Barista Job Description for 2025 (+Template)

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Barista job description template

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A barista specializes in preparing and serving espresso- and coffee-based beverages, as well as other types of beverages, typically in a cafe or coffee shop setting. If you’re ready to hire, your barista job description should outline the position’s responsibilities and required skills, provide an overview of your culture, and communicate compensation transparently.

Think of this document as the blueprint for a successful hire. Download our free template and follow the step-by-step guide for a well-crafted barista job description.

Step 1: Write the job overview

This section should give potential candidates a quick snapshot of the role and your establishment. It should include the following details:

• Job title: It should be precise and easily recognizable. For example, “Barista” or “Specialty coffee barista.”
• Description of your cafe/restaurant: Briefly describe your business, its mission, or what makes it unique. This helps candidates see if they align with your brand. 
• Job summary: A concise summary often describing the barista as a skilled and friendly professional, their responsibilities, and the ideal candidate’s qualities.

(Optional, but helpful)Reporting structure: For example, “This role reports directly to the Cafe Manager.”

Step 2: Detail barista job responsibilities

The core of your job description, this section outlines the specific day-to-day tasks and duties a barista will perform, including:

• Beverage preparation: Preparing and serving a wide variety of hot and cold beverages like espresso, cappuccino, lattes, and teas, often following specific recipes and techniques. This also involves understanding grind consistency, pressure, and heat, and customizing drinks to customer preferences and dietary requirements.
• Customer service: Greeting customers warmly, taking orders accurately, answering questions about the menu, making recommendations, and creating an inviting and friendly experience. This often requires strong people skills and communication.
• Equipment operation and maintenance: Safely and efficiently operating and maintaining coffee equipment, including espresso machines, grinders, and POS systems. This includes routine cleaning, troubleshooting breakdowns, performing preventive maintenance, and reporting malfunctions.
• Cleanliness and organization: Maintaining a clean and organized workstation, coffee station, and public areas, adhering to health and safety standards, and regularly cleaning equipment and seating areas.
• Cash handling and POS operations: Receiving and processing payments accurately using point-of-sale (POS) systems, including cash and credit card transactions.
• Inventory and stock management: Monitoring and replenishing supplies, including coffee beans, milk, syrups, pastries, and other consumables, and assisting with general store setup and merchandise.
• Food preparation/serving (if applicable): Serving prepared food items, such as pastries, muffins, or sandwiches, and packaging them for sale.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Collaborating with team members to create a positive and efficient work environment, supporting colleagues during busy periods, and communicating customer feedback and operational insights to managers.
• Product promotion and sales: Promoting coffee consumption by educating customers, selling coffee and coffee grinding and brewing equipment, accessories, and supplies, and upselling special items.
• Continuous learning and improvement: Updating job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading industry publications, and adapting to new techniques and styles of brewing coffee.

It can be tempting to go into too much detail in this section. To clearly present the barista job duties, group related tasks, use action verbs, and be specific.

Step 3: Outline skills

Describe the qualifications, experience, and personal attributes a candidate needs to succeed in the role. In this section, you should include hard skills (e.g., coffee preparation and POS operation), critical soft skills (e.g., communication and problem-solving), experience level, physical requirements, and required certifications or licences (e.g., Food Handler’s Permit). Make sure to differentiate between “Required” and “Preferred” skills.

Step 4: Add compensation and benefits information

Clearly stating the pay rate, tips, and any staff benefits is a best practice for attracting qualified applicants and building trust. Baristas’ salaries heavily depend on their skills and experience, but Toast estimates that they earn an average of $22,000 to $36,000 annually. They also earn tips, depending on the location and clientele, and it’s important to differentiate base pay from tips transparently.

You can also highlight your cafe or restaurant as a positive work environment, mentioning perks, discounts, and opportunities for professional development.

Step 5: Include application instructions

The job description should close out with clear and straightforward instructions on how to apply. Make sure to mention how you prefer applicants to contact you and what they should include in their applications (e.g., a cover letter, resume).

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Last bite

Creating a comprehensive yet concise barista job description is a vital step in building out your team. By clearly defining the job overview, detailed responsibilities, and necessary skills, you not only attract qualified candidates but also set the stage for a successful and productive employment relationship. Use the steps and templates provided to craft a job description that truly reflects your needs and values.