Minnesota Bartending Classes and Resources
Do Happy Hour Like It's Your Job: Ditch that 9-5 for Cold, Hard Cash and Unbeatable Job Security
In this tough and sometimes lackluster job market, you might be wondering if a career exists in Minnesota where you can enjoy being out-and-about, easily make customers happy, and earn actual cash on a daily basis - instead of living paycheck to paycheck or getting paid just a few times a month. Throw in a little job security by virtue of customer demand, and it sounds too good to be true, right?
Add to all this some promising statistics:
- Job Market Growth: The U.S. Department of Labor expects bartending as a career to grow 10%, which is faster than the average for all occupations through 2024.
- Base Pay Plus Tips: The U.S. Department of Labor states that the average bartender paycheck is $19,530 per year or $9.39 per hour. It's no secret that bartenders customarily earn cash tips, and depending on schedule and venue tips can add up to hundreds of dollars per shift. You do the math.
- Bartenders don't toil away from 9-5, 40 hours a week. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor indicates that nearly half of all bartenders work only part time. Consider the favorable schedule and the bullet point above...and the numbers speak for themselves.
Considering the above stats, it's easy to see why bartending in Minnesota is considered one of the most exciting, lucrative, promising career choices available in today's competitive job market.
Job Security...It's Always Five O'clock Somewhere
It goes without saying that people around the world universally like to indulge in a few cold ones, a fine pinot noir, or a favorite artisan-crafted cocktail after a rough day at the office. The good news is, those bars, nightclubs and restaurants-and the people who patronize them-aren't going anywhere even during the greatest of economic downturns. In fact, studies have shown that when the economy is in the dumps, sales of alcohol actually increase.
If you're the type that loathes being stuck inside and chained to a desk all day and you're looking for a career that is socially active in Minnesota never boring and has a promising future, check out some common bartender traits to see if you fit the description:
- You adore entertaining a (sometimes raucous) crowd in Minnesota with a good story, and you're an expert listener when your customers need someone to mull things over with after a bad day.
- In keeping with the above trait, you are also an expert at giving advice-solicited or not. Sometimes, a bartender has to keep the peace and know when to shut things down. If you're not afraid to take charge-in fact, if you enjoy it-you may have what it takes to sling drinks.
- You love the freedom of traveling and making actual cash money, and you live for socializing with people from all walks of life while doing it.
- You're a stickler for counting pennies, and you're responsible enough to handle a register full of cash and/or customer credit cards.
- You take alcohol awareness seriously, and you're not afraid to cut someone off when they've had enough. You are also no stranger to confiscating keys and calling a cab for someone who's had one too many-after all, it may be your job, and their life, on the line.
If any of the above sounds like familiar, becoming a professional bartender might be the best choice you'll ever make for your wallet, your sanity, and your future career prospects.
It's a Skill You Can Truly Take Anywhere
Professional bartending in Minnesota can open doors wide across the service industry spectrum and at varying levels in today's economy. Bartenders are in high demand in all types of venues, from luxurious hotels and sold-out concerts to swanky special events and exclusive outdoor weddings-and at every happy hour, local's corner bar, and social event in between.
A good bartender should know everything from how to change a keg to how to mix a proper Ramos Gin Fizz, and they're expected to be able to adapt to any situation spur-of-the-moment. Any bartender worth his or her salt is just as comfortable slinging drinks as they are in talking an unruly patron out of playing yet another rendition of 'Sweet Caroline' on the jukebox.
In fact, in many niche markets, a bartender is expected to know more than basic drink recipes, like how to make a Cuba Libre (that's a rum and coke, for those not yet in the know). A veteran bartender won't flinch when asked to mix a drink for a hot summer day or a classic whiskey drink such as a Sazerac. A reliable bartender is skilled at multi-tasking, and can often be expected to harness the skills of a bar back-otherwise known as the bar stocking assistant--and cocktail server, in addition to being master of all things mixology.
If you're not sure that confining yourself to a single job description is for you, check out these exciting alternative takes on a potential career path in bartending:
- Do you dream of getting paid to sail your way around the world? There's likely a bartender slinging drinks on some beautiful, remote Caribbean island who'll tell you about the time they took a job serving mint juleps on a million-dollar cruise ship...and never looked back.
- Have a passion for Pinot? Most sommeliers-the in-house, restaurant-based authority figure on grapes-started out behind a bar before becoming the sought-after wine authority that they are today.
- Are you a trendsetter? These days, Mixology and themed menus are all the rage. If you are a foodie that enjoys tending bar and has a passion for freshly mulled juice, artisan herbal essences, and hand-scraped ice chips, you might want to specialize in bartending's newest craze: the art and science of the craft cocktail.
And those trends don't seem to be going anywhere. According to industry experts, the era of the craft cocktail is just beginning. In 2022, we can expect even more libations in line with seasonal produce and themed menus as well as upping the bar on creativity in a post-pandemic bar scene.
Convinced yet? The Opportunities are Endless
If you're thinking about getting into the service industry in Minnesota but don't have any experience-don't worry. While you'll be hard-pressed to find a general restaurant manager or food and beverage director at any respected establishment who hasn't spent some time behind the stick to get to where they are today, bartending can help open those doors for you-in fact, it's often a prerequisite to any decent-paying restaurant management position.
To learn more about what it takes to become a professional bartender, consider these steps to make a seamless transition from your day job to your new career:
School is (Not) Out for Summer
Unless you have tons of front-of-house service industry experience and a dedicated manager willing to give you a chance behind the bar, you will likely need at least some formal training and probably a responsible vendor license or two. But hey, that's why you will get paid the big bucks, and (mostly) in cash, right?
To be fair, bartending (especially during those profitable weekend shifts) is often a coveted position that takes years to work up to. Why not give yourself an edge by showing up with credentials?
There are as many bartending school programs that allow you to work in Minnesota as there are bars. Deciding between an online course, a local course, or one that specializes in a certain part of the market (think: casinos) can be a difficult choice. Here are some key points to consider before making the leap:
Cost of Attendance
Bartending classes can last from one day to two weeks and cost between $149 and $600, including all books, supplies, and materials.
- A typical high-end two-week intensive course can run about $600.
- At the lower end of the cost spectrum, an in-person 40-hour course costs about half-or $295.
- Shorter, less intensive programs run about 10-hours and cost approximately $149.
Additional requirements
- State Requirements: Not every state has bartending school certifications, but those that do (like New York State) list them on their Department of Education website.
- Alcohol awareness requirements: As of 2022, 30 states have alcohol awareness requirements that must be met before a person can be authorized to serve alcohol.
- As of 2022, there are no federal or national requirements to become a bartender-the laws are specifically dictated by each state, so check your state's official website for requirements.
- There is no such thing as a bartending degree. However, you can earn a certificate to help you get ahead-the requirements for which vary according to each state. Some states even offer tuition assistance under certain circumstances.
If you're looking for an exciting service-industry skill that has substantial cash flow, a stable future, and an ever-expanding career path-bartending may be exactly what you've been searching for. If you don't have tons of experience behind the bar and don't have time to struggle your way up the service-industry ladder for the next few years, a certificate from a licensed bartending school may be just what you need to get your foot in the door.
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