Cafe Barista Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s bustling world, the need for skilled Cafe Baristas has never been more essential.

As coffee culture continues to grow, so does the demand for talented individuals who can create, innovate and master the art of coffee making.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Cafe Barista?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of coffee and cafe culture,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s get brewing!

Cafe Barista Duties and Responsibilities

Cafe Baristas are responsible for preparing and serving a variety of coffee and tea drinks, as well as other beverages and food.

They also provide excellent customer service to ensure customer satisfaction.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Welcome and interact with customers in a friendly manner
• Take orders and accurately process payments
• Prepare and serve coffee and tea drinks that meet quality standards
• Serve customers quickly and efficiently, prioritizing tasks to ensure customer satisfaction
• Describe menu items to customers and suggest products that might suit them
• Clean and restock work and dining areas, emptying trash, and sanitizing equipment and utensils
• Learn about brewing methods, beverage blends, food preparation, and presentation techniques to improve food quality
• Update signage and displays to attract customers
• Adhere to health and safety regulations
• Manage inventory of products and supplies as necessary

 

Cafe Barista Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a friendly and customer-oriented Cafe Barista.

Your responsibilities will include preparing and serving hot and cold beverages, including various types of coffee and tea, providing excellent customer service, and maintaining the cleanliness and tidiness of the workspace.

Our ideal candidate has a positive attitude, is passionate about the food and beverage industry and enjoys working with people.

Prior barista experience is a plus, but not necessary as we are willing to provide training for the right candidate.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve beverages, such as coffee and tea, and foods, such as sandwiches, muffins, or cookies.
• Maintain a clean and tidy work area.
• Follow health and safety guidelines.
• Interact with customers regularly and professionally.
• Conduct inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Work as part of a fun, high-energy team.
• Promptly handle customer complaints and queries.
• Process customer orders and payments.
• Promote and upsell cafe products and specials.

 

Qualifications

• Experience as a barista or in a related field preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to handle cash register and transactions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to work around customer demands, including early morning, night, weekend and holiday availability.
• Basic math skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

 

Benefits

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunities for advancement
• Training and development resources

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cafe Barista
• Work Environment: Fast-paced, cafe setting. Weekend and holiday work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Cafe Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $11.00 minimum to $15.00 maximum per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time or 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 brief cover letter to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Cafe Barista Do?

Cafe Baristas typically work in coffee shops, cafes or any establishment that serves coffee and related beverages.

They play a key role in ensuring customer satisfaction by providing high-quality service and products.

Baristas prepare and serve a variety of beverages, including coffee and tea drinks, which may involve brewing coffee in a variety of methods and preparing hot and cold drinks.

They must have a thorough understanding of coffee beans, drink preparation, and milk steaming techniques.

They are also responsible for taking customer orders and processing payments.

They are expected to provide excellent customer service, addressing any issues or complaints promptly and professionally.

Often, Cafe Baristas are in charge of restocking supplies, maintaining a clean and tidy work station, and may also be required to perform basic cleaning duties in the cafe.

A key part of a Cafe Barista’s role is their knowledge and passion for coffee, as they often engage with customers about the various coffee offerings and make recommendations based on personal preference.

Apart from their technical skills, they need to be able to work under pressure, have good communication skills, and be able to multi-task efficiently.

 

Cafe Barista Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Cafe Barista needs to have skills and qualifications that align with the following job requirements:

• Customer service skills to interact with customers, taking their orders, answering their queries and ensuring a pleasant café experience for all.
• Knowledge of coffee brewing standards and procedures, including knowledge of various coffee beverages.
• Good physical stamina and strength to stand for long periods, move heavy coffee equipment, and handle hot liquids safely.
• Attention to detail to accurately measure coffee amounts, adjust water temperatures, and meet customer requests.
• Communication skills to effectively communicate with team members and customers, understand specific customer preferences, and relay any customer issues or feedback to management.
• Ability to work well in a team environment, coordinating with kitchen staff and other baristas to ensure efficient cafe operation.
• Time management skills to manage queues efficiently, prepare beverages quickly, and serve customers in a timely manner.
• Basic math skills for handling cash transactions and balancing registers.
• Commitment to health and safety rules, cleanliness, and hygiene, ensuring a safe and clean cafe environment.

