Bartenders
(NOC 6512)
in All Sales and ServiceBartenders mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. They work in restaurants, hotels, bars, taverns, private clubs, banquet halls and other licensed businesses. Supervisors of bartenders are included in this group.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Sales and Service
From March until June, dining rooms, bars, and other drinking businesses were ordered to close. Though restaurants could continue to sell delivery or takeout meals, most bartenders were laid off under during this period. As of November 2020, dining rooms in the Halifax region were forced to close for a second time due to community spread of the virus. This is expected to result in a temporary increase in the number of unemployed bartenders. Many bartenders were rehired when bars and dining rooms were permitted to reopen in early June. However, occupancy and physical distancing restrictions often reduce the amount of revenue a business can generate, which may negatively affect staffing levels going forward. Employers in some communities have encountered a shortage of bartenders and other restaurant staff, in some cases forcing them to reduce operating hours. In response to COVID-19, the provincial government has relaxed liquor regulations so alcoholic beverages can be ordered with takeout. Some businesses have begun to sell prepared cocktails in response, which may represent an opportunity for bartenders even under a takeout model.
Prior to COVID-19, the number of workers in food services rose during the previous several years. Demand has increased with population and income growth, as well as the rising popularity of food delivery services. There are typically some vacancies due to high turnover in this occupation. Going forward, employment in this occupation will be linked to the health of the food services industry overall. Many restaurants have indicated an inability to recover financially from the closure in the spring. Those normally reliant on seasonal summer revenue were particularly hard-hit by the decline in tourism. Opportunities also arise due to the turnover of businesses. While the challenges of the pandemic have caused several bars and restaurants to close permanently, there have been many announcements of new ones opening.
The median employment income for the 33% of Bartenders who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $20,075. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600. (Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$13.00
Median$15.95
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,300
Minimum$14,865
Median$25,304
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.36
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Bartenders mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. They work in restaurants, hotels, bars, taverns, private clubs, banquet halls and other licensed businesses. Supervisors of bartenders are included in this group.
Job duties
Bartenders:
- Take beverage orders from serving staff or directly from patrons.
- Mix liquor, soft drinks, water, and other ingredients to prepare cocktails and other drinks.
- Prepare mixed drinks, wine, draft or bottled beer and non-alcoholic beverages for food and beverage servers or serve directly to patrons.
- Collect payment for beverages and record sales.
- Maintain inventory and control of bar stock and order supplies.
- Clean bar area and wash glassware.
- Ensure compliance with provincial/territorial liquor legislation and regulations.
- May train and supervise other bartenders and bar staff.
- May hire and dismiss staff.
Sample job titles
- bar attendant
- bar steward
- barkeeper
- barman/barwoman
- bartender
- bartenders supervisor
- head bartender
- lounge supervisor-bartender
- managing bartender
Skills
You should be friendly, well-spoken, well-groomed, and enthusiastic about the service. Good organizational and mathematical skills are necessary. You must be pleasant to both your customers and co-workers, even when working under pressure. The ability to remember details and orders is essential. You must also be able to move gracefully and quickly. Bartenders are on their feet most of the time and often have to carry heavy trays glassware, requiring physical fitness and stamina. For some positions, knowledge of a second language is an asset.
Job requirements
- High school may be required.
- College or other program in bartending or completion of courses in mixing drinks is usually required.
- Responsible beverage service certification may be required.
Other considerations
Progression to managerial positions in food and beverage service is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Accommodation and food services
Other services (except public administration)
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Public administration
Educational services
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
15-24
35-44
55-64
45-54
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$16,577 median annual incomeBachelor
$13,727 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$16,873 median annual incomeLess than high school
$7,964 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$15,330 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.