Bartender vs. Barista: How the Jobs Compare (and How to Switch Between Them)

Bartenders and baristas both stand behind a counter, make drinks to order and keep a line of customers happy. Plenty of people work both jobs at some point, and many bartenders got their start pulling espresso. But the jobs differ in important ways, from the hours to the responsibility that comes with serving alcohol.

Here’s a side-by-side look, plus how to move from one to the other. Bartending involves serving alcohol to guests who are 21 or over, and that changes a lot about the job.

What each job involves

Bartenders

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bartenders greet guests, take orders, mix drinks to recipe, pour beer and wine, check identification, collect payment, clean and restock the bar, and monitor guests for intoxication. The BLS says the largest employers are full-service restaurants and drinking places, followed by hotels, entertainment venues and social clubs.

Baristas

Baristas take orders and make coffee and espresso drinks, along with tea and other non-alcoholic drinks. They grind and dial in coffee, steam milk, keep the espresso machine clean and often handle the register and pastry case. Most work in coffee shops, cafes, bakeries and grocery or bookstore counters.

Hours and setting

The biggest everyday difference is the clock. The BLS notes that bartenders often work late evenings, weekends and holidays, and that part-time work is common. Coffee shops usually open early, so barista shifts often start before sunrise and end in the afternoon. If you’re a morning person, the coffee bar may suit you; if you’d rather sleep in, the cocktail bar might.

The pace differs too. A coffee shop’s rush comes in the morning commute. A bar’s busiest hours are usually evenings and weekends, and the crowd changes as the night goes on.

Age, training and licensing

• Education: The BLS says bartenders typically need no formal education credential and learn through short on-the-job training. Baristas also usually learn on the job.
• Age: Most states require workers who serve alcohol to be at least 18, according to the BLS. Rules vary, so check your state. Barista jobs generally don’t have alcohol-related age rules.
• Training and permits: Many states and localities require bartenders to complete a responsible-server course. Baristas don’t need one, though food-safety training may apply. Our guide to getting a bartending license explains what’s usually required.

Neither job requires a college degree, and neither is “licensed” the way a nurse or electrician is. A bartender’s server permit is about serving alcohol safely and legally.

The skills they share

Moving between the two jobs is common because the core skills overlap:

• Speed and multitasking. Both jobs mean juggling several orders at once.
• Recipe accuracy. Measuring a shot of espresso and measuring a pour of gin take the same care.
• Customer service. Remembering regulars and their usual order matters in both.
• Clean, organized stations. Both depend on a clean workspace and a good setup before the rush.
• Teamwork. Both work closely with coworkers in a tight space.

Where they differ most

1. Responsibility for alcohol. Bartenders must check IDs, watch for intoxication, refuse service when needed and sometimes help arrange a safe ride home, per the BLS. It’s the part of the job that takes the most judgment.
2. Tools and technique. Baristas master grinders, espresso machines and milk texture. Bartenders master jiggers, shakers, stirring and a much bigger recipe list. See our checklist of essential bartending equipment.
3. Tipping and pay. Tipping customs differ between bars and coffee shops, and pay varies by place. For bartender figures from the BLS, see our guide to bartender pay.
4. The physical side. Both jobs keep you on your feet. The BLS notes bartenders may lift cases of liquor and beer weighing up to 50 pounds.

Moving from barista to bartender

Baristas already have many of the skills bars look for. To make the move:

• Learn the classics. Start with a short list of common drinks and their specs; our bartending cheat sheet is a good start.
• Take a responsible-server course, especially if your state requires one.
• Start as a barback or server to learn bar service from the inside.
• Highlight transferable skills on your resume, like speed, accuracy, cash handling and regulars who came back for you. Our tips on highlighting your bartending resume skills can help.

Our guide to becoming a bartender with no experience walks through the full path.

Coffee meets cocktails

The two worlds meet in coffee cocktails and in zero-proof drinks. Many bars now serve espresso drinks and alcohol-free options, so a barista’s eye for balance and presentation is useful behind any bar. For more on how drinks are built, see our post on bartending and mixology.

Reading for the switch

A bartender’s story

Twenty Years Behind Bars by Jeff Burkhart is a working bartender’s account of the job, a good read before you make the switch.

An ingredients guide

The Bartender’s Pantry by Jim Meehan surveys the culinary ingredients in mixed drinks, which suits anyone who already thinks about flavor like a barista.

A starter tool kit

The Vibhsa bar tools kit includes a shaker, a jigger, a stirring spoon and an opener for practice at home.

FAQ

Is it hard to go from barista to bartender?

Not usually. The speed, accuracy and customer skills carry over. The new parts are cocktail recipes and the rules for serving alcohol.

Do bartenders need a license and baristas don’t?

Many places require bartenders to take a responsible-server course. Baristas don’t need one.

Which job has better hours?

It depends on you. Barista shifts tend to start early; bar shifts tend to run late.

Can I work both jobs at once?

Many people do, since barista shifts often run early and bar shifts run late. Leave enough rest between shifts, and check that both schedules are realistic before you commit.

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