Barista

Alternative titles for this job include

Baristas make and serve coffee in cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and hotels.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£24,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Barista

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • training with a professional body

College

Although not essential, you could do a college course that would give you some of the skills needed for this role. Courses include:

  • barista skills
  • food and beverage service
  • retail skills

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Hospitality Team Member Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This will usually take 12 months to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and time spent with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs. When you start, you're employer will put you through training in barista skills and product knowledge.

Some employers may prefer you to have experience in customer service, retail sales or catering.

Other Routes

You could train in barista skills with a professional organisation, for example the Specialty Coffee Association.

More Information

Career tips

Skills such as teamwork, flexibility and good customer service are highly valued by employers, along with a positive outlook.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • the ability to work on your own
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • a good memory
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a barista, you would:

  • prepare the premises or outlet ready for opening
  • welcome customers, take orders and process payments
  • prepare and serve coffees, hot snacks, sandwiches and cakes
  • clean and tidy work areas, equipment and coffee machines
  • check and order new stock

Working environment

You could work in a coffee shop.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a store manager, then regional manager, with a coffee retail chain or franchise.

There may also be opportunities to move into:

  • barista staff training
  • equipment maintenance
  • coffee tasting and buying
  • product development and marketing.

You could become self-employed and open your own coffee shop

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Hospitality Team Member - Sandown Park Racecourse

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: Portsmouth Road, Esher

Apprentice Barista - Guildford

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: Guildford

Courses In England

Food Safety in Catering — Level 2 Award

  • Provider: THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 10 February 2025
  • Location: LIVERPOOL

Food Safety in Catering QA - Award - Level 2

  • Provider: SPARSHOLT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 July 2025
  • Location: Sparsholt

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