Baristas

Career summary

#added 4/4/19 replacing 140010 Baristas

They prepare drinks such as:

• Espressos
• Mochas
• Lattes
• Cappuccinos

They also pour regular and decaf coffee. Baristas may recommend certain coffee and coffee blends to customers.

Baristas prepare specialty drinks to match customers' specific orders. Most baristas know dozens of coffee and espresso recipes. They must be able to prepare drinks quickly, accurately, and without waste. They must understand all the ingredients used in coffee drinks.

Sometimes baristas roast and grind coffee beans. They also serve various food items, such as desserts, salads, and sandwiches. In most cafes and many restaurants, baristas take orders directly from customers. However, in some places they receive orders from waiters and waitresses.

In addition to serving coffee, baristas collect payments and operate cash registers. In large coffee shops, they may focus on one task such as running the espresso machine or working at the cash register.

They also clean up after customers and clean the machines in their work area. They may work closely with other baristas. Depending on where they work and their level of responsibility, baristas may also set up advertisements and displays.

Related careers

This career is part of the Hospitality and Tourism cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bartenders
• Cashiers
• Counter Attendants
• Fast Food Cooks
• Food Preparation Workers
• Food Processing Workers
• Waiters and Waitresses

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to baristas.

• Take customer orders.
• Receive and process customer payments.
• Prepare or serve hot or cold beverages, such as coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees, or teas.
• Prepare and serve foods such as muffins, biscotti, sandwiches, or bagels.
• Describe drinks or food items to customers and answer questions.
• Clean service, counter, and seating areas. Keep utensils and equipment clean.
• Set up product displays.
• Weigh, grind, or pack coffee beans for customers.
• Keep items stocked such as napkins, lids, and utensils.
• Wrap and date items for sale.
• Perform daily maintenance, such as taking out garbage and checking the temperature of refrigerators and heating equipment.
• May set up displays and advertisements.

Common work activities

Baristas perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform for or work with the public
• Control machines and processes
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Handle and move objects
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Teach others
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Get information needed to do the job
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, baristas:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction. They work closely with customers and coworkers.
• Work as part of a group or team, especially during busy periods.
• Often deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous customers.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of their coworkers and customers.
• Are responsible for work outcomes.
• Communicate with coworkers and customers daily in person. They also communicate with others by telephone, but less frequently.

Physical work conditions

• Work indoors most of the time, but may occasionally work in outdoor serving areas.
• Often wear a special uniform or dress according to a dress code.
• Work very near coworkers and customers. They often work within inches of other people.
• May be exposed to hot temperatures.
• May kneel or stoop to reach ingredients or equipment.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. This is to ensure that customers are satisfied.
• Must repeat the same physical activities, such as pouring coffee or working espresso equipment.
• Make decisions on a weekly basis that affect customers. They are able to make some decisions without talking to a supervisor.
• Are able to set some tasks for the day without talking to a supervisor.
• Every day make decisions that affect their employer's reputation.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• May work part time or full time, but most work less than 40 hours a week.
• May work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Physical demands

Baristas frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for baristas to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for baristas to be able to:

• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skills and abilities

Baristas need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Food Services

Training

To work as a barista, you typically need to:

• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Although it is possible to become a barista while still in high school, the job of baristas is steadily taking on importance. As a result, training opportunities are expanding. Some cafes, coffee grinders, and restaurants offer seminars and workshops in preparing coffee drinks, varieties of coffee, coffee roasting, and similar topics.

On-the-job training

Most baristas gain their skills through on-the-job training which generally lasts a few days. However, many employers continually train their employees, especially when offering new types of drinks and products. High-end cafes and coffeehouses are often more selective when hiring baristas. They expect employees to have a personal love of coffee as well as significant experience as a barista.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Food Service
• Hospitality
• Principles of Sales
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Licensing/certification

Baristas must have a food worker card. To receive a card, they must pay a $10 fee and pass a written examination. The initial card is valid for two years. After that period, cards must be renewed every three years. With additional food safety training, workers can qualify for a five-year card.

For more information on food worker cards, contact your local county health department listed in the county government section of your phone book. You may also find more information at the Washington Department of Health's Food Worker Card page. 

Most states require baristas to have a health certificate. This shows that these workers have taken a class that teaches safe food handling.

For information about optional national certification, go to:

ServSafe 

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. Wages also vary by the worker's level of experience and responsibility.

Benefits also vary by employer. Some full-time baristas may receive benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

National wage information is not available specifically for baristas. However, they are part of the larger group of "counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Full-service restaurants
• Fast food restaurants

National outlook

This occupation is expected to grow as fast as average. This is due to a growing population and increased demand for dine out options. Job prospects will be excellent as this is a very large occupation and turnover is high due to low wages and the fact that most jobs are part time.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for baristas. However, they are part of the larger group of "counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop."

Other resources

Barista Guild of America 

National Restaurant Association 
2055 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
800.424.5156
202.331.5900

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation 
2055 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
800.424.5156

References

Career cluster

• Hospitality and Tourism

Career path

• Enterprising (Business Communications)

O*Net  occupation

• Baristas (35-3022.01) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 1 - Little or no preparation needed. No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Coffee Maker (317.684-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Enterprising/Conventional/Realistic

COPSystem

• Consumer Economics