The Life of a Bouncer

Bouncers work in entertainment establishments that serve alcohol.

Bouncers provide security services in nightclubs and bars to ensure the safety of patrons. Employers generally do not require bouncers to have a formal education, but job applicants may need to submit to a criminal background check.

Duties

Bouncers attempt to diffuse situations in which violence could occur by speaking with patrons before ejecting them from a bar or club. Professionals in this occupation may need to resort to physical force to remove dangerous drunk or disorderly patrons from the establishment's premises or to detain a patron until law enforcement arrives.

Working Conditions

A bouncer works during the operating hours of a nightclub or bar, meaning he normally starts his shift in the evening and ends his shift when the establishment closes, often in the early morning. Bouncers may work in crowded and dimly lit establishments where noise levels can cause a distraction while monitoring patron activity.

Wages

According to a survey conducted by PayScale, bouncers received average hourly compensation ranging from $9.06 to $14.54 as of July 2010. Approximately 82 percent of bouncers surveyed by PayScale did not receive any health benefits.

References

• Crime Doctor: Nightclub and Bar Security
• PayScale: Hourly Rate Snapshot for Bouncer Job