SOC 35-3011 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Bartenders — South Central Wisconsin
South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area · 10 metro areas compared
Median pay in South Central Wisconsin, WI is $22,630 a year, 34.1% under the national median of $34,340 for this occupation.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
Median pay in South Central Wisconsin, WI is $22,630 a year, 34.1% under the national median of $34,340 for this occupation. The middle half of workers in this occupation earn between $20,750 and $29,680. The lowest tenth earn under $17,010, while the highest tenth earn more than $35,940.
The area has 2,700 jobs in this occupation, which works out to 12.8 of every thousand jobs. Within the state, Milwaukee records the highest median at $25,970. Of the 421 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 421st.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $17,010 | −50.5% |
| 25th | $20,750 | −39.6% |
| Median (50th) | $22,630 | −34.1% |
| 75th | $29,680 | −13.6% |
| 90th | $35,940 | +4.7% |
| Mean | $25,840 | −24.8% |
Other metro areas in Wisconsin
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milwaukee | $25,970 | 7,330 | |
| 2 | Sheboygan | $25,720 | 500 | |
| 3 | Green Bay | $23,380 | 1,620 | |
| 4 | Appleton | $23,330 | 1,230 | |
| 5 | Fond du Lac | $23,330 | 380 | |
| 6 | Madison | $23,210 | 3,810 | |
| 7 | Kenosha | $23,140 | 650 | |
| 8 | La Crosse | $23,130 | 1,200 | |
| 9 | Oshkosh | $23,120 | 960 | |
| 10 | Eau Claire | $22,990 | 920 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in South Central Wisconsin run 5.9% below the national average, so the median of $22,630 goes as far as $24,049 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way it compares to the national median at 30.0% below the national median in real terms.
Published median
$22,630as reported by BLSLocal price level
94.1US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$24,049US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $22,630 a year, 34.1% below the national median.
- Published pay spans $17,010 to $35,940 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 2,700 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Milwaukee, at $25,970.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Bartenders in South Central Wisconsin, WI?
The median annual wage is $22,630, or $10.88 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $34,340, so pay in South Central Wisconsin, WI is 34.1% lower. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in South Central Wisconsin, WI earns more than $35,940 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $17,010 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Milwaukee, at $25,970 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 2,700 jobs in this occupation in South Central Wisconsin, WI. Self-employed workers are not included.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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