Barista

Your Fit

Income

$33K

Preparation

Minimal

Growth

1.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Barista?

Baristas are skilled professionals who specialize in making and serving a variety of coffee and tea beverages. They possess in-depth knowledge of coffee beans, brewing methods, and customer service.

Sample job titles:

Barista, Catering Barista

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Barista.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Barista earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Barista.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$31K per year	$33K per year	$37K per year	$44K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $32K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Barista do?

Work environment

Baristas typically work in coffee shops, cafes, and specialty coffee retailers. The environment is fast-paced, requiring quick service and efficiency, especially during peak hours. Baristas often work closely with other team members in small, dynamic spaces and directly interact with customers.

Quick task list

Prepares and serves coffee and tea beverages.
Operates espresso machines and other coffee brewing equipment.
Takes customer orders and processes payments.
Maintains cleanliness and organization of the coffee bar.
Educates customers about coffee beans, brewing methods, and beverage options.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Espresso Specialist: Mastery in espresso preparation and latte art.
Coffee Roasting: Knowledge of coffee bean varieties and roasting processes.
Customer Education: Focusing on educating customers about coffee origins, types, and brewing techniques.
Tea Expertise: Specialization in various types of teas and tea brewing.
Management: Supervising coffee shop operations and managing staff.

Description

Baristas are at the heart of the coffee experience, combining culinary skill with customer service. They must have a deep understanding of coffee, including knowledge of different bean types, grinding methods, and brewing techniques. Precision and attention to detail are key, as the preparation of coffee and tea often involves specific temperatures, measurements, and techniques. Baristas also need to be adept at using various types of coffee-making equipment, from traditional espresso machines to modern, automated systems.

In addition to technical skills, baristas must possess excellent customer service abilities. They interact directly with customers, often in a fast-paced environment, and need to maintain a friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable demeanor. Good communication skills are essential, both for interacting with customers and for working effectively as part of a team.

A career as a barista can be rewarding for those who have a passion for coffee and enjoy interacting with people. It offers opportunities for creativity, particularly in areas like latte art and beverage customization, and can be a gateway to further opportunities in the coffee industry, such as coffee roasting, café management, or even owning a coffee shop.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Crafting and serving high-quality coffee and tea beverages.
Interacting with and getting to know regular customers.
Continuously learning about new coffee trends and brewing methods.

You might make a good Barista if you are...

Passionate about coffee and eager to learn more about it.
A quick learner, especially in mastering new equipment and techniques.
Excellent at customer service and enjoy interacting with people.
Able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Detail-oriented, ensuring each beverage is made to a high standard.

Pros:

Working in a social environment with regular customer interaction.
Opportunities to develop a deep knowledge of coffee and tea.
Potential for creative expression, especially in beverage presentation.

Cons:

The work can be physically demanding with long periods of standing.
Peak times can be very busy and stressful.
Earnings are often modest, though tips can supplement income.

How to become a Barista

Typical education

Formal education beyond high school is not typically required for baristas, as most skills are learned on the job. However, some may pursue specialized training or certification programs in coffee preparation and customer service.

High school preparation

Courses:

Home Economics or Culinary Arts for basic food and beverage preparation skills.
Business Studies for understanding customer service and basic business operations.
Mathematics for handling cash and processing transactions.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Part-time jobs or internships in cafes or restaurants.
Volunteering at school or community events where food and drinks are served.
Joining clubs or activities that involve teamwork and customer interaction.

Preparation after high school

Specialized barista training programs or workshops.
Certifications from coffee industry organizations.
Gaining experience through employment in various coffee shops to understand different operational styles.

More resources

Specialty Coffee Association - Offers educational resources and certification programs for coffee professionals.
Barista Guild - A community within the Specialty Coffee Association dedicated to baristas.
Barista Hustle - Provides online courses and resources for baristas.
CoffeeGeek - A website offering coffee reviews, brewing guides, and barista tips.
National Coffee Association USA - Provides resources and industry information for coffee professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.