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
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Bartenders may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers. Also, a average portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 33% of Bartenders who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $20,075. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 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$15.50
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
$15,751 median annual incomeCape Breton
$14,161 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$11,572 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$11,784 median annual incomeSouthern
$15,321 median annual incomeCompared 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
45-54
55-64
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
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile