what is a barista?
As a barista, you are a true coffee artist and delight your guests with delicious coffee specialties. The term originally comes from Italian and refers to a bartender. Outside Italy, the barista has established itself as a specialist for coffee beverages. You mainly work in the hospitality industry and attract guests with your artistic flair. Word spreads quickly, and many come to experience you. During a chat, they enjoy your tasty creations. What looks simple to outsiders is hard work behind the scenes. A barista is more than just a bit of latte art. You know your coffee machines inside out. You understand how to set the grinder, prepare the perfect espresso, and steam milk correctly. Additionally, you are familiar with different coffee varieties and roasts. Everything that influences your coffee quality is known to you. This includes coffee amount, grind size, brewing time, and water quality. If you want to participate in the Swiss barista championship, you work at the highest level and have a good understanding of coffee sensory analysis. In short, as a barista, you professionally prepare espresso drinks and serve them masterfully. The beaming faces of your guests confirm your excellent performance. Sounds good? Then keep reading to find out what awaits you as a barista, how much you earn, and what career prospects you have.
barista jobsworking as a barista.
Baristas primarily prepare coffee beverages. For this, you mainly use espresso. However, filter coffee is also quite common in coffee shops. As a barista, your role goes beyond just brewing coffee. You're also responsible for maintaining the coffee quality and ensuring excellent service for the guests. Find out more about your duties as a barista here.
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your area of responsibility
In your job as a barista, everything revolves around coffee specialties. But to be a successful coffee artist, there's even more to it:
- Prepare everything for the guests: before showcasing your skills as a coffee artist, you get everything ready. You turn on the espresso machine, fill the grinders, and check that everything is in place. Throughout the day, you work with a tamper, kettle, and tongs. They need to be within easy reach. Usually, as a barista, you're also responsible for other tasks. You often sell products and make sure everything is ready for the guests' arrival.
- Serve top-quality coffee: as a barista, you’re in your element when it comes to coffee. You enjoy working with the espresso machine and impress your guests with latte art. Your creative designs on the milk foam are just the icing on the cake. Eye-catching patterns like hearts, leaves, or flowers always draw attention. Additionally, you’re the expert when it comes to coffee beans, roasts, and brewing methods. Whatever your guests desire, you serve it to perfection—be it a cappuccino, mocha, or flat white. But your offerings don’t stop at coffee. You also serve specialty teas, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Entertaining guests: you serve guests specialty coffees and other beverages. If you work in a café or restaurant, their physical well-being is taken care of. But guests also find food and drinks in other types of dining establishments. To ensure they come to you and stay with you, they need to feel comfortable. You enjoy chatting with them and offering advice. You always have an open ear for your guests. Thanks to your friendly manner, their coffee tastes even better.
- Cash register check: the guests are perfectly taken care of. Everyone has left the establishment satisfied. In the evening, you review whether the efforts of you and your colleagues have paid off. Time for the cash register check. With the push of a button, you have access to the cash journal. You review what the day has brought and whether the cash register balances. If everything matches, you settle the accounts with the other waiters.
- Keep everything clean: hygiene is in the hospitality industry the be-all and end-all. At the latest, after closing time, you should clean and polish the coffee machine and grinder. This prevents mold and bacteria from spreading. Of course, this also applies to the milk nozzles. But also the fridge and the cream whipper benefit from a thorough cleaning. In between, disinfect everything carefully so that it shines for you and your guests.
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who are your colleagues?
As a barista, you mainly work in the hospitality industry. This can include cafés, restaurants, or bars. There, you'll meet chefs, waitstaff, and support staff. Everyone has their role to ensure everything runs smoothly. Catering companies, chain restaurants, and staff cafeterias of large corporations also look for baristas. In bigger organisations, you'll also interact with restaurant managers and colleagues from the purchasing department. They make sure you always have enough coffee so you're never left empty-handed.
types of baristas.
As a barista, you're the expert behind the espresso bar. You need specific skills for that. There are different levels of expertise, which include three types:
- Foundation (basis): as a newcomer to the barista scene, you have mastered the basic skills. You can adjust a coffee grinder and prepare espresso. You know how to steam and even texture milk. You are already applying simple latte art techniques. You carry out the essential tasks of a barista.
- Intermediate: in addition to the basic techniques, you as an Intermediate are well-versed in coffee quality. You know how the coffee variety, its growing region, and the roasting process influence the taste. You're familiar with what makes a good espresso. You are already an expert in extraction and have mastered the art of preparing milk coffees.
- Professional: as a professional barista, you are a master of your craft. Similar to a sommelier, you possess extensive knowledge of coffee aromas and tasting techniques. You develop brewing recipes and enhance the quality of the coffee. You excel at creating latte art and milk frothing techniques.
salary as a barista.
Your gross salary as a barista largely depends on where you work. If you're employed in the Swiss hospitality industry, you benefit from a collective employment agreement (L-GAV). This sets your minimum wage. If you're working for large companies, they are not bound by the L-GAV. They often attract you with higher wages, training opportunities, and chances for advancement. As a barista in the hospitality sector, your working hours can be irregular. Weekend and holiday work are common. In return, you enjoy several benefits such as meals, accommodation, and tips. Find out more about your gross salary as a barista here.
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how much do I earn as a barista in a permanent position?
As a barista, you typically earn between 42,984 and 52,428 CHF per year. That breaks down to roughly 3,582 to 4,369 CHF per month. Without an apprenticeship, you're at the lower end of the scale. If you have a completed basic education (EFZ), you can earn almost 800 CHF more. By pursuing further training, you can increase your salary and open up opportunities for advancement.
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in which industry do I earn the most as a barista?
You work as a barista mainly in the hospitality industry, but not every establishment pays the same. Small cafés can’t offer you the same salary as hotel chains or cruise ships. Seasonal work in Swiss ski resorts is particularly lucrative. If you perform well at the Swiss Barista Championship, you’ll boost your market value. Larger companies or chains will then hire you for events.
training and further education as a barista.
There is no federal training for the profession of barista. Usually, you begin with a basic qualification in the hospitality sector, such as a specialist in system catering or a chef. If you discover a passion for coffee during your work, you can specialise as a barista. Courses are available, for example, through the Specialty Coffee Association. You can choose the level that suits you, whether you're a beginner or more advanced.
positions as a barista.
Baristas find jobs wherever there are coffee specialties. That’s practically everywhere in the world. Large hotel complexes, cruise ships, and amusement parks are constantly looking for attractions to enhance their culinary offerings. Coffee roasteries are also increasingly hiring baristas as future talent. Companies with staff cafeterias benefit from the expertise of trained baristas. Are you looking for an attractive position where you can showcase your skills? Take a look at our job listings for baristas on this page.
positions for career changers as baristas.
You don't become a barista through an apprenticeship. You bring passion for coffee and empathy for guests. That's why career changers who are enthusiastic about the profession have good prospects. You can improve your chances with work experience in the hospitality industry. In courses, you’ll acquire the missing knowledge and the necessary skills.
career opportunities and development potential as a barista.
Your job as a barista offers you interesting career advancement opportunities in the hospitality industry. If you have a basic qualification in hospitality, you might climb the career ladder to become a junior restaurant manager. A diploma from a Swiss hotel management school with front-of-house and leadership experience is also advantageous. With your further training as a barista, you already meet the requirements of many establishments. If you want to travel the world first, international hotel chains or cruise ships will gladly take you on board. Are you passionate about the barista profession and looking for further training? Check out our tests and tips.
skills as a barista.
As a barista, you mainly prepare coffee specialties. Knowledge about different coffee types, roasts, and the correct grind size is therefore essential. Other important skills include:
- Customer friendliness: you do everything to make your guests feel comfortable. As a coffee artist, you create smiles on their faces with latte art. You enjoy chatting, advising, and discussing topics passionately. Additionally, you listen attentively and are genuinely interested in their opinions. Regular customers confirm that you do a great job.
- Stress resistance: especially during busy times, things get hectic behind the counter. You stay calm and don't let yourself get rattled. You work focused and continue to serve your guests pure coffee enjoyment.
- Teamwork: as a barista, your main role is working at the espresso machine. However, you're not working alone in your establishment. the service and kitchen teams support you in ensuring guests are satisfied. In the hospitality industry, teamwork is a given.
