BARBACK
Berwyn, IL · On-site
Ability to lift 35 pounds The BARBACK will be responsible for assisting the bartender in preparing and serving drinks, maintaining cleanliness of the bar area, and ensuring compliance with health and ...
BARBACK
Berwyn, IL · On-site
Ability to lift 35 pounds The BARBACK will be responsible for assisting the bartender in preparing and serving drinks, maintaining cleanliness of the bar area, and ensuring compliance with health and ...
Barback
Barrington, IL · On-site
$9 - $10/hr
Are you a recent graduate or an aspiring bartender looking to jumpstart your career in the vibrant South Barrington restaurant scene? As a Barback at The Greggory, you'll be an essential part of our ...
Barback
Barrington, IL · On-site
$9 - $10/hr
Are you a recent graduate or an aspiring bartender looking to jumpstart your career in the vibrant South Barrington restaurant scene? As a Barback at The Greggory, you'll be an essential part of our ...
Barback
Barrington, IL · On-site
$9 - $10/hr
As a Barback at The Greggory, you'll be an essential part of our dynamic dinner service team, working closely with seasoned bartenders and enhancing your skills in a lively, customer-focused ...
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Barback
Barrington, IL · On-site
$9 - $10/hr
As a Barback at The Greggory, you'll be an essential part of our dynamic dinner service team, working closely with seasoned bartenders and enhancing your skills in a lively, customer-focused ...
Barback
$12.96/hr
We are looking for a Barback who keeps the bar running -- fast, clean, and one step ahead of the bartender, every shift. The Role The Barback is the engine behind the bar. You keep the station ...
Quick apply
Barback
$12.96/hr
We are looking for a Barback who keeps the bar running -- fast, clean, and one step ahead of the bartender, every shift. The Role The Barback is the engine behind the bar. You keep the station ...
Barback
Naperville, IL · On-site
As a Barback at Lennon's, you'll help ensure the bar is fully stocked, clean, and prepped--so the bartenders can focus on delivering exceptional drinks and service. Benefits/Perks * Flexible ...
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Barback
Naperville, IL · On-site
As a Barback at Lennon's, you'll help ensure the bar is fully stocked, clean, and prepped--so the bartenders can focus on delivering exceptional drinks and service. Benefits/Perks * Flexible ...
PT Barback
Chicago, IL · On-site
$12.62/hr
Join our team as a Barback and be part of our vibrant and dynamic bar team. As a Barback, you will provide crucial support to our bartenders, ensuring they have everything they need to create ...
PT Barback
Chicago, IL · On-site
$12.62/hr
Join our team as a Barback and be part of our vibrant and dynamic bar team. As a Barback, you will provide crucial support to our bartenders, ensuring they have everything they need to create ...
Barback
Chicago, IL · On-site
$18 - $30/hr
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
Barback
Chicago, IL · On-site
$18 - $30/hr
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
PT Barback
Chicago, IL · On-site
$12.62/hr
Join our team as a Barback and be part of our vibrant and dynamic bar team. As a Barback, you will provide crucial support to our bartenders, ensuring they have everything they need to create ...
PT Barback
Chicago, IL · On-site
$12.62/hr
Join our team as a Barback and be part of our vibrant and dynamic bar team. As a Barback, you will provide crucial support to our bartenders, ensuring they have everything they need to create ...
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
Barback
$18 - $30/hr
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
Quick apply
Barback
$18 - $30/hr
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
PT Barback
$12.62/hr
Join our team as a Barback and be part of our vibrant and dynamic bar team. As a Barback, you will provide crucial support to our bartenders, ensuring they have everything they need to create ...
PT Barback
$12.62/hr
Join our team as a Barback and be part of our vibrant and dynamic bar team. As a Barback, you will provide crucial support to our bartenders, ensuring they have everything they need to create ...
Barback
Chicago, IL · On-site
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
Barback
Chicago, IL · On-site
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
PT Barback
Chicago, IL · On-site
$12.62/hr
Join our team as a Barback and be part of our vibrant and dynamic bar team. As a Barback, you will provide crucial support to our bartenders, ensuring they have everything they need to create ...
PT Barback
Chicago, IL · On-site
$12.62/hr
Join our team as a Barback and be part of our vibrant and dynamic bar team. As a Barback, you will provide crucial support to our bartenders, ensuring they have everything they need to create ...
barback
$12.62 - $15/hr
Join Our Team as a Barback at Burwood Tap! Are you passionate about the hospitality industry and looking to be part of a team that values tradition and community? Burwood Tap, one of Chicago's oldest ...
Quick apply
barback
$12.62 - $15/hr
Join Our Team as a Barback at Burwood Tap! Are you passionate about the hospitality industry and looking to be part of a team that values tradition and community? Burwood Tap, one of Chicago's oldest ...
