Chicago Barback Jobs Overview
If you’re eager to start working in the food and beverage industry but you don’t have much experience, consider barback jobs as a great option. These workers are essential for the smooth-running of bar activities. They are mostly bartender assistants. However, they also take care of many other small but crucial tasks.
In this role, you could work in bars, hotels, nightclubs, at events or any other establishment serving drinks. Are you wondering about the future job prospects of this career? Bartenders and related professionals are on the rise, with growth estimated at 32%, far above the 8% average in the US economy.
Barbacks carry out duties such as:
- supporting bartenders in all their operations
- opening/closing tabs for customers
- replenishing supplies for the bar counter, shelves, and fridges
- changing kegs
- clearing empty glasses and any waste on the bar counters
- clean restrooms
- assist customers
You can expand your search for food service jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Chicago, Illinois
If you're going to Chicago to experience "da Bears," deep-dish pizza, and windy streets, native Chicagoans say "fogetta 'bout it!" While these have made Chicago famous, you'll find many locals eating thin-crust, tavern-style pie. Plus, the city isn't on any list of the windiest cities in the U.S.—a local newspaper named it "The Windy City" after the Chicago elite's propensity toward boastfulness and self-promotion. And while the Chicago jobs list (hit jobs, that is) includes notorious mobsters from Chicago like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson, linguists are noticing that the "Chicago accent" is disappearing.
However, there's a reason Condé Nast Traveler has named Chicago the "best big city in the U.S." Chicago is home to top universities, including Northwestern University, Wheaton College, and Valparaiso. And if you're looking for Chicago jobs, you can relocate to any one of the city's unique neighborhoods, such as North Center with its cozy Irish pubs and breweries or Uptown, the lively entertainment district. For those who want to live further out from the city, you can also find jobs in popular suburbs including Cicero, Oak Park, and Evanston.
Update Your Chicago Barback Resume
If you’re preparing a resume for a barback position you should be aware of a few simple tricks that can take you further. First, build a resume that is clear, easy to read and one to two pages only. Stick to the basic five resume sections but add hobbies and interests when relevant. To help you with your resume format, start with our bartender resume sample.
Then, carefully read the job offers to find the exact keywords to include in your resume. This practice will help you overcome the automatic screening software that more and more companies are utilizing. Finally, write a barback cover letter. Shoot for the stars and explain why you are interested in the position and how it would help you grow professionally, perhaps to soon become a bartender. Remember, companies like candidates that know what they want and have a plan.
How Much Do Barback Jobs Pay in Chicago, Illinois?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in barback jobs in Chicago, Illinois, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median busser pay in Chicago is $11.84 per hour, which is 6% higher than the national average.
Find Your Next Chicago Barback Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
Are you prepared for a career in barback? If so, set up your profile on Monster for free and begin clicking on those barback jobs. When you sign up with us, you’ll receive custom job alerts and expert advice on how to negotiate your salary in Chicago, how to nail your job interview, and more.