- Experimentation spirit: baristas delight their guests with coffee specialties. They impress both visually and in taste. Your guests want to be surprised. Therefore, you explore different trends and enjoy experimenting. Whether it's Third Wave culture with transparency and fairness from farm to cup, or creative toppings, you're all in. Coffee blends with superfoods, Cold Brew, and customised preparations are your forte as a barista.
benefits of working as a barista at randstad.
There are many good reasons to work as a barista at Randstad:
✓ exciting jobs with well-known companies
✓ a reliable contact person whenever you need one, personal advice really matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ continuing education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed-term contract? Often, there’s a chance to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many popular companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.
your professional development budget as a barista at randstad.
If you work as a barista for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the TempTraining program from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. You will get the course fees reimbursed later, provided you pass the course exam. Your Randstad consultant is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job-specific knowledge, all during your working hours as a barista.
application tips for baristas at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as a barista? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error-free, and personalized documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to improve your chances:
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1. find a position as a barista
Search through the Randstad job offers. If you don’t find a position that’s a perfect fit, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally without any obligation or to create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying as a barista
The job ad continues right away: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete:✓ CV with photo
✓ Work references & diplomasYou don't have a CV yet or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a free online template.
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3. preparing for a job interview as a barista
A good preparation will help you stay calm during the interview as a barista. Here are some tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Here you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about the profession of barista.
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what does a barista do?
As a barista, you mainly craft masterpieces full of enjoyment from espresso. You know everything about coffee, how to prepare and serve it. Coffee machines and grinders are your tools of the trade. When it comes to latte art, you get creative and artistic. A friendly chat with guests makes your day complete. But there’s more to your daily work. Curious? Then read on in this article to learn more about your tasks as a barista.
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how much do I earn as a barista?
Your gross salary as a barista ranges between 42,984 and 52,428 CHF per year. That’s roughly 3,582 to 4,369 CHF per month deposited into your account. In the hospitality industry, you benefit from a collective agreement with a minimum wage. The level of your base salary depends on several factors, including your training, further education, and your place of work. Additional benefits offered can also have a positive impact on your earnings. Find out more on this page about how you can earn more as a barista.
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is being a barista a good profession?
If you love daily contact with guests and have a passion for coffee, then being a barista is your dream job. Your everyday work is varied. In your profession, you can express your creativity, but you also handle daily routines. You enjoy seeing your guests surprised and delighted. When they visit regularly to admire you as a coffee artist, you see it as the greatest confirmation. The job also offers opportunities for advancement and exciting positions worldwide. Curious about what awaits you as a barista? Then read on right here.
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is barista work difficult?
You work mainly as a barista in the hospitality industry. It’s a tough job with irregular working hours. But you’re not alone you’re part of a team. That’s what makes your job enjoyable. You’re surrounded by a variety of different people. Every day, you learn and discover new things. Inspiration is everywhere in conversations with guests and when visiting colleagues. Of course, during busy times it can be stressful. But your passion for coffee and service makes it all worthwhile. You want to learn more about working as a barista. Find out here what makes this profession exciting.
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do you need experience to become a barista?
To succeed as a barista, passion is key. You're genuinely interested in everything related to coffee and the hospitality industry. Behind the counter, you'll develop the routine needed for your role as a barista. The theoretical knowledge you acquire through courses or travel. Several years of experience and further training turn you into a successful barista. Even career changers can bring valuable qualities with dedication and motivation. Through Randstad, you’ll find positions for both experienced professionals and newcomers. Not sure if you're suited for the role? Read more here about what makes a successful barista.
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what requirements do I need to meet to become a barista?
As a barista, your most important qualities are passion and a service-oriented mindset. With a completed basic education in the hospitality industry, all doors are open to you, and you are in demand internationally. If you also bring work experience, you have good opportunities for advancement. Additional training can further increase your market value. Other advantages besides your professional knowledge include resilience and a love of experimentation. A strong commitment to customer service completes your skill set. With all this, you are perfectly prepared for a career as a barista. Discover our job offers here.
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how do I apply for a job as a barista?
Your application as a barista is very straightforward with Randstad. First, create a Randstad profile and browse our job portal for available positions. Found a job that interests you? Then send us your cover letter along with your CV and certificates without delay. Need a bit of help with your application? Check out our application tips, and you'll be well on your way to submitting a compelling application.
