Barista Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of specialty coffee culture, the role of baristas has never been more important.

As coffee consumption continues to rise, so too does the demand for skilled individuals who can craft, refine, and protect the art of coffee making.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from a barista?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
Or simply curious about the day-to-day activities of a barista,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable barista job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Contents show

Barista Duties and Responsibilities

Baristas perform a range of tasks related to the preparation and serving of coffee and other beverages.

They also provide excellent customer service, interact with a diverse array of customers, and maintain cleanliness in the workspace.

Baristas are primarily responsible for delivering high-quality beverages and food products, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

Greet customers and present the menu
Understand the menu and be able to articulate it to the customers
Take orders while paying attention to details (e.g. preferences of coffee blend, dairy and sugar ratios)
Prepare and serve beverages and food products consistently by adhering to all recipe and presentation standards
Operate coffee making equipment
Clean and sanitize work areas, utensils and equipment
Describe menu items to customers and suggest products that might appeal to them
Receive and process payments (cash and credit cards)
Provide customers with information about the shop, products, and promotions
Restock shelves and maintain inventory

Barista Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Barista to join our team.

You will be responsible for preparing and serving a variety of coffee and tea drinks, along with various food items to customers.

In this role, you will provide excellent customer service, while accurately taking orders and handling payments.

You will also maintain a clean and well-stocked workspace and dining area.

Our ideal candidate has a positive attitude, is punctual, and enjoys working with a team.

Responsibilities

Prepare or serve hot or cold beverages, such as coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees, or teas.
Take customer orders and convey them to other employees for preparation.
Maintain clean and sanitized work areas, utensils, and equipment.
Describe menu items to customers and suggest products that might appeal to them.
Order, receive, or stock supplies or retail products.
Serve prepared foods, such as muffins, biscotti, or bagels.
Demonstrate the use of retail equipment, such as espresso machines.
Check temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, or heating equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Create signs to advertise store products or events.

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Barista or similar role in the hospitality industry.
Knowledge of brewing methods, different types of beans and roasts, and beverage blends.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage in friendly conversations with customers.
Strong customer service skills and knowledge of cashier procedures.
Ability to handle a fast-paced work environment and deliver orders in a timely manner.
High school diploma; Barista training is a plus.

Benefits

Health insurance
Employee discounts
Paid time off
Retirement plan

Additional Information

Job Title: Barista
Work Environment: Coffee shop setting. Weekend and holiday work is often required.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Store Manager or Shift Supervisor.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $8 minimum to $15 maximum per hour
Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
Employment Type: Full-time / Part-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Barista Do?

Baristas are professional coffee makers who typically work in coffee shops, cafes, and other hospitality establishments.

They prepare a variety of coffee and coffee-based beverages, such as espresso, cappuccino, latte, and mocha, using coffee machines and other kitchen equipment.

They are skilled in various brewing methods and can often create intricate designs in the foam of their drinks, adding a touch of artistry to their work.

Baristas also take customer orders, handle cash transactions, clean and maintain coffee-making equipment, and ensure their workspace is clean and sanitary.

Additionally, they may be responsible for other food and drink preparation tasks, such as making smoothies, sandwiches or pastries.

Baristas often have a deep knowledge of coffee types and blends, and they can provide recommendations or explain the differences to customers.

Customer service is a crucial part of a barista’s role, as they interact directly with customers, answer their questions, and ensure they have a positive experience.

In some cases, baristas may also be involved in purchasing coffee beans, tea leaves, and other beverage-related supplies.

Barista Qualifications and Skills

A proficient barista should possess a range of skills and qualifications that align with the requirements of the job, including:

Knowledge of coffee brewing techniques to ensure that each cup is brewed to perfection.
Customer service skills to interact with customers, take orders, answer questions about the menu and manage transactions.
Interpersonal skills to build rapport with customers, encouraging repeat business and developing a strong customer base.
Physical stamina and strength for standing for extended periods of time and lifting heavy bags of coffee beans or equipment.
Attention to detail to accurately follow complex coffee recipes and meet the specific requests of customers.
Communication skills to clearly convey information to customers and co-workers, ensuring smooth operations.
Problem-solving skills to efficiently address and resolve any issues or complaints that arise.
Basic math skills for handling cash transactions and balancing receipts.
Cleanliness and organization skills to maintain a neat, clean, and well-stocked workspace.

