Barback vs. Bartender: This is the Difference You Must Know!

Ever heard the term barback in the world of hotels and restaurants? 

Well, many people think that working in a bar is just about mixing drinks and performing in front of customers. 

In fact, there is one important role that is often forgotten, namely barback. What is barback? 

So, barback is bartender support staff who make bar operations run smoothly. 

Meanwhile, the bartender is the main face of the bar. Those who mix and serve drinks to customers. 

However, without a barback, bartenders will have difficulties because all ingredients and equipment must always be ready. 

In short, barback's job is ensuring bartenders can focus on customers without having to run back and forth to stock drinks or clean equipment.

So, so that you don't get confused any more, let's discuss the matter in more depth barback is What?

So how is this different from bartenders! Make sure you read this article to the end, OK!

Read Also: Baristas Are: Definition, Duties and Skills Required

What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Barback?

Source: Freepik

Behind the bartender who looks cool mixing cocktails, there is barback. Barback is the figure who ensures all the ingredients are available. 

So, assignment barback is help the bartender with all the needs behind the bar. 

Well, this includes preparing ice, refilling drink stocks, cleaning glasses, and ensuring all equipment is available in ready-to-use condition. 

Simply put, a bartender is like a chef who serves dishes.

Meanwhile, the barback is a kitchen assistant who ensures the kitchen stays tidy and ingredients are always available. 

Bar back is a role that keeps bar operations running smoothly, even though many customers don't realize it.

What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Bartender?

Source: Freepik

While the barback works behind the scenes, the bartender is the spearhead of the bar. 

Bartenders mix drinks, interact with customers, and make sure each drink is made to the right size. 

Bartenders must also have good communication skills, as they often provide drink recommendations or even entertain customers. Here you can really see the difference. 

In essence, barback's job is to support the bartender from behind, while the bartender appears in front and serves drink orders directly. You understand, right?

Read Also: Understanding Scale Up: The Key to a Growing Business, Here's the Strategy!

Barback vs. Barback Duties Bartender Duties, What's the Difference?

Source: Freepik

 

From this table, it really looks like bar back is a more technical and operational role. Well, while bartenders are more about service and the art of mixing drinks. 

Both are very important in the bar industry, so there is no one who is higher or lower, they both complement each other! 

So, to make it clearer, let's look at the differences in their tasks one by one!

Barback Duties:

• Stock up on drinks, ice and garnishes before the bar opens
• Replenish supplies of drinks and other ingredients during operations
• Clean glasses and bar equipment after use
• Ensure the bartender's work area remains clean and tidy
• Assist the bartender in preparing the basic ingredients for drinks.

Bartender Duties:

• Mix and serve drinks according to customer orders
• Interact directly with customers and provide drink recommendations
• Memorize various cocktail recipes and drink serving techniques
• Calculate the amount of alcohol and other ingredients so that the taste is right
• Manage payment transactions and record customer orders.

From these tasks, it seems that barback is a role that works more behind the scenes. Well, if the bartender interacts more with customers.

Career Path: Barbacks Can Move Up to Bartender!

For those of you who want to become a bartender, but still lack experience, working as a barback is the best step! 

Many professional bartenders started their careers as barbacks.

Why? Because the barback's job is training you to know the world of bars from the basics. 

From here, you can learn types of drinks, how to mix them, and proper serving techniques. 

So, if you have the ambition to move up a position, working as a bar back is the best step to understand the bar work system more deeply!

Barback Salaries vs. Barbacks Bartender Salary: Which is More Profitable?

Regarding salaries, of course there are differences. Because bartenders have greater responsibilities in customer service and mixing drinks, their salaries are generally higher. 

However, make no mistake, the salary barback is quite promising, especially if you work in a high-end bar.

1. Barback Salary Estimates in Indonesia:

• Staff Magang: Rp1.100.000 – Rp3.000.000
• Staff Junior: Rp2.200.000 – Rp7.000.000
• Staff Senior: Rp3,000,000 – Rp10,000,000

2. Estimated Bartender Salaries in Indonesia:

• Staff Junior: Rp3.000.000 – Rp8.000.000
• Staff Senior: Rp5.000.000 – Rp15.000.000
• Professional Bartender: Rp8.000.000 – Rp20.000.000++

If you have more experience and skills, your chances of getting promoted and getting a higher salary will also be greater.

Barback or Bartender, Which is Right for You?

For those of you who like working behind the scenes and want to learn first before becoming a bartender, bar back is the recommendation. 

However, if you prefer interacting with customers and have a passion for mixology, becoming a bartender could be your ultimate goal.

In essence, fine barback is and bartenders, both have an important role in bar operations. 

Neither one is better than the other, because without barbacks, bartenders will be overwhelmed, and without bartenders, bars can't operate.

Salary Range for Bartenders in Indonesia

Bartender salaries in Indonesia vary depending on the city, workplace, level of experience, and regional wage standards.

Areas with bigger tourism potential and higher living costs generally offer higher salaries. In Jakarta, salaries are quite competitive due to the large number of bars and luxury hotels. 

Bartenders typically earn between Rp4 million and Rp8 million per month, often supplemented by tips. Tips can significantly increase income, especially during peak hours.

In Bali, salaries tend to be higher because it is a major international tourist destination. Bartenders usually earn Rp5 million to Rp10 million per month, depending on the bar’s location and reputation. 

Foreign tourists often give generous tips, increasing overall earnings. For those seeking lucrative opportunities, bartender positions on cruise ships are highly attractive. Salaries range from USD 1,000 to 2,500 per month (approximately Rp15 million to Rp40 million). 

Cruise employees also receive free accommodation and meals, allowing them to save more. 

This makes cruise ship bartending a popular career path among professionals looking to develop skills while earning higher income.

Overall, bartender career opportunities continue to grow along with the expansion of Indonesia’s hospitality industry. 

With strong skills and experience, earnings can increase significantly over time.

Bartender FAQ

1. How much does a beginner bartender earn in Indonesia?

Entry-level bartenders usually earn around Rp1.5 million to Rp4 million per month, depending on location and workplace.

2. Do bartenders need special certificates?

Certification is not always mandatory, but training from hospitality institutions can improve career prospects and professional value.

3. What is the difference between a bartender and a barista?

Bartenders specialize in alcoholic beverages and mixed drinks, while baristas focus on coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Read more: Barista: Definition, Responsibilities, and Essential Skills

Conclusion

The bartender profession offers exciting opportunities in the hospitality world.

With strong skills, professionalism, and a passion for service, bartenders can build stable, well-paid careers whether in bars, hotels, or cruise ships.

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