Food and Beverage Servers
(NOC 6513)
in All Sales and ServiceFood and beverage servers take patrons' food and beverage orders and serve orders to patrons. They work in restaurants, hotels, bars, taverns, private clubs, banquet halls, and similar businesses.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Sales and Service
Restaurants in some areas of the province have experienced difficulty recruiting servers following closures related to COVID-19 containment measures. Some former workers in this occupation have retrained for other careers. Prospects are good for individuals looking for work as a server, however some conditions of employment may be a deterrent to applicants, such as long or irregular hours and seasonality.
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$14.50
Median$23.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,992
Minimum$11,065
Median$24,708
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$15.00
Median$25.60
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Food and beverage servers take patrons' food and beverage orders and serve orders to patrons. They work in restaurants, hotels, bars, taverns, private clubs, banquet halls, and similar businesses.
Job duties
Food and beverage servers:
- Greet patrons, present menus, make recommendations and answer questions regarding food and beverages.
- Take orders and relay to kitchen and bar staff.
- Recommend wines that complement patrons' meals.
- Serve food and beverages.
- Prepare and serve specialty foods at patrons' tables.
- Present bill to patrons and accept payment.
- Order and maintain inventory of wines and wine glassware.
- Perform sensory evaluation of wines.
Sample job titles
- banquet server
- bar service waiter/waitress
- cocktail waiter/waitress
- food and beverage server
- headwaiter/headwaitress - food and beverage services
- sommelier
- waiter/waitress - food and beverage services
- wine server
- wine steward
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. Food and beverage servers are on their feet most of the time and often have to carry heavy trays of food, dishes, and glassware, requiring physical fitness and stamina. For some positions, knowledge of a second language is an asset.
Job requirements
- High school may be required.
- Formal waiters/waitresses may require completion of a one- or two-year apprenticeship program or college or vocational school courses.
- On-the-job training is usually provided.
- Wine stewards may require courses in wine selection and service or experience as a captain waiter/waitress or formal waiter/waitress.
- Responsible beverage service certification is usually required for employees serving alcoholic beverages.
Other considerations
- These jobs are heavily influenced by tourism activity; therefore, employment levels tend to vary throughout the year and peak in the summer months. Also, many job openings are created each year as workers in these positions change jobs. However, due to the limited entry requirements, there are often many people available to fill these positions. They may work 40 hours or more per week, and many are expected to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Tips usually supplement the wages of people employed in these jobs.
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
$12,387 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$9,212 median annual incomeCape Breton
$9,139 median annual incomeSouthern
$10,716 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$12,625 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Accommodation and food services
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Health care and social assistance
Wholesale trade
Transportation and warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
25-34
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
$10,406 median annual incomeBachelor
$10,598 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$14,528 median annual incomeLess than high school
$8,211 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$13,913 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