What Does a Barista Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a barista do?

Baristas and counter workers prepare coffee, espresso and other drinks, take orders, handle payments and keep cafes clean and welcoming. The median pay is $31,200 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 weeks, and employment is projected to grow +5.8% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$31,200
$15.00/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+5.8%
2025–35, faster than average
Openings per year
827,400
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
BLS classification
Time to train
1–2 weeks
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
3,855,900
Employment, 2025

What baristas do

Baristas craft espresso drinks, brew coffee, steam milk, prepare teas and blended drinks, warm food, take orders and handle payments. They keep the counter clean, stock supplies and create a friendly atmosphere for regulars and new customers alike.

Baristas need no formal education and learn quickly on the job. It’s a popular first job, offers flexible hours and builds customer service skills that transfer to many careers. Specialty coffee training can lead to roles such as trainer, roaster or cafe manager.

Typical duties

Take orders and handle payments
Prepare espresso drinks and brewed coffee
Steam and texture milk
Prepare teas, blended drinks and food items
Keep the counter and equipment clean
Restock supplies
Provide friendly customer service

Work environment and schedule

Baristas work in cafes, coffee chains, bakeries and grocery stores. The job is fast-paced and on your feet, with hot equipment.

Schedule: Early morning shifts are common; part-time, evening and weekend shifts are available.

A day in the life

5:30 AMOpen the cafe, calibrate the espresso grinder and brew coffee.
6:00 AMServe the morning rush of commuters.
8:00 AMSteam milk for lattes and pour latte art.
10:00 AMRestock cups, lids and syrups.

See a full day in the life of a barista →

Barista salary

Half of baristas earned more than $31,200 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $22,840 for the lowest 10% to $42,650 for the top 10%.

$22,84010th$31,200Median$42,65090th

Full barista pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a barista

Apply at cafes
Learn drinks
Practice espresso and milk
Take coffee courses
Advance

No formal education is required. Baristas learn on the job, often in a few days.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a barista →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Espresso extraction
Milk steaming
Drink recipes
POS systems
Food safety

People skills

Friendliness
Speed
Memory
Teamwork

All barista skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Easy to start
Flexible, part-time hours
Social, friendly work
Coffee perks

Cons

Early mornings
Modest pay
Busy rushes
Repetitive tasks

Certifications and licenses

Food handler card: Basic food safety training.
Specialty Coffee Association courses: Barista skills training.
Allergen awareness: Training to avoid allergen mistakes.
Company barista training: Employer certification programs.

Career path

Barista: Make drinks and serve customers.
Shift Supervisor: Lead shifts.
Trainer or Roaster: Train staff or roast coffee.
Cafe Manager or Owner: Run a cafe.

Learn the job before day one

Our Barista training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as pull a shot of espresso and steam milk for a latte, safety and how to land your first job.

View Barista training Is this career right for me?

Server

Take orders, serve food and drinks and make every meal a good experience.

$35,230
1–2 weeks

Cashier

Ring up purchases, handle payments and give customers a friendly checkout.

$32,880
Several days

Food Service Supervisor

Lead food service shifts, crews and quality at restaurants and cafeterias.

$44,080
6–12 months of experience

Bartender

Mix drinks, serve guests and create a great atmosphere at the bar.

$34,340
1–4 weeks

Compare: Barista vs. Server · Barista vs. Cashier · Barista vs. Food Service Supervisor · Barista vs. Bartender

Barista FAQ

Do baristas need experience?

No. Most cafes train new baristas.

Is barista a good first job?

Yes, it builds customer service and teamwork skills.

Can baristas move up?

Yes, into shift lead, trainer and manager roles.

How much does a barista make?

The median annual wage for baristas was $31,200 ($15.00 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $22,840 and the highest 10% earned more than $42,650.

How long does it take to become a barista?

Most people need about 1–2 weeks of training. No formal education is required. Baristas learn on the job, often in a few days.

Do you need a degree to be a barista?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 35-3023 (Fast food and counter workers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Fast food and counter workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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