Canada is a country known for its robust economy, welcoming nature, and diverse culture. Bartenders are in high demand across Canadian provinces due to the country’s rapidly growing restaurants, and hotels, among others. However, getting a bartender job in Canada will open lots of opportunities for career advancement in Canada’s employment areas like restaurants, bars, taverns, private clubs, and banquet halls.
Due to the post-pandemic effect, the demand for skilled workers has greatly increased and will likely continue for a couple of years. This simply means that a lot of job openings will be available in the coming years in Canada, Bartenders inclusive. However, getting a bartender job in Canada may be tiring but it’s one of the highest-paying part-time jobs available.
A bartender job in Canada can pay an average salary of $17.00 per hour and $40,450 annually. Although, this median salary will depend on your experience, location, and specialization. In addition, you do not need experience to start, just minimal training is enough.
The high demand for bartenders has resulted in competitive salaries and excellent benefits. These benefits range from strong job security to high wages (tips inclusive), a standard work environment, a direct Canada PR for bartenders pathway, and free healthcare. However, professionals have several chances to grow on the job, improve their skills, and take on new challenges.
In this article, we’ll explain the duties of a bartender, the requirements for employment, and the benefits of getting a bartender job in Canada.
Main Duties of a Bartender
As a bartender, you will likely perform some or all of the duties listed below.
- 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, bottled beer, and non-alcoholic beverages for food and beverage servers or serve directly to customers.
- Get payment for beverages and record sales.
- Maintain inventory and control of bar stock and order supplies.
- Clean the bar area and ensure the glassware is always clean.
- Ensure compliance with provincial/territorial liquor legislation and regulations.
- May train and supervise other bartenders and bar staff.
- May hire and lay off staff.
Employment Requirements
To get a bartender job in Canada, you will be required to:
- Have completed secondary school.
- Obtain a responsible beverage service certification.
- Have completed college or other bartending programs or courses in mixing drinks.
- Have some years of experience on the job, this is however not mandatory but good.
Advantages of Being a Bartender
Getting a bartender job in Canada has a lot of benefits. Read on to know some of the advantages of the job.
1. Getting Good Tips
Aside from the hourly pay you’ll make from being a bartender, most times customers will give tips for your service. However, your job location is a great determinant of how many tips you can get. In some provinces, your tips may sometimes exceed your salary.
For instance, bartenders who serve in upscale or popular drinking establishments will likely get higher tips from customers.
2. The Job Availability
According to reports, the job outlook for bartenders is projected to rise 33% over the ten years from 2020 to 2030. This is way higher than average for other industries. It’s easier to find suitable employment because there are more available positions. However, the availability of jobs in your area might differ from other places within the nation.
3. It Is a Social Job
Another advantage of working as a bartender is the social aspect of the job. While on duty, you’ll meet a whole lot of different people. However, if you love meeting and associating with people, a bartender job is a great avenue to have fun and enjoy your job.
4. Free Day-time
The Job of a bartender is mostly in the evening and at weekends, therefore, they have free day-time to pursue other activities. Furthermore, if you are a student, getting a bartender job will be perfect for you. In essence, you can attend classes or study during your daytime hours and work in the evening.
Also, it’s awesome to have your days free because you’re off work when most other businesses, like banks, motor vehicle centers, doctor’s offices, and specialty stores, are open. Having free time on weekdays means you may have more opportunities to complete errands, see friends, spend time with family, or do other work.
5. Opportunity to Learn New Skills
Various skills can make you stand out as an extraordinary bartender. Communication skills come into play when you can take orders and fulfill them correctly. A powerful memory and your great ability to multitask is also essential.
However, getting a bartender job at a restaurant, bar or event can help you improve these skills which may benefit you in other areas of your life. Another skill you can learn as a bartender is the knowledge of mixing and making different drinks. If you’re someone who enjoys entertaining or drinking, knowing how to make your cocktails can be a fun skill to share with friends and family.
6. It’s an Active Job
Depending on where you work and the business of your establishment, most bartenders can expect to be moving for most of their shifts. As a bartender, you’ll always be active, doing one thing or another. For instance, on busy days, you will likely be standing behind the bar, going to tables to take orders or making drinks.
Many bartenders learn to make drinks, take orders, and accept payment simultaneously, to better serve their customers. Having an active job can often make shifts feel shorter because you’re less bored. Working as a bartender can be a great way to ensure you’re moving and staying active at work.
Disadvantages of Being a Bartender
Although we have discussed about the advantages of being a bartender, there can be some downsides to getting a bartender job in Canada, too. Listed below are some of the disadvantages of being a bartender.
1. There Isn’t a Lot of Upward Mobility
One potential disadvantage of a bartender job is the limited growth many people experience in the job. While experience and hard work can qualify you for a high salary or management opportunities. Bartending rarely offers the same benefits as a traditional career in terms of access to insurance or professional development opportunities.
However, if you love and appreciate the job, this isn’t a downside to the position. For those who hope to gain benefits from their employment, bartending might not be a sustainable employment solution.
2. Nights and Weekends Shifts
While having your weekdays free to complete errands or spend time with others can be nice. But, for some, working evenings and weekends can be a turn-off of the job. Because many others have an opposite schedule, working in bartending can mean you don’t have the same free time as others in your family or friend group.
Sometimes, you’ll even have to work on holidays as a bartender, which might not work for your needs. Also, late night shifts can cause some sleeping disorders disrupting sleep schedules and leading to unhealthy habits. While not always the case, some professionals don’t do well with bartenders’ hours and expectations.
3. Be Aware of Local Regulations
In some states, serving alcohol is either not allowed or strict rules and regulations are applied. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of your state’s requirements. Failure to check an I.D. or serving alcohol when you’re under 18 years old can have consequences for the restaurant and the server. Learning all the rules and requirements can help you ensure you stay in compliance with the law.
4. It Can Be Tiring
A bartending job is an active and demanding one, therefore it can be tiring to maintain the same energy you started with. Socializing and responding to overlapping requests may also be affected. However, some people thrive well in these environments, while others may find it hard to continue coping.
So, before you apply for a bartender job, it’s important to know yourself well and decide if you can fit in. Working late nights can be tiring, especially if you have other commitments during the day.
5. The Environment May Be Unhealthy
If you are someone who struggles with alcohol or substance abuse, getting a bartender job might not be the best choice for your health. Even if you don’t have unhealthy habits, constantly being around those who drink and party can have a strong influence on you. Additionally, you might witness others struggling with dependency or need to intervene if an alcohol-related incident occurs at your workplace.