Occupation · SOC 35-3023.01
Baristas
Prepare or serve specialty coffee or other beverages. Serve food such as baked goods or sandwiches to patrons.
Median wage
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Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
1 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningSpeakingService OrientationSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationReading ComprehensionMonitoring
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageSales and Marketing
Technology & tools
Accounting softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareWord processing softwarePoint of sale POS software
Representative tasks
Receive and process customer payments.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.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Cash and card payment transactions — process accurately under direct supervisor guidance at a café point-of-sale terminal.Espresso machine and blending equipment — operate following step-by-step protocols to prepare standard hot and cold beverages during a supervised shift.Customer beverage orders — receive and relay verbatim to the preparation team in a fast-casual coffee service environment.Work surfaces, utensils, and brewing equipment — clean and sanitize according to posted health and safety procedures between service cycles.Menu items and daily specials — describe basic features to customers using prepared talking points during a supervised counter shift.Seating and service areas — sweep, wipe, and tidy under direction to maintain guest-ready conditions throughout the day.Pre-packaged food items such as muffins and bagels — retrieve and serve to customers following portion and presentation guidelines.Simple cold food items such as sandwiches — assemble using standardized recipes under trainer observation in a quick-service café setting.POS software interface — navigate to ring up orders, apply discounts, and print receipts with assistance from a shift supervisor.Customer verbal requests — listen attentively and confirm order accuracy before processing in a moderate-volume coffee shop environment.
developing
Multiple payment methods including cash, card, and mobile pay — process efficiently and reconcile minor discrepancies independently during a standard café shift.Full hot and cold beverage menu including espresso drinks, blended coffees, and teas — prepare consistently and to brand standards with minimal oversight.Concurrent customer orders during moderate rush periods — coordinate intake and relay across a two- to three-person service team without supervisor prompting.Daily cleaning schedule for equipment and service zones — execute independently and flag maintenance needs to shift leads in a high-traffic café.Customer preferences and dietary questions — address using solid menu knowledge and suggest suitable alternatives in a routine counter-service interaction.Dining room and service counter cleanliness — monitor and restore between customer waves using established sanitation protocols.Baked goods and light food accompaniments — serve and upsell paired items by applying basic product knowledge during customer interactions.Salad and sandwich preparation — complete orders accurately within ticket-time targets in a café with a light food menu.POS system reports and end-of-shift sales summaries — review and hand off to a shift lead with accurate totals and noted variances.Social cues and customer mood — read and adapt communication style to de-escalate minor complaints and maintain positive service interactions.
proficient
High-volume payment processing including split checks and catering invoices — manage autonomously and resolve transaction errors at a busy specialty coffee bar.Complex custom beverage builds and seasonal menu items — execute with speed and precision across all dayparts without reference to written recipes.Full-shift order flow for a team of two to four baristas — coordinate sequencing and station assignments to sustain throughput during peak hours.Deep-clean and preventive-maintenance protocols for espresso machines and grinders — perform on schedule and document compliance in a specialty café setting.Guests with specific taste preferences or dietary restrictions — consult knowledgeably and tailor product recommendations without supervisory input.Service and seating area standards — audit continuously and delegate cleaning tasks to team members to uphold brand cleanliness expectations.Full food menu including hot and cold preparations — produce consistently and train newer staff on correct technique and portion control.Catering and bulk food orders — prepare and coordinate fulfillment on time for corporate or event clients served from a café location.POS software configuration for menu updates and promotional pricing — update independently and verify accuracy before a new product launch.Team service dynamics during non-routine situations such as equipment outages — troubleshoot workflow and communicate solutions to maintain guest satisfaction.
advanced
Café payment systems and accounting software integration — oversee accurate daily reconciliation and lead month-end reporting for a multi-register coffee operation.Beverage program standards across all skill levels — define quality benchmarks, develop training materials, and certify staff competency in a multi-location café environment.Service team scheduling and role coordination — design shift structures that align staffing levels to projected customer volume across a full-week café operation.Sanitation and food-safety compliance program — author standard operating procedures and conduct audits to ensure regulatory adherence across all store locations.Menu development and customer-facing product storytelling — lead seasonal menu ideation, craft staff training narratives, and drive upsell strategy for a café brand.Guest experience standards for seating and service areas — establish measurable criteria, coach team performance, and resolve escalated customer concerns at the store level.Food and beverage inventory management — oversee ordering, waste tracking, and vendor relationships to optimize cost-of-goods for a high-volume café.Cross-functional catering and events program — direct end-to-end planning, staff coordination, and quality control for large-scale off-site food and beverage service.POS and retail management software ecosystem — evaluate, implement, and train staff on new technology platforms to improve operational efficiency across a café portfolio.Barista and shift-lead development pipeline — design structured mentorship programs, deliver performance feedback, and build a culture of dependability and service excellence.
Also known as
12 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Coffee BrewerJuicerCoffee BaristaCoffee Shop AttendantServerCoffee Bar AttendantBaristaCoffee SommelierGourmet Coffee AttendantCafe BaristaCatering BaristaCoffee Maker