How much will I earn as a cocktail waitress and how much should I tip out to the bartender?

Question

I am starting my new job tonight! Help! I don't know how much I should tip out to the dishwasher/cook and the bar tender! I have read so many different answers and I am confused...maybe it is the differences in states. i am in southern California. Does anyone know how much I should expect to make in a night of tips? I will be working mostly weekend nights In a bar/club that holds 300 people and is always at it's max. Thank you for your help! :)

Answer 1

It all depends on the bar.  Ask the other cocktail waitresses there, if they don't tell you first, how much to tip the back help.  Good luck, I think cocktail waitressing is FUN!  :)  I would do it again but I have bad wrists, can't hold up the trays.  :(

Answer 2

No idea on how much income to expect, but you should tip out 10% to your backup.  That includes the bar-back, kitchen support, etc all together, not 10% each.

Answer 3

if you are kind and put on a big smile you wil make more tips then if you are rude, mabe up to 100 dollars. the general rule for is outs is 10% to your bartender. ( Mabe allittle more if you want your drinks faster) Good luck!! oh btw you dont need to tip out the dishwashers or cooks, unless you wanna.

Answer 4

Are you hot?..are you friendly?..drop a couple bucks to the bartender..drinks will come fast/fresh..and right!

Answer 5

General rule is 10% of your bar income to the bar and 10% of your food income to the kitchen. However, if your bartender takes care of you, you should take care of him/her. The faster they make your drinks the more money you make. If you get the reputation of being a light tipper... well the bar can move very slowly sometimes.