Barbacks do share in the tips. In my opinion, barbacking isn't a great way to
become a bartender, as in my four and a half years of bartending I have seen
exactly one barback be promoted (to service bar only), and he was the
manager's good friend. Barbacking is an excellent way to become familiar with
how a bar is organized and how it runs, but if I were you I would start like I
did in hotel banquets because they are open to training new bar staff or
hiring those with little experience. Learn the basics there, memorize the
most popular drinks and shooters, and then try for a service bartender
position at a restaurant where you can experience volume during dinner rushes
and further your knowledge and experience. From the service bar, work hard to
get on the wood serving the customers and you'll be off.
Many are against it, but I recommend fudging your experience along the way
(enough to get you the job, not enough to get you in over your head) and be
extremely persistent. I started five years ago in hotel banquets, and was
into restaurants within 6 months, and nightclubs within a year and ever since.
It took a lot of persistence, but I've been a high volume bartender for over
four years and make great money. It's just my opinion, but I doubt I'd ever
have gotten this far had I taken the barback route.
Good luck!