Back to all jobs
Hospitality, Travel, & FoodGrowingBright Outlook

Barista

Operational-level

Also known as: Barista, Cafe Barista, Catering Barista, Coffee Bar Attendant

Hospitality, Travel, & FoodBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Prepare or serve specialty coffee or other beverages. Serve food such as baked goods or sandwiches to patrons.
Beverage ServiceFood ServiceCafe OperationsCoffee PreparationHospitalityCustomer ServiceFood & Beverage ManagementNutrition

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade · has a large number of job openings.

Projected growth

+5.8%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

827,400

per year (US)

Jobs today

3,855,900

in 2025 → 4,079,100 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Low
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
Low
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Low

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

This field is experiencing expansion with increasing job opportunities and career advancement potential. Market demand is rising, with new positions being created.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Aide-cuisinier
  • Hôte/Hôtesse de restaurant
  • Caissier de restauration rapide

Where it can lead

  • Gérant de café
  • Formateur de barista
  • Responsable de restaurant

Impact of AI on this Job

AI might impact baristas by automating routine tasks like inventory management, personalized recommendations, and even some drink preparation. However, the core role of crafting customized beverages and providing a human-centric customer experience will likely remain, with AI enhancing efficiency rather than fully replacing the human touch.

Similar Jobs

Cook, Institution and Cafeteria

Operational-level

Manicurist

Operational-level

Gambling Service Worker

Operational-level

Motion Picture Projectionist

Operational-level

Salary

$31,200

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Hotel Management

Bachelor • Hospitality • 4 years

Public Administration

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 2 years

Marketing

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Business Economics

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

International Business

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Business Administration

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Current Vacancies

IndeedLinkedIn