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Barback Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

You're a self-starter who knows what to do and when to do it; an exceptional Barback can predict the future and mitigate emergent situations (at least when it comes to the bar!) Responsibilities:

Assists the Bartender in providing friendly, courteous beverage preparation and service in accordance with established procedures. * Report to Supervisor on duty for daily assignments * Transport and ...

Assists the Bartender in providing friendly, courteous beverage preparation and service in accordance with established procedures. * Report to Supervisor on duty for daily assignments * Transport and ...

Assists the Bartender in providing friendly, courteous beverage preparation and service in accordance with established procedures. Essential Functions - Report to Supervisor on duty for daily ...

Assists the Bartender in providing friendly, courteous beverage preparation and service in accordance with established procedures. Essential Functions - Report to Supervisor on duty for daily ...

Assists the Bartender in providing friendly, courteous beverage preparation and service in accordance with established procedures. Essential Functions - Report to Supervisor on duty for daily ...

Assists the Bartender in providing friendly, courteous beverage preparation and service in accordance with established procedures. Essential Functions - Report to Supervisor on duty for daily ...

Assists the Bartender in providing friendly, courteous beverage preparation and service in accordance with established procedures. Essential Functions - Report to Supervisor on duty for daily ...

Assists the Bartender in providing friendly, courteous beverage preparation and service in accordance with established procedures. Essential Functions - Report to Supervisor on duty for daily ...

... bartending staff by answering guest questions, pre-bussing, refilling N/A beverages etc. to ensure quality guest experience • Changing out empty kegs and maintenance of beer and returnable storage ...

... bartending staff by answering guest questions, pre-bussing, refilling N/A beverages etc. to ensure quality guest experience • Changing out empty kegs and maintenance of beer and returnable storage ...

... bartending staff by answering guest questions, pre-bussing, refilling N/A beverages etc. to ensure quality guest experience • Changing out empty kegs and maintenance of beer and returnable storage ...

... bartending staff by answering guest questions, pre-bussing, refilling N/A beverages etc. to ensure quality guest experience • Changing out empty kegs and maintenance of beer and returnable storage ...

Barback

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Upshift is a revolutionary mobile app to find hundreds of flexible shifts for roles like Assembly, Hospitality, Packing, Bartending and more posted by businesses across your area. Join 150,000 ...

BUSSER / JANITOR / BARBACK This job requires the Twin Peaks Janitor, Busser to clean and maintain the Twin Peaks restaurant. Each team member is defined by pride, extreme standards, and discipline ...

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Barback information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$5

$13

$21

How much do barback jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for barback in Detroit, MI is $13.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.52 and $15.43 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?

AspectBarbackBartender
CredentialsMinimal; often no formal certificationFood handler permits, alcohol service certification
Work EnvironmentBehind the bar, supporting bartendersServing customers, mixing drinks
Job ResponsibilitiesRestocking supplies, cleaning, assisting bartendersTaking orders, preparing and serving drinks
Industry UsageCommon in bars, clubs, restaurantsPrimary 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Barback jobs in Detroit, MI?

The most popular types of Barback jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What are popular job titles related to Barback jobs in Detroit, MI?

For Barback jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Barback jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Barback jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Barback jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Barback job openings:

Infographic showing various Barback job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,475 per year, or $13.2 per hour.

Barback

Good Time Charley's

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

In this highly visible role, you’re acting as the entire support system for the bartenders at some of the busiest and best bars and restaurants in Ann Arbor. You’re constantly on the move – filling, carrying, emptying – and your commitment to quality is unparalleled. Bringing a strong sense of urgency and understanding of overall operations is critical to your success. Your efficiency can be directly tied to the revenue generated during the shift. You play an integral role in the team – at Watershed Hospitality we truly do work together and treat everyone with respect. You’re a self-starter who knows what to do and when to do it; an exceptional Barback can predict the future and mitigate emergent situations (at least when it comes to the bar!)


Responsibilities:

  • Takes initiative to complete work in a timely and consistent manner

  • Constantly moving and observing in this physically challenging role; demonstrates a high energy level

  • Brings meticulous attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness to every shift

  • Works autonomously to support the bartender

  • Has general knowledge of bar operations

  • Comfortable taking direction and pleasant about following instruction in a noisy, fast-paced, high-volume bar

  • Brings a positive attitude every shift and treat everyone (clients and colleagues alike) with respect

  • Acts as integral part of the team: liaise between servers, bussers and kitchen staff to ensure seamless customer experience

  • Maintains composure, remains calm and patient despite dynamic, fast-paced environment

  • Brings A-game to every shift; serves guests with a calm sense of urgency

  • Performs opening and closing duties with timeliness, thoroughness and attention to detail

  • Set up team for success; ensure bar and supplies are stocked for next shift

  • Displays infectious energy and initiative – brings the hustle

  • Requires constant movement between kitchen, bar and floor and up/down stairs


Need to know:

-In this role you will be constantly moving; the job demands lots of heavy lifting, bending, twisting, pulling, pushing

-Must be available for ALL University of Michigan football home games

-Barback shifts are predominantly evening/night shifts; this position requires night time availability

-Must be available for all U of M football HOME GAMES

-Highly physical in nature

-You will be asked to lift up to 50 lbs at a time (glassware, garbage, boxes of liquor bottles, kegs)

-Experience needed:

Barback experience or exposure to bar operations preferred


Benefits:

Fun place to work!

Meal benefits

Competitive pay and provided uniforms