Bar assistant

What does a barista do? – Tasks and work environment

A barista mainly works behind the bar at restaurants, pubs, and cafes. Common tasks include serving drinks, mixing simple cocktails, handling cash and payments, and keeping the bar clean and stocked. Many baristas are also responsible for dishwashing, replenishing supplies, and sometimes light cooking depending on the workplace. The work environment is often fast-paced, especially during evenings and weekends, involving lots of standing and close contact with guests and colleagues. Shift work and late evenings are common in this profession.

Salary development over time

The barista profession has experienced steady salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,200 SEK per month, which increased to 26 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 27 900 SEK. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 11% over three years. The salary increase can be explained by the rising demand for staff in the restaurant industry, especially after the pandemic, as well as general wage adjustments in the service sector. At the same time, competition for workers has led employers to offer higher starting salaries and better conditions to attract and retain baristas.

Barista salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 27 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 24,800 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 33,700 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 168 SEK (average, hourly paid)
• Women: 27 600 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
• Men: 28 300 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region, workplace, and employment type

Education and qualifications

The path to working as a barista is often relatively short and usually requires no formal education. Many employers do require basic experience from service or restaurant industries, and some may offer internal training. It is common to supplement with short courses in serving, hygiene, or alcohol legislation to increase employment chances.

• Formal education: None required, but high school education in restaurant and food services is advantageous
• Courses: Serving course, alcohol legislation, hygiene training
• Internship: Common, especially for first jobs
• Prerequisites: Experience from service industries is an advantage
• Tips: Social skills and stress tolerance are highly valued in recruitment

Common benefits and compensations

Baristas often have access to various benefits beyond the base salary, such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, tips, staff discounts, and sometimes free meals during shifts. Some workplaces also offer wellness allowances, uniform allowances, or opportunities for further training within the company.

Challenges and competition

The job market for baristas is characterized by high demand and many vacancies, but also high staff turnover. Competition for the most attractive workplaces can be intense, especially in larger cities and popular restaurants. A challenge in this profession is the often high pace and physically demanding environment, with late evenings and weekend work. Part-time employment is common, which can affect income and job security. Despite this, prospects for employment are considered very good nationwide.

Tips for aspiring baristas

To succeed as a barista, it is good to be social and outgoing, as a large part of the work involves providing service and creating a pleasant experience for guests. Stress tolerance is an important trait, as the pace is often high and many tasks must be handled simultaneously. Flexibility is appreciated by employers, especially when working inconvenient hours such as evenings and weekends. Being careful and responsible facilitates handling cash and alcohol service. Finally, showing engagement and willingness to learn new things opens opportunities for further training and development within the restaurant industry.

Key facts about Barista

• Education level: No formal education required, high school education is advantageous
• Work environment: Fast-paced, social, and often shift-based
• Common employment types: Part-time or temporary, many hourly jobs
• Demand: High, with many vacancies nationwide
• Special skills: Basic serving, alcohol legislation, and customer service

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a barista, there are good opportunities to advance to more responsible roles, such as bartender, shift supervisor, or restaurant manager. Some choose to further educate themselves in restaurant and hotel management, which can lead to roles in bar management or event planning. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, job opportunities remain large and demand is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by some shortage of staff, especially for full-time positions, while part-time work is very common. There is also potential to specialize in areas such as wine, coffee, or cocktail mixing, which can open new career doors within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Barista

• What is the average salary of a barista?
  - A barista has an average salary of 27 900 SEK per month.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, men earn on average 28 300 SEK and women 27 600 SEK, which means women earn 98% of men's salaries.
• What are the lowest and highest salaries for a barista?
  - The lowest salary is 24,800 SEK and the highest 33,700 SEK per month.
• Is any special education required?
  - No, formal education is not required, but experience and short courses in serving are advantageous.
• What is the job market like for baristas?
  - The job market is good with many vacancies and continued high demand according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Overtime pay, tips, staff discounts, and sometimes free meals during shifts are common benefits.
• What are the working hours for baristas?
  - Working hours vary but often include evenings, weekends, and shift work.