What Does a Starbucks Barista Do?
Find out what a Starbucks barista does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a Starbucks barista.
Starbucks baristas are responsible for preparing and serving coffee, tea, and other beverages to customers. They work behind the counter in Starbucks stores, taking orders from customers and preparing their drinks according to their specifications.
Baristas must be able to multitask effectively while paying close attention to detail. They may need to juggle several drink orders at once while also ensuring that each order is prepared correctly and served with a smile.
Starbucks Barista Job Duties
A Starbucks barista typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Cleaning and maintaining equipment such as coffee machines, espresso machines, blenders, grinders, and refrigerators
- Mixing ingredients for specialty drinks such as mocha Frappuccinos or blended smoothies
- Preparing cold beverages such as smoothies, juices, or tea by measuring ingredients and blending them in a blender or food processor
- Communicating with customers about their order and answering questions regarding menu items
- Preparing hot beverages such as espresso-based drinks and tea by measuring ingredients such as coffee beans or tea leaves into a machine that grinds the beans or infuses the leaves with hot water
- Preparing hot and cold food items such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, and pastries by slicing meat, cheese, and other ingredients according to customer specifications
- Preparing utensils, plates, napkins, and other items used to serve food and drink items to customers
- Cleaning and restocking supplies such as coffee mugs, napkins, and straws
Starbucks Barista Salary & Outlook
Baristas are typically paid an hourly wage, which can vary depending on a number of factors. Baristas with more experience and those working in a busy coffee shop or restaurant may earn more than baristas working for a smaller company or in a less populated area.
- Median Annual Salary: $27,500 ($13.22/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $37,500 ($18.03/hour)
The employment of baristas is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
The need for baristas will be driven by the continued growth of coffee shops and their popularity as a social gathering place. In addition, the popularity of specialty coffees, such as those made via a pour-over or Chemex process, is expected to continue.
Related: In-Depth Starbucks Barista Salary Guide
Starbucks Barista Job Requirements
To become a Starbucks barista, one must typically meet the following requirements:
Education: While a formal education is not required to become a barista, many employers prefer candidates who have completed high school or have a GED. Some employers may also prefer candidates who have completed a barista training course.
Training & Experience: All new baristas will receive on-the-job training from their new employer. This training will teach you how to operate the store’s cash register, how to prepare and serve drinks, how to clean the store and how to maintain the store’s inventory. You will also learn how to interact with customers and how to handle customer complaints.
If you have previous experience in the food and beverage industry, you may be able to transfer some of your skills to a new role as a barista. For example, if you have experience as a server, you will already know how to interact with customers and how to take orders. If you have experience as a cashier, you will already know how to operate a cash register.
Starbucks also offers online training courses for new employees. These courses will teach you how to prepare drinks, how to clean the store and how to maintain the store’s inventory.
Certifications & Licenses: Certifications are not generally required to become a barista at Starbucks, but they can help you stand out from other candidates and impress prospective employers.
Starbucks Barista Skills
Starbucks baristas need the following skills in order to be successful:
Customer service: Customer service skills allow you to interact with customers in a friendly and helpful manner. As a barista, you may be the first person a customer interacts with when they enter a Starbucks location. Your customer service skills can help you greet customers, answer their questions and make them feel welcome.
Multitasking: As a barista, you may be responsible for preparing multiple drinks at the same time. This requires you to be able to multitask, which means you can complete several tasks simultaneously. For example, you may be able to prepare a drink while also taking an order and preparing another drink.
Product knowledge: As a barista, you should have a thorough understanding of the products you serve. This includes knowing the ingredients in each drink, how to prepare each drink and the nutritional value of each drink. You should also be familiar with the company’s promotions and rewards programs. This can help you provide customers with the products they want and help them save money.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. As a barista, you may encounter customers who are upset or angry. Empathy can help you understand their feelings and respond to them in a way that deescalates the situation.
Stamina: Working as a barista can be a physically demanding job. You may be on your feet for long periods of time and lifting heavy objects. You may also be responsible for cleaning the entire store, which can be physically demanding.
Starbucks Barista Work Environment
The work environment for a Starbucks barista is usually fast-paced and can be stressful during busy times. However, most stores try to maintain a positive and fun atmosphere for employees and customers. Baristas typically work behind a counter and are in constant contact with customers, so good customer service skills are essential. They must be able to work quickly and efficiently while maintaining a positive attitude. Most Starbucks stores are open seven days a week, so baristas may have to work early mornings, nights, and weekends. Some stores may offer flexible scheduling, but most baristas work set shifts.
Starbucks Barista Trends
Here are three trends influencing how Starbucks baristas work. Starbucks baristas will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Rise of Third Wave Coffee
The third wave of coffee is a movement that focuses on the quality of coffee beans and the brewing process. This trend has led to an increased demand for specialty coffee, which has in turn led to the rise of Starbucks as a leading coffee chain.
As more and more people become interested in specialty coffee, baristas will need to be well-versed in the art of brewing coffee. They will also need to be able to educate customers about the different types of coffee available and how to brew it properly.
Coffee Culture Becomes Even More Popular
Coffee culture is becoming even more popular as more and more people are realizing the benefits of drinking coffee. This includes the many health benefits associated with drinking coffee, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Baristas who are familiar with the latest coffee trends will be in high demand as they are able to create unique and innovative drinks that appeal to customers’ tastes. In addition, baristas who are able to make recommendations based on customer preferences will be especially valuable.
More Focus on Customer Experience
The focus on customer experience is one of the most important trends in business today. Companies are increasingly looking for ways to provide a better experience for their customers, as this can lead to increased loyalty and sales.
As a barista, you can help contribute to this trend by providing excellent service to your customers. This means being friendly and helpful, as well as making sure that your coffee shop is clean and welcoming.
How to Become a Starbucks Barista
A career as a Starbucks barista can be a great way to get started in the coffee industry. It’s a job that offers plenty of opportunities for growth, and it can be a great way to learn about different types of coffee and brewing methods.
To become a Starbucks barista, you’ll need to have a passion for coffee and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basics of coffee preparation. You’ll also need to be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
Related: How to Write a Starbucks Barista Resume
Advancement Prospects
There are many opportunities for advancement for baristas. The most common way to advance is to become a shift supervisor. A shift supervisor is responsible for opening or closing the store, as well as training new baristas. They also help with the daily operations of the store, such as making coffee and cleaning.
Another way to advance is to become a store manager. Store managers are responsible for all aspects of the store, including hiring and firing employees, ordering supplies, and dealing with customer complaints. They also oversee the daily operations of the store and make sure that the store is running smoothly.
The most advanced position a barista can attain is that of a district manager. District managers are responsible for multiple stores in a specific area. They oversee the store managers and make sure that the stores are running smoothly and meeting all of the company’s standards.
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