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Baristas

O*NET files this work under Baristas: people who prepare or serve specialty coffee or other beverages. Its interest code is RSC. Realistic leads at 5.6 out of 7, so expect hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, with Social next at 3.7. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to service orientation, active listening, and speaking as the ones to build. Expect to clean or sanitize work areas, utensils, or equipment. The job can ask you to receive and process customer payments. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need research, analysis and working through hard problems, it may feel thin.

What they do

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

Main tasks

  • 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.
  • Take customer orders and convey them to other employees for preparation.
  • Clean service or seating areas.
  • Prepare or serve menu items, such as sandwiches or salads.

Skills

  • Service Orientation
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Monitoring
  • Coordination

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You get energy from helping other people move forward.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on service orientation and active listening.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want to spend most of your time analyzing and researching. Investigative rates 1.1 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RSC takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Also called

  • Bobarista
  • Catering Barista

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database 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.