Baristas

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Career summary

Baristas prepare and serve coffee drinks to customers in cafes, kiosks, and restaurants.

Baristas make coffee drinks (and sometimes brew tea). 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 chops, 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.

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 Service Worker Supervisors
• Waiters and Waitresses

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the career or 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;
• be organized;
• think and act quickly; and
• have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Education after high school

There are no formal education requirements beyond high school. In fact, it is possible to become a barista while still in high school. However, 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

• The world of coffee is quite complex. In addition to knowing the many different varieties and types of coffee, baristas must also be able to process many different types of drinks at once. Milk must be steamed, frothed, or foamed and mixed with various syrups, flavorings, and coffees.
• Good baristas think quickly on their feet and have excellent memories.

Licensing/certification

In Washington, baristas must have a food worker card. To get a card, workers must pay a fee and pass a written examination.

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. 

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

• Social

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 clusters

• Social/Enterprising/Conventional
• Social/Enterprising/Realistic

COPSystem

• Consumer Economics