Baristas
Baristas prepare and serve specialty beverages like espresso drinks, coffee, and tea at coffee shops, cafes, and similar food service establishments. They also serve food items such as baked goods and sandwiches to customers. The work takes place in fast-paced service environments where they interact directly with patrons.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against baristas and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves operating espresso machines and other beverage equipment, taking customer orders, and preparing drinks to specifications. Baristas handle cash or card transactions, stock supplies, and maintain cleanliness of the work area. They may prepare simple food items or ring up sales. Peak hours demand quick, accurate work while managing multiple orders simultaneously and interacting with a steady stream of customers.
Who this work suits
Holland code RSC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy working directly with people and find satisfaction in providing good service. You're practical and detail-oriented, able to master equipment and learn procedures efficiently, and you work well in busy, real-time environments where you can see the immediate results of your efforts.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- VCS Food Service Worker/Barista- Fresno CA · Veterans Health Administration · Fresno, California · $17.86–$17.86
- VCS Food Service Worker/Barista- Gainesville FL · Veterans Health Administration · Gainesville, Florida · $18.23–$18.23
- VCS Food Service Worker/Barista- Asheville NC · Veterans Health Administration · Asheville, North Carolina · $18.23–$18.23
- Barista/Sales Clerk · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Cape Canaveral, Florida · $15–$15
- FOOD SERVICE WORKER NA-02 (STARBUCKS BARISTA) · U.S. Marine Corps · Oceanside, California · $18.66–$18.66
- Food Service Worker (Barista) · Air Force Global Strike Command · Whiteman AFB, Missouri · $18.34–$21.39
- BARISTA (FOOD SERVICE WORKER) · Air Combat Command · Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona · $19.59–$19.59
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $36,790 | $42,280 | $44,970 | 449,840 |
| Washington | $35,880 | $37,710 | $44,240 | 94,710 |
| District of Columbia | $37,340 | $37,430 | $39,050 | 5,500 |
| Colorado | $33,900 | $36,270 | $37,710 | 82,010 |
| Vermont | $34,330 | $36,030 | $38,640 | 6,830 |
| Massachusetts | $33,770 | $35,850 | $36,980 | 85,810 |
| Connecticut | $34,480 | $35,380 | $36,450 | 35,720 |
| Hawaii | $30,460 | $35,250 | $37,510 | 24,130 |
| New York | $34,350 | $35,250 | $37,140 | 168,620 |
| Oregon | $33,560 | $35,050 | $36,880 | 59,920 |
| Maine | $31,990 | $34,710 | $36,500 | 17,250 |
| Arizona | $31,360 | $34,230 | $35,830 | 77,210 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Restaurant Server — American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute
- Certified Home Brewers — Specialty Coffee Association of America
- Certified Coffee Specialist (CCS) — National Automatic Merchandising Association
- NAMA Certified Executive (NCE) — National Automatic Merchandising Association
- Mold Awareness Specialist (MAS) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against baristas and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 35-3023.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.