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Bartenders Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Bartenders in Santa Cruz, CA have a median annual salary of $36,100, with 560 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $34,320 at the 10th percentile to $70,940 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$36,100

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$17.36

Employment

560

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$34,320
10th
$35,130
25th
$36,100
Median
$37,450
75th
$70,940
90th

Local compared with national

Santa Cruz, CA

$36,100

Median annual · 2025

United States

$34,340

Median annual · 2025

The Santa Cruz, CA median is 5.1% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $1,760).

Top skills

  1. 1.Active ListeningImportance 3.8
  2. 2.Service OrientationImportance 3.6
  3. 3.Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.3
  4. 4.SpeakingImportance 3.1
  5. 5.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.1
  6. 6.CoordinationImportance 3.1
  7. 7.PersuasionImportance 3.1
  8. 8.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  9. 9.Active LearningImportance 3.0
  10. 10.MonitoringImportance 3.0
  11. 11.InstructingImportance 3.0
  12. 12.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • AZZ CardFile
  • Compris software
  • Facebook
  • Focus point of sale POS software
  • Intuit QuickBooks Point of Sale
  • MICROS Systems HSI Profits Series
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • NCR Advanced Checkout Solution
  • NCR NeighborhoodPOS
  • The General Store
  • Web browser software

Common tasks

  • Supervise the work of bar staff and other bartenders.
  • Order or requisition liquors and supplies.
  • Plan bar menus.
  • Arrange bottles and glasses to make attractive displays.
  • Create drink recipes.
  • Clean glasses, utensils, and bar equipment.
  • Collect money for drinks served.
  • Balance cash receipts.
  • Check identification of customers to verify age requirements for purchase of alcohol.
  • Clean bars, work areas, and tables.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Bartenders salary in other locations

Other occupations in Santa Cruz, CA