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Barista Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated November 6, 2025
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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7 min read

A Barista prepares and serves coffee, tea and other beverages. Your Barista job description may list core job responsibilities, such as operating coffee equipment, taking orders and cleaning workstations.

Barista duties and responsibilities

Baristas make drinks that are served in a coffee house or a similar establishment. This often involves learning a variety of coffee, tea and cold drink recipes while also keeping the workspace clean and organized to create a positive impression of the business.

Your Barista job description might include these duties and responsibilities:

  • Preparing and serving hot and cold beverages, such as coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees and teas
  • Preparing and serving food items such as soups, sandwiches and pastries
  • Operating coffee equipment, including espresso machines, grinders and brewers
  • Greeting customers when they enter the building
  • Taking orders, including offering menu recommendations and noting dietary restrictions and customizations
  • Building relationships with customers and promoting and recommending menu options to customers
  • Restocking supplies, such as cups, lids, coffee beans, syrups and pastries
  • Making drinks according to company recipes and standards
  • Keeping the work environment and cafe seating area clean, sanitary and organized
  • Cleaning countertops and behind the counter, including the coffee grinders, decanters or milk frothers
  • Working the point-of-sale (POS) system to complete transactions
  • Assisting with opening and closing duties, including setup, cleaning and inventory tasks

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Barista Job Description Examples

Example 1

Job Posting: Barista and Wine Tasting Attendant

Company: Bottle & Bean

Location: Chandler Arizona

Employment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

About Us:

Bottle & Bean is a charming, locally owned establishment that combines the best of both worlds - exceptional coffee and exquisite wine. We are passionate about providing our customers with a delightful experience in a warm and welcoming environment. If you are enthusiastic, customer-focused, and enjoy the art of coffee brewing and wine tasting, we want you to join our team!

Dual Position: Barista

Job Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and serve high-quality coffee, espresso, and other beverages with precision and consistency.
  • Create visually appealing latte art to enhance the customer's experience.
  • Maintain a clean and organized workspace, including the coffee bar and equipment.
  • Engage with customers in a friendly and helpful manner, taking orders and providing recommendations.
  • Uphold the highest standards of customer service and ensure guest satisfaction.
  • Work collaboratively with the team to meet daily operational goals.

Requirements:

  • Previous barista experience is preferred but not required.
  • Passion for coffee and a willingness to learn and grow.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain composure under pressure.
  • Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Dual Position: Wine Tasting Attendant

Job Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct wine tastings and provide guests with knowledgeable information about our wine selections.
  • Pour and serve wine samples in a professional and engaging manner.
  • Assist customers in selecting wines and making purchase decisions.
  • Maintain a clean and organized wine tasting area, including glassware and wine bottles.
  • Promote wine club memberships and special promotions.
  • Uphold responsible alcohol service practices.

Requirements:

  • Previous experience in wine service or hospitality is a plus.
  • Passion for wine and a desire to expand your wine knowledge.
  • Excellent customer service and presentation skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

Why Choose Bottle & Bean:

  • Competitive pay and tips for both positions.
  • A fun and dynamic work environment.
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.
  • Staff discounts on coffee and wine products.
  • Training and development to enhance your skills.
  • A supportive team that values your contributions.

If you're enthusiastic about coffee, wine, and providing exceptional customer experiences, we invite you to join our Bottle & Bean family! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you'd be a great fit for our team.

Bottle & Bean is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Join us in crafting memorable moments, one cup of coffee and one sip of wine at a time!

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $12.80 - $13.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid sick time
  • Paid training
Restaurant type:
  • Bakery
  • Caf
  • Coffee shop
Weekly day range:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Rotating weekends



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Chandler, AZ 85248: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:
  • Guest services: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Barista experience: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Wine Serving: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:
  • Day Shift (Preferred)
  • Night Shift Location: In person

Example 2

Why join Movita Juice Bar?

*****Open Availability w/ weekends Preferred*****

Simply put, Movita = More Life!

Our mission: A promise to provide a full array of the best options for healthy and tasty, natural fresh fruit creations for consumers who demand healthy lifestyles via concepts of superior quality, welcoming ambiances, and TOP-Quality customer service.

And that's where you come in!...

As a barista, you will make and serve raw juices, smoothies, Açaí bowls, and/or meal replacement specialty beverages fresh to order while simultaneously providing that top-quality customer service we preach in our mission

You will also educate customers on the contents of menu items, make recommendations based on their preferences, upsell special items, and take orders.

