Bartender vs Barista: Which Job is Right for You?

  • By: BT Staff
  • Date: January 20, 2024
  • Time to read: 10 min.

Regarding careers in the food and beverage industry, both a barista and a bartender have their own unique set of responsibilities and qualifications. Both professions require a certain level of customer service skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work quickly and efficiently. However, some key differences between the two should be considered when deciding which profession is right for you.

The main difference between a bartender and a barista is a bartender handles alcoholic drinks. In contrast, a barista prepares coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages. Bartending is suited to people who enjoy late nights, while many coffee shops do business early mornings and during the day. The earning potential of a bartender is often higher than a barista, as bartenders typically receive more tips from customers.

So is it better to be a barista or a bartender? Let’s start by examining the responsibilities and qualifications of a bartender and a barista. In a lot of ways, they’re quite similar.

What is a Bartender?

A bartender’s primary responsibility is to mix and serve drinks to customers. This includes knowledge of mixology and drinks recipes and communicating effectively with customers. Bartenders must also be able to maintain a clean and organized bar area and manage cash and credit card transactions. Regarding qualifications, bartenders should have a working knowledge of mixology and drink recipes and customer service skills. Physical stamina and dexterity are also important, as bartenders are often required to stand for long periods of time and move quickly to keep up with customer demands. Finally, most states require bartenders to have an alcohol service certification.

What is a Barista?

On the other hand, a barista’s primary responsibility is to prepare coffee and other beverages. This includes operating equipment such as grinders and espresso machines and maintaining a clean and organized work area. Baristas must also communicate effectively with customers, as they often play a key role in creating a positive customer experience. Regarding qualifications, baristas should have a working knowledge of coffee brewing and preparation techniques and customer service skills. The ability to work quickly and efficiently is also important, as the demand for coffee and other beverages can be high during peak hours. Finally, baristas must have knowledge of health and safety regulations to ensure that the products they serve are safe for consumption.

Differences Between Bartender and Barista Jobs

What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Being a Bartender or a Barista?

Some benefits of being a bartender include the opportunity to work in a fun and lively atmosphere, the potential to earn a higher wage due to tips, and the possibility of advancement within the company.

Bartenders can have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, such as bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and even private events. They also have the opportunity to be creative and come up with new drink recipes, which can be a fun and rewarding experience.

On the other hand, being a barista can offer the benefits of a more structured and stable work environment, the opportunity to work with a wide variety of people, and the chance to develop skills in coffee brewing and preparation.

Baristas have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, such as coffee shops, cafes, and even speciality stores. They may also have more opportunities for advancement within the company, as they may be able to move up to management positions or open their coffee shop.

The drawbacks of being a bartender can include working long and irregular hours, dealing with difficult customers, and dealing with the potential hazards of handling and serving alcohol. Bartenders may also have to work in a loud and crowded environment.

Being a barista also has drawbacks, such as working early morning and late night shifts (though seldom as late as bars stay open), handling a high volume of customers and working with hot liquids and heavy equipment. They may also have to deal with difficult customers unhappy with their orders.

So if you are a morning person (and not a night owl), you don’t like noisy environments with possibly drunk customers (and possibly staff, too), then becoming a barista is probably a better choice.

On the other hand, if you like fast-paced, high-energy environments and don’t mind working late nights or weekends. consider bartending.

Skills Required

Being a barista or a bartender requires a specific set of skills that are essential for success in these roles. Some of the skills required for a barista include the following:

  • Knowledge of coffee brewing and preparation techniques: Baristas should have a good understanding of different types of coffee, brewing methods, and the proper use of equipment such as grinders and espresso machines.
  • Strong customer service skills: Baristas should be able to communicate effectively with customers, understand their needs, and provide excellent service.
  • Quick thinking and problem-solving: Baristas should be able to work quickly and efficiently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Attention to detail: Baristas should be able to pay attention to detail and make sure that each cup of coffee is prepared to the customer’s specifications.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity: Baristas should be able to stand for long periods of time, lift and carry heavy equipment, and work with hot liquids.

As for bartenders, some of the skills required for a bartender include the following:

  • Knowledge of mixology and drink recipes: Bartenders should understand different alcoholic drinks, mixing techniques, and the proper use of equipment such as shakers and strainers.
  • Strong customer service skills: Bartenders should be able to communicate effectively with customers, understand their needs, and provide excellent service.
  • Quick thinking and problem-solving: Bartenders should be able to work quickly
  • Physical stamina and dexterity: Bartenders should be able to stand for long periods and lift and carry heavy equipment.

As you can see from this list, the skill set is pretty similar for both jobs, meaning you could transition from one to another fairly easily as long as you met the job requirements.

Job Requirements

What Qualifications and Certifications Are Required To Become a Bartender or Barista?

In general, as long as you’re of legal age to work, you can start serving coffee without much experience. Serving alcohol usually requires you to be over a certain age and possibly certified by whatever government agency handles alcohol sales in the state or province.

To become a barista, one typically needs knowledge of coffee brewing and preparation techniques, strong customer service skills, the ability to work quickly and efficiently, and knowledge of health and safety regulations. Some employers may also require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some barista positions may also require certifications in barista training programs, such as barista certification or food handling certification. These certifications may help baristas understand the specifics of their equipment and how to prepare a quality cup of coffee or tea.

To become a bartender, one typically needs knowledge of mixology and drink recipes, strong customer service skills, physical stamina and dexterity, and an alcohol service certification. Some employers may also require a high school diploma or equivalent. Bartenders may also be required to have an alcohol service certification or license that allows them to serve alcohol legally. This certification is usually obtained by completing a training program on responsible alcohol service and passing an exam. Some states may have regulations for alcohol service certification.