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
Barback
$18 - $30/hr
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
Quick apply
Barback
$18 - $30/hr
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
Barback
Chicago, IL · On-site
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
Barback
Chicago, IL · On-site
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
A Few of Our Barback Team Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross ...
Barback information
See Chicago, IL salary details
$5.94 - $7.45
2% of jobs
$7.45 - $8.96
7% of jobs
$10.25 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$8.96 - $10.47
18% of jobs
$10.47 - $11.98
12% of jobs
$11.98 - $13.48
9% of jobs
The median wage is $13.70 / hr.
$13.48 - $14.99
15% of jobs
$15.96 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$14.99 - $16.50
19% of jobs
$16.50 - $18.01
9% of jobs
$18.01 - $19.52
4% of jobs
$19.52 - $21.03
4% of jobs
$21.03 - $22.53
1% of jobs
$5
$13
$22
How much do barback jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for barback in Chicago, IL is $13.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.90 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a barback?
Barbacks are support staff in bars and restaurants who assist bartenders by ensuring the bar is fully stocked and clean. Their duties typically include restocking liquor, beer, and other supplies, washing glassware, cleaning spills, and removing empty bottles. Barbacks play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and smooth operation of busy bars, allowing bartenders to focus on serving customers. This position is often considered an entry-level role and can be a stepping stone to becoming a bartender.
What is a barback?
A barback is a hospitality professional who assists the bartenders in restaurants, bars, or catered events. As a barback, your responsibilities and duties include preparing the bar before it opens, replenishing necessary supplies throughout the night, and helping break down the bar at closing. You are constantly on your feet, restocking glassware, alcohol, ice, and more. You also prep and restock garnishes and change out kegs. In between these other duties, you clean continually as bartending is messy work. Barbacking is a fast-paced and very physical job.
What skills and qualifications are needed to be a barback?
To thrive as a Barback, you need strong organizational skills, physical stamina, and a basic understanding of bar operations, usually learned on the job or through entry-level hospitality experience. Familiarity with inventory management systems, glassware handling, and basic food safety certifications are often required. Excellent teamwork, attention to detail, and a proactive attitude help Barbacks anticipate bartenders' needs and maintain a smooth workflow. These skills ensure efficient bar service, customer satisfaction, and seamless support for the bartending staff.
What challenges might a barback face during a busy shift, and how can they be addressed?
Barbacks often encounter challenges such as keeping up with the fast-paced demands of a full bar, restocking supplies quickly, and maintaining a clean workspace amidst constant activity. Effective communication with bartenders and anticipation of their needs can help manage these challenges. Staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and remaining calm under pressure are essential strategies for success in this role.
What is the difference between Barback vs Bartender?
| Aspect | Barback | Bartender |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Minimal; often no formal certification | Food handler permits, alcohol service certification |
| Work Environment | Behind the bar, supporting bartenders | Serving customers, mixing drinks |
| Job Responsibilities | Restocking supplies, cleaning, assisting bartenders | Taking orders, preparing and serving drinks |
| Industry Usage | Common in bars, clubs, restaurants | Primary role in bar service |
The main difference between a Barback and a Bartender is that a Barback primarily supports bartenders by restocking and cleaning, while a Bartender directly interacts with customers and prepares drinks. Both roles are essential in bar operations, but they require different skills and responsibilities.
Do barbacks get paid well?
Barbacks typically earn an hourly wage that is often supplemented by tips, making their total compensation variable. While wages can be competitive in busy venues, overall pay depends on location, experience, and the establishment's tipping culture, and it may not be considered high compared to other hospitality roles.
Is a barback a hard job?
A barback job involves physically demanding tasks such as restocking supplies, cleaning, and assisting bartenders, often requiring long hours on your feet. It can be considered hard due to the fast-paced environment and the need for good organizational skills and stamina.
More about Barback jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Barback jobs in Chicago, IL?
The most popular types of Barback jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Barback jobs in Chicago, IL?
For Barback jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Barback jobs in Chicago, IL look for?
The top searched job categories for Barback jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Barback jobs?
Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Barback job openings:
Full-time
Re-posted 19 days ago
Job description
Job Description: BARBACKLocation: Berwyn, IL, 60402Skills Required:
- State applicable health and alcohol compliance card
- Basic reading skills
- Basic mathematical skills
- Basic computer skills
- Organizational skills
- Multi-task oriented
- Knowledge of workplace safety procedures
- Ability to lift 35 pounds
The BARBACK will be responsible for assisting the bartender in preparing and serving drinks, maintaining cleanliness of the bar area, and ensuring compliance with health and alcohol regulations. The ideal candidate will have basic reading, mathematical, and computer skills, as well as strong organizational and multi-tasking abilities. Knowledge of workplace safety procedures is essential, as the BARBACK will be required to lift heavy objects and operate equipment safely. A state applicable health and alcohol compliance card is also required.