Baristas
Overview
Introduction
Baristas prepare and serve coffee, espresso, and other types of espresso-based drinks. They work in coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants. Depending on their work environment, they may take customers' orders, prepare and serve the beverages to customers, and conduct payment transactions. There are more than 5.4 million food and beverage serving and related workers employed in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Baristas' salaries are based on the size and type of establishment they work for and their experience and training. For some establishments they may earn an hourly wage plus tips. Also, many baristas work part time. In September 2019, the employment Web site Glassdoor.com wrote that baristas employed at Starbucks earned base pay of $11 per hour, with total compensation of $24,000 annually. Perk...
Work Environment
Most baristas work in clean, well-lighted environments with modern equipment. Work hazards still exist, however, such as falls on slippery floors, burns from steam and heat, and cuts from knives or glassware. The job requires long hours of standing and walking. Many cafes and restaurants are temperature controlled but if the air-conditioner breaks down, for example, baristas may have to work th...
Outlook
There are plenty of employment opportunities for baristas in a variety of establishments. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts 14 percent employment growth, faster than average, for food and beverage service and related workers through 2028. The growing population, particularly senior citizens, will create more need for restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops, and baristas will be needed to prepa...
