Hey Winter! Hope I can help.
1 - Yes, it can be lucrative. The stats are based on REPORTED tips. Here in
the US, usually we are required to report 8-10% of the ring on our drawer in
tips for tax reasons, but most good bartenders will make around 30-40% of
their ring. If you are just starting out, understand that your tips will
probably be lower because of lack of experience but they will grow. STAY AWAY
FROM BARTENDING SCHOOLS! Batending is a job that you learn by doing. The
schools are a waste of money and pretty much a joke in the industry.
2 - If you are just starting out, it helps if you have some kind of service
industry experience on your resume (waiting tables, barback, etc.)It also
helps if you know someone. An experienced bartender should easily be able to
find a job almonst anywhere, but it takes work. This means foregoing the want
ads and actually going out and handing your resume to many different places
where you think you would do well. You will be dealing with people and bar
owners want to see you and your personality not a generic e-mail resume. This
brings me to your resume - Make it fun! This is a VERY different kind of job.
It is all about personality. Mine has a martini glass in the background for
instance. Be precise, highlight service experience and keep it to one page.
3 - As far as what you can earn based on where you work relies on a couple of
things. While it is true that you will make more in a busy nightclub or large
music venue, you also are working in tandem with other bartenders (with whom
you generally will split all the tips), you will have barbacks (you need to
tip them out)and it can be stressful. It also depends on the crowd. Some
groups don't get the whole tip thing and you can run your ass off for very
little money. Don't discount the neighborhood tavern! While it may not be
swanky, if it is generally fairly busy, you can make really good money after
the regulars get to know you. You also have the luxury of talking to people
and you are working alone. No one to split your tips with or tip out. These
are also the places bartenders themselves like to go, and bartenders are some
of your best tippers! More hibrow bars are kinds of places that can be hit
and miss. Just because someone has money, doesn't mean they are good tippers.
Many of these places will attract high maintenance people with high
maintenance attitudes. It's up to you to decide what you want to put up with.
The bottom line, try a bunch of different places and decide what situation
will suit you best. You are hosting the party - If you don't like it it will
show.
Good luck and happy mixing!