Barista Experience Requirements

For an entry-level barista role, experience requirements are typically minimal, sometimes no more than a year of previous experience in a customer service role.

This could include roles in retail or food services.

Many establishments are willing to provide training for new hires.

Those with 1 to 2 years of experience as a barista will have honed their craft, mastering the art of coffee preparation and demonstrating excellent customer service skills.

They may have experience operating complex coffee machines and have knowledge of a variety of coffee blends and brewing techniques.

Candidates with over 3 years of experience are considered experienced baristas.

They have demonstrated a thorough understanding of coffee preparation and have likely mastered more complex coffee drinks.

These individuals may also have experience in handling tasks such as inventory management, cash handling, and even training new baristas.

Those with over 5 years of experience are often considered for supervisor or managerial roles within coffee shops.

They have extensive knowledge of all aspects of running a coffee shop and have likely demonstrated strong leadership skills in their previous roles.

They may also have experience in creating schedules, managing staff, and maintaining a high level of customer service.

Barista Education and Training Requirements

While formal education is not a strict requirement for becoming a Barista, having a high school diploma or equivalent is generally preferred.

There are barista training programs available that provide practical knowledge about making espresso, cappuccino, latte, and other coffee drinks.

These programs also often include lessons on customer service, food safety, and cash handling.

Apart from formal training, many baristas learn their skills on the job.

It can take several weeks of training and practice to learn how to make a wide range of coffee drinks, operate an espresso machine, steam milk, and perform other duties.

Some baristas may choose to obtain certification through programs like the Specialty Coffee Association’s Barista Pathway to validate their skills and improve job prospects.

This certification covers espresso preparation, milk and latte art skills, coffee tasting, brewing, and customer service.

Experience and knowledge about coffee beans, brewing methods, and the ability to create latte art could be beneficial and make a candidate stand out.

Overall, becoming a barista requires a mix of formal or informal training, on-the-job learning, and a passion for coffee.

Barista Salary Expectations

A Barista can expect to earn an average wage of $11.63 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings can differ based on experience, the location of the cafe or restaurant, and the company that they work for.

Barista Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Barista need?

A Barista should have excellent customer service skills and communication abilities as they interact directly with customers.

They should also be skilled in operating coffee-making equipment, understand coffee beans, and have the ability to make a wide range of coffee drinks.

Attention to detail, cleanliness, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important for a Barista.

Do Baristas need specific qualifications?

While a degree is not required to become a Barista, some formal training can be beneficial.

There are courses and certifications available that teach the art of coffee making, customer service, and other skills related to the role.

However, many establishments provide on-the-job training.

More importantly, a Barista should have a passion for coffee and customer service.

What should you look for in a Barista’s resume?

Look for experience in the food and beverage industry, especially in roles where customer service was key.

Familiarity with various types of coffee drinks and the ability to operate coffee-making equipment is a plus.

Any certificates related to coffee-making or customer service can also be a good indication of a candidate’s commitment to the role.

What qualities make a good Barista?

A good Barista has a passion for coffee and is enthusiastic about their work.

They are skilled in creating a variety of coffee drinks and take pride in the quality of their product.

They have excellent customer service skills and can interact with customers in a friendly and efficient manner.

Attention to detail, a clean work style, and the ability to work well under pressure are also key qualities of a good Barista.

Is it difficult to hire a Barista?

Finding a candidate with the necessary skills and passion for coffee can be challenging, but not necessarily difficult.

It’s important to provide a supportive work environment and competitive wages to attract and retain good Baristas.

Offering training opportunities and potential for career advancement can also make your establishment more appealing to potential candidates.

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a sneak peek into the life of a barista.

And guess what?

It’s not just about making coffee.

It’s about brewing the perfect blend, one cup at a time.

With our go-to barista job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-prepared to step into the role.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating compelling job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every cup of coffee contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s brew that future. Together.

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