For this reason, baristas are considered fundamental to fulfilling the Movita Juice Bar’s motto:

“Health by the Cup!”

On average this role earns $18.50/hr.Base wage $17.00 + tips $1.50 = $18.50

Be a part of this growing company, experience in food/beverage preparation is not mandatory, full training is provided.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Welcome customers, inform them about specials or new items, answer questions, and process orders and payments
  • Passion for the Movita brand and enthusiasm for learning more about Movita products and nutrition
  • Previous food prep/juice bar/barista experience recommended
  • Clean and restock work areas, empty trash, and sanitize equipment and utensils
  • Learn about beverage mixtures, ood preparation, and presentation techniques
  • Replenish items in display cases or behind the counter
  • Adhere to all food safety regulations and quality controls
  • Work as part of a fun, high-energy team
  • Perform other assigned duties

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
  • High School Diploma or GED graduate preferred
  • Food Handlers Certification, or open to obtaining one
  • Strong customer service skills preferred
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Willingness to maintain a clean, healthy, and safe working environment
  • Ability to learn and use company computer to input data
  • Ability to coordinate multiple activities with attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently as needed, with minimal supervision
  • Ability to work in team setting, especially during a busy rush

Job Benefits
  • Employee Discount
  • Tips
  • 401(k)
  • Paid sick days
  • Paid In-House Training and Development
  • Advancement Opportunities

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, use knives, food peelers, cutting boards, automated equipment, cleaning equipment, and ladders. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; occasionally climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.00 - $18.50 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Employee discount
  • Paid sick time
  • Paid training
Shift:
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Morning shift
Weekly day range:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed



Application Question(s):
  • What does customer service mean to you?
  • Are you available weekends?

Experience:
  • Customer service: 1 year Location: In person

Example 3

Job Summary and Mission

This job contributes to Starbucks success of the Roastery & Reserve Store by providing an exceptional experience to all customers as ambassadors of coffee leadership and stewards of quality. Through a commitment to operational excellence, they work together as a team to create the Roastery & Reserve Experience for their customers and one another.? The incumbent is responsible for modeling and acting in accordance with Starbucks guiding principles.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

Coffee Expert & Brand Ambassador:

  • Acts with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the culture, values and mission of Starbucks
  • Provide unique coffee forward experience for every customer
  • Serve as coffee expert providing exceptional knowledge of food and beverage menu items as well as information regarding preparation methods (roasting process, flavor, etc.)
  • Demonstrate impeccable composure and ability to thrive in ambiguous situations. Maintains a calm demeanor during periods of high volume or unusual events.
  • Provides quality beverages, whole bean, and food products consistently for all customers by adhering to all recipe and presentation standards
  • Follows health, safety and sanitation guidelines and standards
  • Contributes to positive team environment
  • Maintains regular and consistent attendance and punctuality

Service:

  • Anticipates customer and store needs by constantly evaluating environment and customers for cues
  • Delivers exceptional customer service to all customers
  • Responsible for total service, including table service
  • Support Roastery and Reserve events model and events execution

Sales:

  • Maintain knowledge of 100+ unique Roastery & Reserve products
  • Engage customers and leverage selling skills

Operations:

  • Operate in environment with rapid innovation with minimal turnaround time from innovation to product and service delivery to the customer
  • Follows Starbucks operational policies and procedures, including those for cash handling and safety and security.
  • Maintain a clean and organized workspace so that partners can locate resources and product as needed

Qualifications - External

Basic Qualifications:

  • Ability to bend, twist, squat, reach, crawl, push/pull, climb stairs, and stand without limitation and for long periods of time
  • Ability to carry 35lb on a consistent basis
  • Experience in the service or entertainment industry (i.e. restaurant, bar, theater, or hospitality)
  • Reading, writing, and oral proficiency in the English language
  • Available to work flexible hours, which could include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Qualifications

  • 1-2 years of specialty retail sales experience
  • Ability to carry and balance a tray
  • High attention to detail with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively
  • Ability to learn quickly
  • Ability to read customer cues and curate an immersive experience based on customer needs
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to build relationships quickly
  • Ability to work in multiple positions within different store departments (Zones), performing many different tasks within the departments during each shift
  • Ability to memorize complex menus, ingredients, beverage & food builds
  • Facilitation and presentation skills Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and request clarification when needed
  • Ability to work as part of a large and matrixed team
  • Additional languages beneficial

Job Attribute
Job Number:
Job Group: Retail Store Support
Job Family: Operations
Job Subfamily: Retail Store Partners
Job Location: United States
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving customers throughout our global communities. People of color, women, Lgbtqia+, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances. Starbucks Corporation is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.75 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid sick time
  • Paid time off
  • Paid training
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
Restaurant type:
  • Bakery
  • Bar
  • Caf
  • Coffee shop
  • Fast casual restaurant
Shift:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Morning shift
  • Night shift
Weekly day range:
  • Every weekend
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend Location: One location

Example 4

About:

We are currently looking in the market for a team member to be a part of our growing team. We are located in Thornton, Colorado. Please visit [website] to see our business.

