How to become a Bartender
Official title: Bartenders
Also called: Bartender, Head bartender, Service bartender, Managing bartender, Bartenders supervisor, Lounge supervisor-bartender, Barmaid, Barkeeper, Mixologist, Bar steward, Head barmaid, Tapman/woman
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $39,000 a year The middle half earn $32,663 to $48,750.
- About 29,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 29,300 are projected by 2033. (-0.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Bartender?
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.
How much does a Bartender earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $39,000 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $32,663 to $48,750.
Is a Bartender a growing career in Canada?
Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2033: about 29,400 people now and 29,300 later (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Bartender?
Usually not. Only 16% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03