Bartender: tasks and pay
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As a bartender you work behind the bar and take care of the drinks. You handle the mise en place, welcome customers, take orders and operate the beer tap and the coffee machine. Receiving payments, washing up and cleaning the reception area are part of your duties as well, always following the rules of hygiene and food safety. The profession is also known as bar staff member, barista or barkeeper, and with experience you can become head bartender. In the hospitality sector in Flanders, bartenders work in cafes, bars, brasseries and at events, where you are often the face of the venue and keep things running during busy evenings.
Typical tasks
- Handle the mise en place at the bar
- Welcome customers and take orders
- Operate the beer tap and the coffee machine
- Provide bar service and receive payments
- Wash up and clean the reception area
- Work according to food safety and hygiene rules
Required skills
- Friendly with customers, even at busy moments
- Knowledge of drinks, coffee and tap technique
- Stress-resistant during peak hours
- Comfortable with evening and weekend work
- Accurate with the till and payments
What does a bartender earn?
Indicative Belgian pay range: €15 to €20 gross per hour. Tips and weekend allowances in hospitality often push the net income higher. Employee pay estimate; actual pay depends on experience, sector pay scales and working hours. Premiums, overtime and benefits are separate.
How to apply via Werkvolk?
- Download the appInstall the free Werkvolk app for iOS or Android.
- Set your preferencesAdd your experience and where you want to work. Then explore jobs in the app.
- Chat with employersOn a match you talk directly to the employer, no middleman.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about applying via Werkvolk.
What does a bartender do?
A bartender works behind the bar and takes care of the drinks. You handle the mise en place, welcome customers, take orders, operate the beer tap and the coffee machine and receive payments. Washing up and cleaning the reception area are part of the job too, always according to hygiene and food safety rules.
How much does a bartender earn in Belgium?
Indicative Belgian pay range: €15 to €20 gross per hour. Tips and weekend allowances in hospitality often push the net income higher. Employee pay estimate; actual pay depends on experience, sector pay scales and working hours. Premiums, overtime and benefits are separate.
How high is the demand for bartenders in Flanders?
In the hospitality sector in Flanders there is almost always demand for bar staff. Cafes, bars and event venues are continuously looking for staff, especially for evening and weekend shifts. If you are sociable and reliable, you usually find a spot quickly.
Which diplomas or certificates do you need as a bartender?
No diploma is required to become a bartender. A short barista course or cocktail training is an asset, and knowledge of hygiene and food safety is required in every venue. Most bars teach you the rest on the job.
Can you start as a bartender without experience?
Yes, bartender is a popular entry-level job in hospitality. You often start as an assistant bartender or bar staff member and learn tapping, making coffee and handling the till as you go. Motivation and friendliness count more than experience.
Could this be your match?
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