Salary

Regarding job outlook, the demand for both bartenders and baristas is expected to grow in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of bartenders is projected to grow 4 per cent from 2019 to 2029, while employment of baristas is projected to grow 7 per cent. However, it is worth noting that the median annual salary for bartenders is slightly higher than that of baristas, with bartenders earning a median annual salary of $24,300 in 2020 compared to $24,000 for baristas.

Which Has a Higher Earning Potential?

The average salary for a barista can vary depending on location, experience, and type of establishment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for baristas in the United States was $11.37 in May 2020. However, some baristas may earn more or less depending on factors such as tips and their level of experience.

The average salary for a bartender also varies depending on location, experience, and type of establishment. According to the Bureau’s statistics, the median hourly wage for bartenders in the United States was $11.93 in May 2020.

While the base hourly rate might be similar, bartenders usually make many more tips than baristas do, which can increase their income if they work in an establishment like a nightclub or higher-end bar.

What Are the Best US Cities for Baristas to Work In?

Using the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, the best salaries can be found in these states based on the average salary for a barista and have a strong coffee culture with lots of speciality coffee shops.

  • Washington (Seattle): the average hourly wage for baristas in Washington is above the national average at $13.29 per hour. Plus, many coffee shops and cafes, particularly in Seattle, are known as the birthplace of speciality coffee in America.
  • California (San Francisco and Los Angeles): According to the Bureau, the average hourly wage for baristas in California is $12.75 per hour. California also has a strong coffee culture, particularly in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
  • Oregon (Portland): According to the Bureau, the average hourly wage for baristas in Oregon is $12.61 per hour.
  • New York (New York City): The average hourly wage for baristas in New York is $12.54 per hour.
  • Colorado (Denver and Boulder): The average hourly wage for baristas in Colorado is $12.19 per hour. Denver and Boulder are known for their independent coffee shops.

Work Environment

One key difference between the two professions is the type of work environment. Bartenders typically work in bars, nightclubs, and other establishments that serve alcohol. This can be a fast-paced, high-energy environment, and bartenders often must work late nights and weekends. On the other hand, baristas typically work in coffee shops and cafes. While the work can be fast-paced, the environment is generally more relaxed, and the hours are often more regular.

Another important consideration is the level of customer interaction. Bartenders often have more direct and personal interactions with customers than baristas do, as they are responsible for creating a positive and memorable customer experience. Bartenders are also more likely to manage customer complaints and deal with difficult customers. On the other hand, baristas may have less direct customer interaction, but they are still responsible for providing excellent customer service and creating a positive customer experience.

If you’ve decided you want to work as a bartender, see this article on some kinds of bars that might suit your personality.

Bartending and Barista FAQ

Here are some other questions people usually ask about the differences between bartender and barista jobs.

Which Is More Physically Demanding: Bartending or Barista Work?

Both bartending and barista work involve standing for long periods of time. However, the physical demands of the two jobs can be quite different.

Bartending can be physically demanding, as bartenders are on their feet for long periods of time and may have to lift and carry heavy boxes of alcohol and mixers. They may also have to handle and pour bottles, cans and glasses, which require dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Bartenders also need the stamina to work long shifts, especially on busy nights.

On the other hand, baristas typically stand behind a counter and may not have to lift as much. However, baristas may have to work with hot liquids and heavy equipment, so they must be careful and follow proper safety procedures. They also need to be quick and efficient when making coffee and other beverages, which can be physically demanding.

How Does the Customer Interaction Differ Between a Barista and a Bartender?

If you had to sum up the answer in one word, it would be alcohol.

As one former barista and bartender said, you see people on their best or worst day at a bar. That means they might either be having a great day and are tipping well, or they’ve had a terrible day and might be your worst customer.

On the other hand, people who come in for coffee are usually at the start of their day or work. You might get grumpy customers, but nobody will drink too much coffee and start breaking things.

What Are the Typical Work Environments for Baristas and Bartenders?

The typical work environments for baristas and bartenders can vary depending on the type of establishment they work in. Baristas typically work in coffee shops, cafes, and speciality stores, where they are responsible for preparing and serving coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages. These environments are usually fast-paced, focusing on customer service, and can be busy, especially during peak hours. Baristas may also work in hotels, airports, and universities, where they provide coffee and other beverages to guests and customers.

Bartenders typically work in bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, where they are responsible for mixing and serving alcoholic drinks and a few non-alcoholic beverages. These environments are often more lively and social, focusing on customer service and entertainment. Bartenders may also work in private events such as weddings, corporate events and parties. Bartenders are also responsible for maintaining a clean and organized bar area and managing cash and credit card transactions. These environments can be loud and crowded, especially on busy nights.

It’s worth noting that the work environment also depends on the specific establishment, as some coffee shops and bars may have a more relaxed atmosphere, while others may be more fast-paced. Both bartending and barista jobs can be demanding, but it depends on the type of establishment and the individual’s preference for which one they prefer.

What Do You Call a Male Barista?

The term “barista” is an old Italian (or Spanish) word that applies to anybody who works behind a bar making drinks. In Italy and Spain, its usage goes back before 1916, back when pretty much all Baristas in Italy were male anyways. Despite the female-sounding “ista” ending, it is a standard professional suffix, as in scientist, chemist…or mixologist? Newer North American terms like “baristo” are not strictly needed, but if Starbucks can play fast and loose with the Italian language, so can you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether it’s better to be a barista or a bartender depends on one’s personal preferences and career goals. Bartending offers the opportunity to work in various settings, create unique drinks, and earn higher wages. In contrast, barista work offers the opportunity to experiment with different brewing methods and potentially advance within the company. Both positions require strong customer service skills and have their own unique set of responsibilities and qualifications. Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each position before making a decision.