Barback Job Description, Responsibilities, and Skills
Updated on
January 13, 2026
by
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min read
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Barbacks keep bars running smoothly by stocking liquor, beer, wine, mixers, and garnishes; refilling ice; changing kegs; polishing glassware; bussing; and cleaning so bartenders can focus on guests and making drinks. Hiring the right person can be challenging because the role is fast-paced, physically demanding, and varies by venue. This practical guide provides a ready-to-use Barback job description, clear duty lists, and examples you can copy and adapt.
Set up stations: place clean bar rags, check tools, and ensure wells and speed rails are organized.
Stock liquor, beer, wine, mixers, syrups, and backup bottles; label and rotate product.
Prep, label, and date garnishes and juices according to house standards.
Fill ice wells and replace ice as needed; change kegs and verify taps are pouring properly.
Polish and stage glassware by type; receive and put away deliveries.
During Service Support
Anticipate needs: keep bartenders at the well by restocking bottles, glassware, ice, and garnishes.
Wipe counters and bar stools; clear empties and run dishware to the bar dishwasher.
Handle spills and broken glass safely; burn and replace contaminated ice.
Run waters or drinks and punch orders in the POS if permitted by venue policy.
Communicate with kitchen and security to relay guest or floor updates.
Cleaning and Closing Tasks (After Service)
Tear down stations; wash and sanitize tools, glassware racks, and cutting boards.
Restock low items to par for the next shift; put away late deliveries.
Mop floors, clean mats, unclog and sanitize sinks and drains; remove trash and recycling.
Collect and bag linens; complete closing inventory counts as required.
Secure walk-ins, coolers, and lock-up procedures as directed.
Equipment and Coordination
Troubleshoot simple issues with taps, coolers, and ice machines; escalate maintenance needs promptly.
Report low stock, CO2 levels, or pour issues; coordinate keg changes to minimize downtime.
Follow safe food and alcohol handling practices and venue-specific compliance rules.
Periodic Deep-Clean and Maintenance
Complete weekly/bi-weekly deep cleans: keg lines (as assigned), ice machines, and bar surfaces.
Sanitize cutting boards and garnish stations; audit backup stock and expiry dates.
Document tasks in cleaning logs and communicate any hazards.
Barback Job Description Example
Job Title: Barback
Location: [City, State]
About Us:
At [Company X], the bar is the heartbeat of our guest experience. We thrive on teamwork, organization, and consistency—every shift—and we empower staff to learn, grow, and contribute.
Role Overview:
We’re hiring a reliable, energetic Barback to keep our bar stocked, clean, and running efficiently so bartenders can focus on guests. This hands-on role includes stocking, prep, cleaning, keg changes, glassware management, and communication with the team in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Set up bar stations before service; stock liquor, beer, wine, mixers, syrups, and garnishes.
Refill ice wells; change kegs safely; verify taps and coolers are functioning.
Polish and stage glassware; run dishware and maintain clean bar areas.
Restock bottles, garnishes, and glassware during service; handle spills and broken glass.
Assist with POS running or delivering waters/drinks if permitted by venue policy.
Break down stations after service; mop, clean mats and sinks; remove trash/recycling.
Receive and put away deliveries; complete basic inventory counts and deep-clean tasks on schedule.
Qualifications:
Meets local minimum age requirements for working around or serving alcohol; any required server training/certifications per local law.
Ability to lift 40–50 lbs, stand and move for 8+ hours, and work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Basic bar product knowledge (spirits, beer, wine), knife skills for garnish prep, and safe handling practices.
Strong multitasking, prioritization, communication, and teamwork skills; organized and detail-oriented.
Familiarity with POS and simple equipment troubleshooting (taps/coolers) is a plus.
Work Environment & Schedule:
Fast-paced, high-volume service with opening/closing shifts and occasional late hours.
Uniform/PPE as required by venue; adherence to all safety and sanitation standards.
Compensation & Benefits:
Hourly pay plus tip-out; policy varies by venue and may be calculated as a percentage of sales (e.g., 1–2%) or a share of tips (e.g., 5–20%).
Perks may include staff meals/discounts and, where offered, PTO or health benefits.
Growth & Development:
On-the-job training with a pathway to bartender based on performance and business needs.
How to Apply:
Send your resume and availability to [email/ATS link]. Include any relevant certifications.
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Barback Job Brief Example
A Job Brief is a short, engaging summary of a role, highlighting its purpose, impact, and key responsibilities—used to attract candidates.
Use this job brief example and update it for your barback job post.
Barback Overview
At [Company X], our Barback ensures every shift runs smoothly by keeping the bar stocked, clean, and guest-ready. You’ll prep garnishes, refill ice, change kegs, organize glassware, and support bartenders so guests get fast, friendly service. This role is ideal for a self-starter with stamina, attention to detail, and a team-first mindset—and it offers a clear path to bartending.
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Salary Outlook for Barbacks
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that wages vary by state, metro, and venue type. Use the table below as a format guide and check current BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the most relevant local data when finalizing your posting.
How Pay Varies by State
Average barback wages (selected states) — source: BLS (2023)
A barback supports bartenders by stocking product and garnishes, refilling ice, changing kegs, organizing and polishing glassware, bussing, cleaning, and handling small tasks to keep service fast and efficient.
Is a barback the same as a bartender assistant?
Yes. “Barback,” “bartender assistant,” and “bar runner” are commonly used to describe the same support role.
How old do you need to be to work as a barback?
Minimum age depends on local laws. Confirm your state or city requirements and any mandatory server training before hiring or applying.
Do barbacks need certifications?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Some locations require alcohol server training or food-handling certifications; check local rules and venue policy.
Do barbacks get tips?
Most venues include barbacks in tip-out. Policies vary and may be based on a percentage of sales (e.g., 1–2%) or a share of tips (e.g., 5–20%), set by the establishment.
What are typical shifts and hours?
Expect nights, weekends, holidays, and both opening and closing shifts, especially in high-volume venues.
What physical demands should candidates expect?
Frequent lifting of 40–50 lbs, standing and walking for 8+ hours, and working quickly in crowded spaces.
Can barbacks serve alcohol or use the POS?
Some venues allow barbacks to pour beer or wine and help with POS during peak periods; others limit alcohol service to bartenders. Follow house policy and local laws.
What should employers include in a barback job description?
