How To Become a Bartender in California

Dreaming of shaking up cocktails and serving smiles under the California sun? Becoming a bartender in California is a rewarding career choice for those with a passion for mixology, customer service, and a vibrant nightlife. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to take your skills to the next level, this guide will walk you through the steps to become a licensed and successful bartender in the Golden State.

How Much Does a Bartender Make in California?

Generally speaking, bartenders make more money in California than in many other states.

Officially, the average bartending salary in California is $30,400, which is higher than the national average of $26,094.

The numbers above are based on hourly pay before tips. Glassdoor’s reckoning of a bartender’s total yearly compensation in the state is $74,248. Certain cities almost guarantee more – top-paying California cities for bartenders include San Francisco, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

One of the reasons why bartenders are paid so well in California is the state’s minimum wage laws. There are three policies that make bartenders more flush than elsewhere in the country: California’s minimum wage is one of the highest in the country, tipped workers have the same minimum wage as everyone else, and California ties its minimum wage to inflation so it always keeps up with the cost of living. Put all this together, and as of 2024, California's tipped employees get $16 an hour (more in some cities), while elsewhere in the country, food service workers make as little as $2.13 an hour.

The truth is that the nature of bartending pay makes it difficult to know the true average. For one thing, most of the take-home pay will come in the form of tips, which may or may not be accurately reported for official purposes. Additionally, official numbers are standardized on the assumption that bartenders work 40 hours a week, when in reality bartenders may work far less or more, depending on demand and location. It also depends on what kind of bar you’re tending; there’s a big difference in pay between a small-town dive bar and a high-end urban lounge.

What Are California’s Bartending Requirements?

To legally pour alcohol, California requires you to be at least 21 years old.

Those 18 and up are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages in a bona fide public eating place as long as their primary job is serving food for on-site consumption. But until you’re 21, you’re not allowed to bartend.

Do You Need a Bartending License in California?

Yes, though it’s not quite the same as the licensing required for other professions.

Since 2022, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has required alcohol servers to earn what is often called a bar card or bartender license within 60 days of being hired.

It’s probably more accurate to refer to it as a certification. To earn a bartending license in California, you need to complete California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training with an ABC-accredited provider and then pass a state-administered exam.

What Is California RBS Training?

California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training is a mandatory training program for all on-premises alcohol servers in the state.

RBS Training essentially teaches alcohol servers how and why to follow alcohol-related laws and responsible service best practices. There is a special focus on how to prevent illegal alcohol sales to minors or people who are already intoxicated.

What Does California RBS Training Cover?

By taking California RBS training, you’ll learn:

• What RBS is and the training requirements in California
• The impact of alcohol sales, including related crimes, neighborhood quality of life, public health risks, and a server’s responsibility to the community
• How alcohol is absorbed in the body
• How to recognize the signs of intoxication and behavioral cues
• Common myths about sobering up
• 3 types of illegal sales and their penalties
• Alcohol-related liability in licensees, employees, and contractors
• Laws related to the service of alcohol for consumption
• How to follow safe-service guidelines that help prevent illegal sales
• Lawful hours of operation, prohibited promotions, interactions with law enforcement, and other management practices

How To Get a Bartending License in California

To earn your bartender’s license in California, you’ll need to take the following steps:

1. Create an account on the California RBS Portal.
2. Complete the online application for RBS certification. You’ll need to pay a $3 fee.
3. On the Server Certificate Details page that you’ll get after application, you’ll find an ID number. Write this down – you’ll need it to register for a course.
4. Purchase TIPS California RBS Training, available from ABC-accredited provider 360training. Use the ID number provided during registration through the California RBS Portal.
5. Work your way through the material online at your own pace. You should be able to complete the material and pass the final exam within 2-4 hours.
6. Once you’ve passed the exam, we’ll notify the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control within 24 hours.
7. Within 48 hours, the department will send an email notification inviting you to take your state-administered exam.
8. Take the California ABC-administered exam within 30 days of completing your TIPS course. You need to pass the exam with a score of 70% or above.

California’s RBS certification is paperless, so you won’t get a card or paper certificate as proof. Instead, employers and interested parties can verify your up-to-date licensing online using your 9-digit Server ID. That means you’ll want to have that recorded somewhere for safekeeping!

How Long Does a California Bartender License Last?

Your license will be valid for three (3) years after you earn it. After that, you’ll need to complete the course and state-administered exam again to continue serving alcohol.

What Else Do You Need to Become a Bartender in California?

While mandatory training is all you need to become a bartender in California, other resume items can help you get hired for better positions or make you stand out in a busy job market.

Some things to consider emphasizing during the application process include:

• Bartender school or any other hands-on training
• Experience in customer service, particularly in the food service industry
• Knowledge of alcoholic products (i.e., mixology, beer recommendations, etc.)
• Any experience adhering to regulations or strict protocols
• Evidence of soft skills like:
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving
  • Work ethic
  • Interpersonal skills

And a pro tip: the right shoes are more important than you think!

Earn Your California Bartender License Online

One of the most convenient ways to earn your bartending license in California is with online RBS training from a respected training provider like us.

We offer California RBS training that’s accepted by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for as long as $15! Will your job include food service? You can bundle your alcohol training with food handler certification and get everything in one go.

Enroll today!