How much does a bouncer make

Bouncers are security guards who work at entertainment venues, including bars, nightclubs and casinos. Their job is to protect the staff and property from any patrons who become unruly on the premises.

Bouncer Job Description

Bouncers have a variety of duties, depending on the establishment in which they work. The employment website JobHero lists typical responsibilities, including:

• Greet patrons: Be friendly to guests as they enter and leave the premises.
• Check identification: Check that patrons are at least 21 years old at venues that serve alcohol. Check for fake IDs.
• Collect cover charges: Collect and handle monies that an establishment requires for entry.
• Crowd control: Control flow of foot traffic, remove unruly patrons, contact authorities when a situation escalates beyond the bouncer's control.
• Monitor guest lists and dress codes: Admission may be by invitation, so a bouncer makes sure only invited guests can enter. If there is a dress code, bouncers offer admission only to those who comply.

Bouncer Education and Training

There are no formal education or training requirements, though most employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Individuals with martial arts training or experience with conflict resolution may have an advantage in the job market. Likewise, individuals with law enforcement or military experience may be particularly sought-after by employers.

Bouncers must project an air of authority while being respectful of guests. Physical fitness is important, so most employers look for bouncers who are large in stature and can look intimidating. In addition to physical skills, bouncers should have good decision-making and problem-solving skills. They should thoroughly understand an establishment's rules and safety protocols, and be observant and professional at all times.

Bouncer Work Environment

Bouncers usually work when most people are off the clock and enjoying their personal time. That means that, for a bouncer, the workday can begin around the dinner hour and extend into the wee hours of the morning. The busiest times for bars and clubs employing bouncers can be late night, weekend and holiday hours. Bouncers often find themselves dealing with individuals who've had too much alcohol and they may also have to deal with people who use illegal drugs. Many bouncers work part-time hours and thus bouncer jobs pay accordingly; a bouncer's salary is typically paid on an hourly, rather than a weekly, basis.

Bouncer Salary and Job Outlook

According to the employment website PayScale, the average bouncer pay rate is $13.24 per hour, with a national range of $9 to $21.62 per hour. As with most jobs, a bouncer salary is based on a variety of factors, including employer and geographic location, as well as the skills and qualifications of the individual. PayScale reports that bouncers in New York City earn 52 percent above the national average. However, PayScale also reports that the cost of living in New York City is 129 percent above the national average, so a higher salary doesn't translate to a higher standard of living.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracks data for civilian professions, classifies bouncers under the category Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers. It reports the median pay as $14.29 per hour, or $29,710 per year. Median pay means that half in the profession earn more, while half earn less. The BLS projects a 4 percent growth rate through 2028, a rate considered average when compared to all other occupations.

So as the title says I am thinking of becoming a bouncer. This would be part time weekend work for Friday and Saturday nights so I can earn some extra cash on top of my normal wage.

I dont go out a lot so I dont feel I will be missing my weekend nights.

As for my suitability I am good enough at dealing with drunks and my build is perfect for the job ( 6 foot 3 inches weighing 120kg). My only real problem is that I may not be an arsehole enough.

I know that in Melbourne the requirements are a cert II in security operations and a security license. The place I am looking at to do the course is here as they also are a recruiting agency who will help with finding a job and I can do the course in 16 days full time ( which meaning having to take 3 weeks annual leave) or evening (6 - 10) lessons for 32 working days.

Does anybody have any experience as a bouncer or have done the course or any other opinion.

Average Base Salary

$55,609 (AUD)/yr

Average Hourly Rate

$26.74 (AUD)/hr

Average Bonus

$662 (AUD)/yr

Compensation Data Based on Experience

The average bouncer gross salary in Sydney, Australia is $55,609 or an equivalent hourly rate of $27. This is 6% higher (+$3,361) than the average bouncer salary in Australia. In addition, they earn an average bonus of $662. Salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in Sydney, Australia. An entry level bouncer (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $42,952. On the other end, a senior level bouncer (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $66,071.

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ERI’s compensation data are based on salary surveys conducted and researched by ERI. Cost of labor data in the Assessor Series are based on actual housing sales data from commercially available sources, plus rental rates, gasoline prices, consumables, medical care premium costs, property taxes, effective income tax rates, etc.

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Estimated Salary in 2027:

$62,611 (AUD)

5 Year Change:

13 %

Based on our compensation data, the estimated salary potential for Bouncer will increase 13 % over 5 years.

This chart displays the highest level of education for:
Bouncer, the majority at 100% with less than hss.

Typical Field of Study: Security and Loss Prevention Services

See how education can impact your salary

Sydney, Australia

The cost of living in Sydney, Australia is 36% more than the average cost of living in Australia. Cost of living is calculated based on accumulating the cost of food, transportation, health services, rent, utilities, taxes, and miscellaneous.

View Cost of Living Page

Sydney ( (listen) SID-nee) is the capital city of the state of New South Wales, and the most populous city in both Australia and Oceania. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Sydney Harbour and extends about 70 km (43.5 mi) towards the Blue Mountains to the west, Hawkesbury to the north, the Royal National Park to the south and Macarthur to the south-west. Sydney is made up of 658 suburbs, spread across 33 local government areas. Residents of the city are known as "Sydneysiders...

Sourced from Wikipedia

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Patrols place of entertainment to preserve order among patrons and protect property. Circulates among patrons to prevent improper dancing, skating, or similar activities, and to detect people annoying other patrons or damaging furnishings of establishment. Warns patrons guilty of infractions and evicts them tactfully from premises if they become unruly or ejects them by force if necessary. Read More

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This page is a promotion for SalaryExpert’s Assessor Series and is not intended for professional use.

Professionals should subscribe to SalaryExpert’s Assessor Platform.

ERI’s compensation data are based on salary surveys conducted and researched by ERI. Cost of labor data in the Assessor Series are based on actual housing sales data from commercially available sources, plus rental rates, gasoline prices, consumables, medical care premium costs, property taxes, effective income tax rates, etc.

Learn About Our Products

SalaryExpert, powered by ERI, provides verified salary and cost of living data to the public with a comprehensive platform for evaluating compensation, career, relocation, and education decisions.

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