Job Summary and Mission

This position contributes to Zero Degrees success by providing excellent customer service to all customers. This job creates the Zero Degrees Experience for our customers by providing customers with prompt service, quality beverages and products, and maintaining a clean and comfortable store environment. Understands and execute in accordance with Zero Degrees policy and principles.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

  • Responsibilities and required job functions include but are not limited to the following:
  • Acts with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the culture, values and mission of Zero Degrees.
  • Follows Zero Degrees operational policies and procedures, including those for cash handling and safety and security, to ensure the safety of all partners during each shift.
  • Provides quality beverages and food products consistently for all customers by following to all recipe and presentation standards.
  • Follows all health, safety and sanitation guidelines for all products.
  • Maintains a calm demeanor during high volume or unusual events to keep store operating to standard and to set a positive example for the shift team.
  • Observe and execute individual and team accomplishments by using existing organizational methods.
  • Prepare customer and store needs by constantly evaluating the business and customers.
  • Communication between team members, supervisors, and managers so that the team can respond as necessary to create the continuous pace environment during each shift.
  • Instruct new team members by positively reinforcing successful performance and giving respectful and encouraging training as needed.
  • Contributes to positive team environment by recognizing changes in partner morale and performance and communicating them to the store manager.
  • Delivers excellent customer service to all customers by understanding that customers come first and connecting with the customer. Discovers and responds to customer needs.
  • Maintains a clean and organized workspace so that partners can locate resources and product as needed.
  • Maintains regular and punctual attendance


Basic Qualifications

  • Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality, with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Available to work flexible hours that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights and/or holidays
  • Meet store operating policies and standards, including providing quality beverages and food products, cash handling and store safety and security, with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Engage with and understand our customers, including discovering and responding to customer needs through clear and pleasant communication
  • Prepare food and beverages to standard recipes or customized for customers, including recipe changes such as temperature, quantity of ingredients or substituted ingredients
  • Available to perform many different tasks within the store during each shift


Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to learn quickly
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and request clarification when needed
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Ability to build relationships

Job Types: Part-time, Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
Restaurant type:
  • Coffee shop
Shift:
  • Day shift
Weekly day range:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Thornton, CO 80229: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:
  • Guest services: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Barista experience: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:
  • Night Shift Location: In person

Example 5

We are looking for YOU! Come be a part of a fast-paced and FUN full-service restaurant environment! We are looking to hire a hard-working, self-motivated, and high-energy individuals to join our staff as a Smoothie Barista

You will be responsible for speaking with customers, taking orders and fulfilling orders.

Responsibilities Include:

Delivering superior service to maximize customer satisfaction

Keeping the store clean and working efficiently

Ensure compliance with sanitation and safety regulations

Maintain restaurant's good image

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $11.00 - $13.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Employee discount
Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability
Supplemental Pay:
  • Tips

Shift availability:
  • Day Shift (Preferred)
  • Night Shift Location: One location

Example 6

New Saratoga cafe/coffee shop is looking to secure 1 FT or 2 PT weekday experienced baristas. Job will start around August 15th. Hourly pay is $14, but can potentially earn up to $20/hr (or more!) with tips. ALL daytime hours.

Responsibilities
  • Greet customers as they enter
  • Give customers drink menus and answer their questions regarding ingredients
  • Take orders while paying attention to details (e.g. preferences of coffee blend, dairy and sugar ratios)
  • Prepare beverages following recipes
  • Serve beverages and prepared food, like cookies, pastries and muffins
  • Receive and process payments (cash and credit cards)
  • Keep the bar area clean
  • Maintain stock of clean mugs and plates
  • Check if brewing equipment operates properly and report any maintenance needs
  • Comply with health and safety regulations
  • Communicate customer feedback to managers and recommend new menu items

Skills
  • Previous work experience as a Barista or Waiter/Waitress
  • Hands-on experience with brewing equipment
  • Knowledge of sanitation regulations
  • Flexibility to work various shifts
  • Basic math skills
  • Ability to gauge customers' preferences
  • Excellent communication skills
  • High school diploma; relevant training is a plus

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $25.00 per hour

Physical Setting:
  • Coffee shop
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
Supplemental Pay:
  • Tips

Experience:
  • Barista: 1 year Location: One location

Example 7

Twenty One Pips is a swanky but never stuffy dining and board game concept where friends and families can connect over food and fun while enjoying handcrafted fare, cocktails, wine, and beer. Opening 2022 in Ardmore, PA.

Twenty One Pipshas 3 rules; All Players Are Welcome, We Win Together, and We Rewrite The Rules. If you identify with that mantra, we want to talk to you.

Twenty One Pips is seeking energetic, enthusiastic staff for our Ardmore location. The Baristaposition is an extremely important part of the team. First of all, who doesn't love coffee? Exactly. You'll be providing our guests with the thing they love and, let's be honest, rely on. We are looking for bright, friendly personalities committed to brewing delicious, high-quality coffee and crafting some exquisite espresso creations.

Responsibilities of the job:

Greeting guests warmly and explaining what Twenty One Pips and its vast collection of games is all about.

Taking orders, describing menu items and providing excellent guest service.

Facilitate a wonderful guest experience while guests enjoy everything Twenty One Pips has to offer.

Knowledge of menu offerings and general coffee understanding.

Prepare coffee/espresso drinks to specifications

General maintenance of the coffee counter, i.e. maintaining a clean workspace, stocking and replenishing when necessary, cleaning equipment, etc.

Assorted general restaurant tasks.

Applicants must possess the following qualities:

Have strong customer service skills and a passion for hospitality.

An ability to direct a guest experience.

An interest in board games, board game knowledge, and board game design.

An enthusiastic and efficient communicator.

Good with detail management and organization.

Desire to bring the best experience possible to guests.

Strives for personal growth.

Bears a positive attitude towards others; guests and coworkers.

Enjoys working closely with others toward mutual success.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $12.00 - $15.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid training
Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Weekend availability
Supplemental Pay:
  • Tips

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Ardmore, PA 19003: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location

Example 8

About the Position

We are Seattle's first cupcake bakery and cafe! Serving cupcakes baked from scratch, Stumptown espresso, and our very own line of homemade ice cream!

Our downtown Cupcake Royale cafe at 106 Pine is looking for a Part-Time employee to join our team for the summer! This is a seasonal position, with potential for continued employment in the Fall depending upon availability and scheduling. The days of the week would be Thursday-Sunday,with about 20-25hrs/week.

Hospitality is our #1 focus, but previous Barista experience is also a big plus!

Our Mission:
  • To create joyful experiences and build community connection.

Our Values:
  • Exceed customer expectations
  • Obsessive about quality
  • Work as a team and treat each other with kindness and respect
  • Relentless drive to improve
  • Do The Right Thing - for the environment, the community, farmers etc.

Position description:

Cupcake Royale is looking for a smart, hard-working, self-motivated, cheerful sweets enthusiast to join our very Royale team! As a customer service expert for Cupcake Royale, your first priority is to live our values! We want everyone who comes into contact with our customers to deliver a joyful experience. A customer service team member is knowledgeable about our products, works efficiently, and stays composed under stressful situations. Cupcake Royale is an independent company creating from scratch cupcakes, handmade ice cream, and expertly crafted Stumptown coffee. The Royale team prides itself in supporting farmers and makers from the Pacific Northwest whenever possible. Cupcake Royale has been Seattle's Original cupcakery since 2003, fifteen years of handcrafting local sweets. Located in Seattle's best neighborhoods Cupcake Royale delivers the sweetest treats to kids, students, friends, and families.

Anyone who joins the Royale team must help contribute to our mission of Creating joyful experiences and building community connection. This person should embody our core values of being respectful, doing the right thing, having a relentless drive to improve, obsess about quality, and exceed expectations.

KeyResponsibilities:
  • Serve the tastiest most consistent product to Cupcake Royale standards
  • Deliver excellent hospitality to every person that walks through our doors
  • Keep all areas of the cafe professional, clean, and organized
  • Accurately take orders and ring them into the POS with minimal mistakes
  • Properly prep and craft espresso drinks to company standards
  • Scoop ice cream to company standards
  • Make all menu items to company standards
  • Properly package cupcakes to company standards
  • Communicate any and all relevant information to Cafe Manager, Assistant Manager, and fellow cafe staff in a respectful manner
  • Follow written and verbal instructions efficiently and execute these instructions
  • Follow all company tools and systems, shows enthusiasm for Cupcake Royale's support of our communities, and be knowledgeable of promotions
  • Rotate inventory and order ingredients for optimal stock on inventory control
  • Follow health, safety, and sanitation guidelines with care
  • Be efficient, use/prioritize time wisely
  • Using problem solving skills
  • Be able and willing to go above and beyond when the team needs it
  • Be obsessive about quality

Additional Job Requirements:
  • A current Washington State Food Handler's Permit
  • Able to work an 8 hour shift on your feet
  • Able to lift 50 pounds consecutively

Compensation:
  • $15.75 an hour plus tips with incremental, merit based raises
  • Health and dental insurance for those who work 30+ hours/week for 90 days
  • Subsidized ORCA card for those who work 30+ hours/week for 90 days
  • 1 week Paid Time off
  • As many cupcakes and ice cream scoops as you can eat. Oh, and all the coffee you can drink!
  • Advancement opportunities in our growing company!

Job Type: Full-Time or Part-Time

Pay: $15.75 /hour + Tips

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $15.75 per hour

Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
Physical Setting:
  • Bakery
  • Coffee shop
Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Weekend availability
Supplemental Pay:
  • Tips

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Seattle, WA 98101: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:
  • Guest services: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Barista experience: 1 year Location: One location
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What does a Barista do?

A Barista prepares and serves coffee and other beverages while delivering friendly, efficient customer service in a café or coffee shop. They operate equipment like espresso machines, follow drink recipes, handle transactions and maintain a clean, organized workspace.

Baristas also help create a welcoming environment and may recommend products or answer customer questions about the menu.

Barista skills and qualifications

Whether Baristas are making espresso, foaming milk or interacting with customers, they typically need several soft skills, such as attention to detail and multitasking.

Other skills and qualifications for your Barista job description may include:

  • In-depth knowledge of coffee and tea origin and brewing techniques, such as the pour-over or drip method
  • Familiarity with coffee and tea equipment and accessories, such as filters, infusers and espresso machines
  • Expertise in espresso drink preparation, including the appropriate roasting temperature
  • Ability to learn and memorize recipes
  • Understanding of proper cleaning and sanitization, including best practices for cross-contamination
  • Familiarity with latte art, including the heart, rosetta or tulip
  • Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays
  • Food safety and hygiene awareness (may require certification, depending on location)

Barista experience requirements

Some employers may prefer to hire Baristas with coffee-making experience. However, many coffee shops and restaurants can train quality candidates. In those cases, applicants with experience working in restaurants, as a Busser or Server, may excel in your open position due to their background in fast-paced environments, teamwork, customer interaction, and attention to detail.

Experience working as a Retail Associate or Customer Service Representative may also provide the necessary transferrable skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving and cash handling.

Barista education and training requirements

Since there aren’t formal education requirements for a Barista, consider focusing on skills-first hiring to attract qualified candidates. This practice prioritizes candidates with skills likely to support success rather than screening candidates for specific education or years of experience. Skills-first hiring may be a good hiring strategy since on-the-job training is common and often provided by the employer, covering drink preparation, equipment use, customer service and food safety procedures.

Some employers may prefer candidates with prior experience in food service or retail, and in certain locations, a food handler’s permit or certification may be required to comply with local health regulations.

Barista salary expectations

According to Indeed, the average salary for a Barista is $36,224 per year. Salaries often differ based on factors such as location, employer size and applicant experience.

Barista salary expectations

2025-10-017.2515.7130.15HOURLY
  • Common salary: 15.71 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 7.25 - 30.15 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Barista job description template isn’t quite what you’re looking for, you can try these related job description samples:

Barista job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Barista and a Bartender?

Baristas make coffee and other related drinks, such as tea, and typically work in a coffee shop or café. Bartenders typically make and serve alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, ciders or beer, in a bar or restaurant. Some job functionalities are the same, but the environments generally differ, depending on the establishment.

Who oversees a Barista?

Baristas often report to a Lead Barista, Coffee Shop Manager or Café Supervisor. Baristas who work in a restaurant instead of a coffee shop or café may report to a Restaurant Manager or Chef.

Where do Baristas work?

Baristas are often hired by coffee shops, cafés and restaurants that serve coffee and coffee-related drinks. Other businesses that aren’t food-centric may also employ them for their expert coffee craftsmanship.

If you manage a hotel, resort, cruise ship, large office building or bookstore, your organization may need a Barista on staff.

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Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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