What is a barista and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

A barista specializes in making and serving coffee-based drinks. They work in cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants, and are responsible for preparing espresso shots, steaming milk, and creating latte art. Baristas interact with customers, taking their orders, suggesting drink options, and answering questions about the menu. They must have knowledge of different coffee beans, roasting methods, and brewing techniques. A barista may also be responsible for cleaning equipment, restocking supplies, and maintaining a clean workspace.

ScoreBaristaUS Average
Salary
2.3

Avg. Salary $29,528

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.7

Growth Rate 14%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.85%

Asian 6.49%

Black or African American 9.64%

Hispanic or Latino 18.63%

Unknown 6.92%

White 57.47%

Gender

female 69.69%

male 30.31%

Age - 21
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 21
Stress Level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
5.3

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
10.0

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Barista?

Pros

  • Free coffee during shifts

  • Potential for tips

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Opportunities for advancement within the company

  • Often located in trendy areas with access to other amenities

Cons

  • Working early mornings, late nights, and weekends

  • Standing for long periods of time can be tiring

  • Exposure to hot and potentially dangerous equipment and substances

  • Low pay and limited benefits in some establishments

  • High stress levels during busy periods

Barista career paths

Key steps to become a barista

  1. Explore barista education requirements

    Most common barista degrees

    Bachelor's

    42.8 %

    High School Diploma

    30.4 %

    Associate

    17.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific barista skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Cash Handling26.76%
    Food Products17.79%
    Punctuality11.43%
    Presentation Standards6.29%
    Operational Policies3.72%
  3. Research barista duties and responsibilities

    • Used Microsoft excel and QuickBooks to manage payroll, receive orders and payments, create invoices and update customer accounts.
    • Supervise a team of employees and run store operations while
    • Provide excellent customer service, keep shop/equipment cleanliness, order/stocking of coffee/food/drink items.
    • Recognize by supervisors and customers for excellence in customer service, punctuality, and positive attitude.
  4. Prepare your barista resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your barista resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a barista resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Barista Resume templates

    Build a professional Barista resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Barista resume.
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  5. Apply for barista jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a barista job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Barista Job

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Average barista salary

The average Barista salary in the United States is $29,528 per year or $14 per hour. Barista salaries range between $22,000 and $38,000 per year.

Average Barista Salary
$29,528 Yearly
$14.20 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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