Overview
Bartenders mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. They are employed in restaurants, hotels, bars, taverns, private clubs, banquet halls and other licensed establishments. Supervisors of bartenders are included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Bartenders perform some or all of the following duties:
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.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$36,289
$41,712
$62,568
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
482expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school may be required.
Completion of college or other program in bartending or Completion of courses in mixing drinks is usually required.
Responsible beverage service certification may be required.
Additional information
Progression to managerial positions in food and beverage service is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Bartenders in B.C.
- Serving it Right - Bartenders
Serving it Right - Bartenders
To work as a bartender in B.C., you'll need a Serving It Right certification to serve and sell alcohol. This certification is earned through the successful completion of the Serving It Right course.
Employment as a restaurant and service manager requires several years of related work experience.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.