but a TABC Certificate? Gain experience!
To pave the way for your dream job as a bartender, you first need to learn the skills of interacting with customers, stocking the bar, and keeping your working area tidy.
Starting your career as a server will help you gain experience and the necessary skills to be promoted to a bartending role.
Step 4: Advance Your Practical Skills with a Barback Role
While climbing the career ladder, your next position as a barback will complete the skills necessary to become a bartender. From inventory management and drink preparation to equipment handling and other bartending operations, you will be more qualified for a bartending position.
Even if there isn’t an open position at your bar or restaurant, offering to help out can demonstrate your proactive attitude and commitment to the job.
Step 5: Strengthen Your Interpersonal and Customer Relations Skills
Soft skills are just as important as practical ones in bartending. Making customers feel welcome and comfortable at the bar is no less important part of the job than making drinks. Hence, knowing your way around hospitality is your ticket to becoming an excellent bartender.
Some of the essential soft skills to master include:
- Empathy – Understanding and responding to customers’ needs to enhance their experience.
- Conflict resolution – Handling difficult situations calmly and professionally.
- Communication – Engaging with customers, taking orders accurately, and providing excellent service.
- Multitasking – Managing multiple drink orders while maintaining great customer interactions.
These skills will set you apart and make you a genuinely friendly and attentive bartender who makes the bar and surroundings feel welcoming.
Step 6: Consider Optional Certifications for Career Enhancement
Pursuing additional certifications and training will boost your qualifications and improve your skills as a bartender. While a TABC certification is required for many employers in Texas, going beyond the basics can set you apart from other candidates.
As an example, you can consider enrolling in a mixology course to learn about various advanced cocktail techniques and flavor pairing. It will help you deepen your knowledge of different drinks.
Alternatively, a bar management course can prepare you for leadership roles involving customer service, staff management, and inventory control.
| As you continue to learn, you strengthen your skills and expertise, which will eventually unlock higher-paying opportunities in the bartending industry. |
Start Your Bartending Career in Texas Today
One thing that separates you from getting a job in a bartending position is a TABC Certificate. Once you have the confirmation that you successfully passed training, the hospitality industry will pretty much be open to you.
It only takes up to 2 hours of online training to start your career and get your dream job as a bartender in Texas!
Enroll in a TABC Certification Course Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
A TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) certification is valid for two years. After that, you’ll need to renew it to continue serving alcohol legally. To do that, you simply need to complete the same course again, pay the fee, and take a final exam.
To become a bartender in Texas with no experience, make sure you have a valid TABC certificate so that your chances of getting hired are high. Then apply for entry-level positions as a barback or server to gain hands-on experience. Networking and offering to help around the bar can also improve your chances.
In Texas, you must be at least 18 years old to serve or bartend at establishments where alcohol is consumed on-site, such as bars and restaurants.
However, some businesses may set their own age requirements. If you’re younger than 18, you can still work in places that sell alcohol for off-premise consumption, like grocery stores or liquor stores, but you can’t bartend until you reach the legal age.
Yes, you can bartend in Texas at 18 years old as long as the establishment serves alcohol for on-site consumption, like a bar or restaurant. However, some employers may prefer to hire bartenders who are at least 21.
Completing TABC certification and gaining experience in related roles, such as barbacking or serving, can improve your chances of getting hired.
Bartenders in Texas typically earn between $15 to $25 per hour, including tips. However, actual earnings depend on factors like location, experience, and the type of establishment.
High-end bars, casinos, and busy restaurants often provide higher tips, while smaller venues may pay less. In cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas, bartenders tend to make more due to higher customer traffic and demand.