 

Cafe Barista Experience Requirements

Entry-level baristas usually have less than a year of experience in the food and beverage industry, often gained through part-time roles or internships in cafes, fast food restaurants, or similar environments.

Barista training programs or courses can also provide practical knowledge and experience to beginners.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience are often familiar with the entire process of coffee making, from grinding and brewing to milk frothing and latte art.

They may also have experience with customer service, cash handling, and basic cafe operations.

Baristas with more than 3 years of experience are usually well-versed in various coffee brewing methods, understand the workings of different coffee machines and grinders, and have a good grasp of coffee bean types and roasts.

They often have the skills to train new staff members.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have held a managerial role in a cafe setting, overseeing daily operations, staff scheduling, inventory management, and customer service.

They are typically ready for a cafe manager or head barista position.

 

Cafe Barista Education and Training Requirements

Cafe Baristas typically require a high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions.

There is no specific degree required to become a cafe barista, but some baristas may choose to pursue a degree in hospitality or a related field to gain a deeper understanding of the industry.

Training for Cafe Baristas is often done on the job, where they learn to operate espresso machines, make a variety of coffee drinks, provide excellent customer service, and often handle cash transactions.

Some baristas may also choose to attend barista training programs or workshops where they can learn advanced coffee-making techniques and latte art.

Certification, though not a requirement, can be an added advantage.

Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) offers Barista Level 1 and Level 2 Certifications that validate a barista’s ability to produce quality espresso and espresso-based drinks.

Experience in food service or customer service is often preferred but not required.

The key skills necessary for a cafe barista include attention to detail, customer service skills, and a passion for coffee.

 

Cafe Barista Salary Expectations

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

However, the actual earnings can vary depending on the individual’s level of experience, the location of the cafe, and the policies of the employing company.

 

Cafe Barista Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Cafe Barista need?

A Cafe Barista needs to have excellent customer service skills, as they interact with customers on a daily basis.

They should also have good communication skills to effectively understand and fulfill customer orders.

Strong attention to detail is important for measuring coffee and milk accurately and for operating coffee machines.

Basic math skills for handling cash transactions, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure, are also essential for this role.

 

Do Cafe Baristas need any specific qualifications?

Cafe Baristas generally do not require any specific qualifications.

However, most employers prefer individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent.

On-the-job training is usually provided to learn the specifics of handling coffee machines and preparing different types of coffee.

Some baristas may choose to attend barista training courses to enhance their skills.

 

What should you look for in a Cafe Barista resume?

A Cafe Barista resume should highlight any previous customer service experience, especially in a cafe or restaurant setting.

Specific skills to look for include operating espresso machines, knowledge of various coffee drinks, cash handling, and cleaning tasks.

Any additional skills, such as latte art or knowledge about different types of coffee beans, can be a bonus.

 

What qualities make a good Cafe Barista?

A good Cafe Barista is personable and friendly, making customers feel welcome and appreciated.

They are patient and attentive, able to listen to customer orders and fulfill them accurately.

They should have a passion for coffee and a willingness to continually learn about new coffee drinks and techniques.

A good Cafe Barista is also reliable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a team.

 

What is the typical schedule for a Cafe Barista?

The schedule for a Cafe Barista can vary greatly depending on the hours of operation of the cafe.

Some cafes are open early in the morning, requiring baristas to start work before dawn.

Other cafes may stay open late into the night.

Many cafes also operate on weekends and holidays.

It’s common for Cafe Baristas to work in shifts, and part-time work is also quite common in this field.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve served up the inside scoop on what it truly means to be a cafe barista.

You know what?

It’s not just about making coffee.

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

With our go-to cafe barista job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to step into the world of coffee craft.

But why stop there?

Get even more flavor with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating picture-perfect job listings or crafting your resume to be just right.

Remember:

Every cup of coffee is a part of the bigger cafe culture.

Let’s create that culture. Together.

How to Become a Cafe Barista (Complete Guide)

The AI Job Shift: What Careers Are on the Cutting Edge

Calm Careers: Jobs That Offer Peace of Mind and a Paycheck

Career Life Rafts: Jobs That Save You in a Recession

Trending Career Charts: The Jobs That Are Climbing the Ranks