For many people, moving to Las Vegas and becoming a bartender is a lifelong dream. For others, bartending in Las Vegas is something that seems like a great career choice. After all, there are literally thousands of bartending jobs in Las Vegas. While most people think of mega resorts and casinos on the Strip, in reality there are many more opportunities at local joints and bars located off the Strip.

Union and Non-Union jobs

In order to join the Las Vegas Bartenders Union, you must first be hired by a union establishment. Traditionally, union establishments were those large hotels located on the Strip. After being hired and joining the Union, you must then go to the Union’s school. The Union school takes 6 months and involves memorizing drink recipes from a book. Most Union establishments will hire you as a bar back first and them promote you to bartender in 6-12 months.

Non-Union jobs are more prevalent with smaller casinos and off-Strip properties. These are the best type of places to get your foot in the door as a new bartender. Best of all you can start working immediately as a bartender. 

Required Work Credentials

All bartenders in Las Vegas will need an Alcohol Awareness Card. To get the Alcohol card you register online and watch the safety video, then go in to the testing office to pick up the card. You must have your alcohol card on your person at all times while working.

All bartenders in Las Vegas will need a Food Handlers Card (health card). To get the health card you register online and watch the safety video, then go in to the testing office to pick up the card. You must have your health card on your person at all times while working.

Bartending School

Get your bartending career started with our state-certified bartending class. The class if 2 weeks long and teaches over 200 drinks. Enroll today.