The short answer
There is no single reliable price for every event. Our planner uses an illustrative $60–$90 per bartender-hour, at least three service hours and one extra hour for setup and cleanup. This is an internal budgeting model, not a survey of local market rates. Ask for a written quote for your date and location.
Work through a real calculation
For 50 guests, four service hours and a cocktail menu, the model allows one bartender and five paid hours including setup/cleanup. At $60–$90 per hour, that is $300–$450 in illustrative labor. For 100 guests under the same assumptions, two bartenders produce $600–$900.
Compare the same scope
Ask whether the price includes bar equipment, ice, mixers, garnishes, glassware, transportation, parking and cleanup. Identify taxes, tips and overtime separately. A lower headline figure may leave more of this work to the host.
Protect the budget before confirming
Get the deposit, cancellation terms, final guest-count deadline and extra-hour rate in writing. Ask who handles staffing changes. A form submission or calculator result does not reserve a bartender.
Turn the guide into a plan.
Try the calculator, then send your event details for an availability review.
Open the cost planner