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The differences between baristas and lead baristas can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead barista has an average salary of $33,918, which is higher than the $29,528 average annual salary of a barista.
The top three skills for a barista include cash handling, food products and punctuality. The most important skills for a lead barista are cleanliness, customer service, and product quality.
| Barista | Lead Barista | |
| Yearly salary | $29,528 | $33,918 |
| Hourly rate | $14.20 | $16.31 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 93,290 | 70,195 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 43% |
| Average age | 23 | 23 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Baristas are employees who work on assembling drinks available in the restaurant cafe. They are expected to be familiar with the menu offerings related to non-alcoholic beverages, such as coffee, tea, or chocolate, available in the restaurant. They are also expected to be familiar with the ingredients needed to make such drinks. They are in charge of managing the inventory and ensuring that the ingredients needed are readily available. Baristas are also expected to be able to make drinks in a quick yet accurate manner.
A Lead Barista provides quality customer service and demonstrates knowledge of coffee equipment, products, and menu products. Lead baristas serve all products with friendly and individualized attention towards each customer. They are responsible for making a difference to customers by educating them about our premium coffees. They establish relationships with customers and foster a positive and friendly store environment. They also assist new team members in the training program and provide technical guidance.
Baristas and lead baristas have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Barista | Lead Barista | |
| Average salary | $29,528 | $33,918 |
| Salary range | Between $22,000 And $38,000 | Between $27,000 And $41,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, ME | - |
| Highest paying state | Maine | - |
| Best paying company | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | - |
| Best paying industry | Retail | - |
There are a few differences between a barista and a lead barista in terms of educational background:
| Barista | Lead Barista | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 43% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between baristas' and lead baristas' demographics:
| Barista | Lead Barista | |
| Average age | 23 | 23 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 30.3% Female, 69.7% | Male, 30.3% Female, 69.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |