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Barista

Also called: Bobarista, Catering Barista

Prepare or serve specialty coffee or other beverages. Serve food such as baked goods or sandwiches to patrons.

No four-year degree needed Bright outlook Food & hospitality
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Median pay
$31,200/yr
Typical range
$22,840 – $42,650
Outlook
Bright outlook

What does a Barista do?

  • Clean or sanitize work areas, utensils, or equipment.
  • Receive and process customer payments.
  • Prepare or serve hot or cold beverages, such as coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees, or teas.

How to become a Barista

Training: A high school diploma or GED, though some people start without a diploma. Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Skills you'll use

Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questionsTalking to othersLooking for ways to help peopleChanging what is done based on other people's actions

Is it a fit for you?

  • Social Orientation
  • Cooperation
  • Dependability
  • Optimism
  • Attention to Detail

Tools and technology

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word

Questions people ask

How much does a Barista make?

About $31,200 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $22,840 and $42,650. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.

How long does it take to become a Barista?

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Do you need a college degree to be a Barista?

No four-year degree is needed. A high school diploma or GED, though some people start without a diploma.

Is Barista a good career to get into?

O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.

Related careers

Dining Room & Cafeteria Attendant & Bartender Helper$33,980 a yearFast Food & Counter Worker$31,200 a yearFood Preparation Worker$35,320 a yearWaiter & Waitress$35,230 a yearBartender$34,340 a yearChef & Head Cook$62,470 a year

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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