How to become a Barista

Duties & Tasks of a Barista

Baristas:

• Prepare and serve a variety of coffees such as lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso-based beverages
• Clean and maintain coffee-making areas and espresso machines
• Select and grind coffee beans
• Collect payment, operate cash registers and give change
• Assist in stock control
• Maintain workplace hygiene, and follow occupational health and safety procedures.

Tasks

• Collects payment for sales and operates cash registers.
• Selects and grinds coffee.
• Sells light snacks.
• Cleans and maintains bar service area, coffee-making area and espresso machine.
• Promotes services and products.
• Prepares, serves and sells a variety of coffee beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso-based beverages.

Working conditions for a Barista

Baristas work in venues that are often busy and noisy. They usually work shifts, including early mornings, weekends, evenings and public holidays. Uniforms may be supplied by employers. To serve alcohol you must be at least 18 years of age.

Employment Opportunities for a Barista

Baristas work in hotels, bars, restaurants, cafés, coffee shops and recreation and convention centres. As turnover is relatively high, there is generally a constant demand to replace those leaving the job.Baristas working in licensed venues may be required to obtain a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate. See the separate entry for Bar Attendant for further information.Baristas who have undertaken training or are experienced are highly regarded by employers. In larger establishments, baristas with experience and qualifications may progress to supervisory or management positions.

Specializations

Coffee Roaster

A coffee roaster coffee roasters are involved in the roasting process, which includes sorting, roasting, cooling, packaging and grinding green coffee beans.

Head Barista

A head barista head baristas are responsible for developing and supervising the coffee making process to ensure the production of quality coffee.

Coffee Competitor

A coffee competitor baristas seeking a professional career in coffee making can enter coffee competitions to gain credibility in the field. Success in such competitions can lead to career opportunities as consultants for leading coffee companies.

Coffee Trainer

A coffee trainer highly skilled baristas may work for coffee roasting companies to train clients in making high quality coffee.

Barista

Baristas prepare and serve espresso coffee and other hot beverages to patrons in restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and dining establishments.

• 

  Average age

  24

• 

  Future Growth

  N/A

• 

  Gender Share

  74% female

• 

  Average full-time

  41 hours

• 

  Weekly Pay

  N/A

• 

  Skill level rating

  Entry level

• 

  Unemployment

  Average unemployment

• 

  Full-Time Share

  22%

• 

  Employment Size

  46,300

• 

  Employment by state

  ACT: 2.2%
  NSW: 31.5%
  NT: 0.5%
  QLD: 24.2%
  SA: 5.4%
  TAS: 1.5%
  VIC: 23.7%
  WA: 10.9%
  
• 

  Age brackets

  15-19: 20.5%
  20-24: 33.3%
  25-34: 27.5%
  35-44: 9.7%
  45-54: 6%
  55-59: 1.8%
  60-64: 0.9%
  65 and Over: 0.5%
  
• 

  Education level

  Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 9.2%
  Bachelor degree: 12.6%
  Certificate III/IV: 14.2%
  Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2.4%
  Year 10 and below: 11%
  Year 11: 7%
  Year 12: 43.7%