How to become a Bar Attendant

Also called: Bar Steward, Bartender

Prepares, mixes and serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to patrons in a bar in a licensed establishment.

Main tasks

• Takes orders from patrons for drinks
• Prepares and serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to patrons
• Creates and follows cocktail recipes using garnishes and other specialised ingredients
• Checks identification to verify legal drinking age
• Cleans and maintains bar area, including equipment and utensils
• Stocks and replenishes bar inventory and supplies
• Monitors patrons for signs of intoxication and refuses service as necessary
• Assists with bar opening and closing procedures

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Hospitality (SIT30622); Certificate III in Hospitality (Restaurant Front of House) (SIT30722); Certificate II in Hospitality (SIT20322); Certificate IV in Hospitality (SIT40422); Certificate III in Wine Industry Operations (FBP30921); Certificate I in Hospitality (SIT10222)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $78,000 a year
• About 120,400 people work in this job group now, and about 134,100 are projected by 2035. (+11.4%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Barista
• Cafe Worker
• Gaming Attendant
• Gaming Dealer or Croupier
• Bar Supervisor
• Cafe or Restaurant Supervisor

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Bar Attendant?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Hospitality; Certificate III in Hospitality (Restaurant Front of House).

How much does a Bar Attendant earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $78,000 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Bar Attendant a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 120,400 to about 134,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Bar Attendant?

Usually not. Only 12% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Hospitality; Certificate III in Hospitality (Restaurant Front of House).

Will AI change the work of a Bar Attendant?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04