Singapore’s vibrant food and beverage scene is a cornerstone of our cultural landscape. While Singapore is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, its bar scene is equally impressive, catering to various tastes and preferences. Singapore’s bar industry is as diverse as its food scene, from upscale hotel lounges and trendy rooftop bars to cosy neighbourhood pubs.
Bartenders are the unsung heroes behind these establishments, crafting everything from classic cocktails to innovative new drinks. Their skills in mixing beverages, knowledge of different spirits, and ability to engage with customers make them indispensable in creating memorable experiences. But beyond the flair and showmanship, how much can a bartender in Singapore earn each month?
Let’s dig into the data and find out.
Starting Salaries & Requirements (Or Expectations)
Singapore’s Food and Beverage (F&B) industry is bustling, yet it’s facing a significant challenge: a shortage of workers. This labour shortage means many establishments are eager to hire, even if candidates don’t have prior experience. While the situation has improved since the peak of the labour crunch in 2021 and 2022, when bars and restaurants were reopening post-Covid, there are still plenty of opportunities available for aspiring bartenders.
Interestingly, not all job postings for bartenders in Singapore require prior experience. Platforms like Fastjobs.sg list numerous openings, with many employers willing to provide free training. The salary for these positions typically ranges from S$2,400 to S$3,500 per month, including incentives and bonuses.
For example, a Bartender position at Resorts World Sentosa requires GCE O Level, a minimum of two years at the supervisory level, excellent bartending skills, and good interpersonal and communication skills.
Advertised pay for the Bartender role at Resorts World Sentosa is “from” S$3,300 per month.
Source: Fastjobs.sg
Meanwhile, another Bartender position at Millenia Walk promotes the possibility of an attractive five-day workweek for the position.
Requirements for this position include at least one year of relevant experience in a junior position, in-depth knowledge of sakes, wines, and spirits, and a good memory for mixing various drinks ordered by customers.
Where Does Bartenders’ Pay Sit In Relation To The Singapore Workforce?
We can compare bartenders’ pay in Singapore to other roles in Singapore.
The annual Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Labour Force Report gives a good indication of the salaries paid to employees in specific industries.
In the latest MOM Labour Force Report 2023, the median total monthly pay (including employer CPF) in the Accommodation & Food Services industry – which can be used as a proxy for where a bartender’s position would lie – was S$2,853 per month (seen next to “I” in the table below).
Source: MOM Labour Force Report 2023
If we compare that to the overall workforce’s median total pay of S$5,197 per month, in the MOM Labour Force Report 2023, a bartender’s salary is around 55% of the Singapore workforce’s median monthly salary.
This median figure for the sector also matches Indeed.com.sg, a careers site which estimates the average base salary for a bartender in Singapore.
The careers site states that the average bartender salary in Singapore is S$2,883 per month, according to 920 salaries reported as of 8 July 2024.
Experience Can Mean Up To 70% More Pay
As in every industry, experience counts when working in bartending. Many jobs posted online are looking for a Bar Supervisor/Captain or Head Bartender and offer between S$3,250 and S$4,800 per month.
That is nearly 70% higher than the median cited in the MOM Labour Force Report 2023.
Candidates must have relevant work experience as an Assistant Bar Manager or Supervisor for these roles. These roles usually involve administrative management of an F&B outlet and offer a career path towards higher pay for bartenders just starting out.
Accumulating Soft Skills With Bartending
Bartender salaries in Singapore have grown slightly faster than the overall increase in median pay across the broader Singapore workforce. From 2022 to 2023, the median pay in Singapore rose by 2.5%, while the average salary in the Accommodation & Food Services industry, which includes bartenders, saw an impressive 8% increase.
Beyond the pay, bartending offers valuable opportunities for personal development. The role requires strong social and interpersonal skills, as providing friendly and engaging service is crucial. This experience can particularly benefit those looking to build confidence and communication skills.
Moreover, bartending offers a clear career progression. Starting as a bartender can lead to positions such as Bar Manager or Supervisor, which come with increased responsibilities and higher salaries. This career path provides a promising future for those entering the industry, offering professional growth and financial rewards.
Read Also: Salary Guide: How Much Can You Earn As An Airline Pilot?
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