Strategy & Consulting

Cafe Worker

SOC 35-3031.00 · ESCO 5131 · OSCA 471331

REA INV ART SOC ENT CON This role See your match →

Role snapshot

Overview

Prepares and serves coffee, food, and beverages, takes customer orders, handles payments, and keeps the counter and dining area clean and well-stocked. Cafe workers are essential for providing a welcoming environment and efficient service, often becoming the face of a business for its regular customers.

Provides essential food and beverage services, creating a welcoming and efficient experience for customers and contributing to the community's social hubs.

On the job

  • Prepare and serve a variety of hot and cold beverages, including coffee, tea, and specialty drinks.
  • Take customer orders accurately, using a point-of-sale (POS) system, and handle cash and card payments.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the cafe area, including counters, dining tables, and equipment.
  • Restock display cases, condiment stations, and other supplies as needed throughout the day.
  • Interact with customers to provide friendly service, answer questions, and resolve minor issues.
Cafe Worker at work

Tools & technology

Espresso MachinePOS SystemCoffee GrinderBlenderCleaning Supplies

Average salary

$30K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$25K Bottom 10%
$35K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

High school diploma or equivalent, with on-the-job training being common.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Team Lead Barista
Cafe Manager

CURRENT ROLE

Cafe Worker

Strategy & Consulting

ADJACENT MOVES

Restaurant Server
Retail Sales Associate
Food Service Worker
Retail Associate

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

C

conventional · CSR

People who enjoy structured tasks, social interaction, and practical, hands-on work tend to thrive in this role.

Personality characteristics

Conscientious

Follows procedures and maintains cleanliness and order in a fast-paced environment.

Outgoing

Enjoys interacting with a diverse range of customers and colleagues, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Agreeable

Patient and friendly, aiming to provide a positive experience for every customer.

Calm under pressure

Handles busy periods and occasional demanding customers without becoming flustered.

Service-oriented

Motivated by helping others and ensuring customer satisfaction through efficient service.

Best for

  • Individuals who enjoy a dynamic, service-oriented environment.
  • Those who thrive on routine, clear procedures, and hands-on tasks.
  • People who love making someone's day better with a friendly smile and a good cup of coffee.
  • Anyone looking for an entry-level role with opportunities for direct customer engagement.

Watch out for

  • The work can be physically demanding, requiring standing for long periods and lifting.
  • Requires frequent interaction with the public, including handling occasional difficult customers.
  • Can be fast-paced during peak hours, requiring quick thinking and efficiency.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Cafe Worker — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Cafe Opening & Prep
Morning Customer Service & Beverage Prep
Lunch Rush Service
Mid-day Cleaning & Restocking
Afternoon Service
Tue
Customer Orders & Payments
Beverage & Food Service
Equipment Cleaning & Maintenance
Wed
Morning Peak Service
Mid-day Cleaning, Prep & Stocking
Thu
Customer Interaction & Sales
Afternoon Service & Closing Prep
Fri
Weekend Peak Service
Weekend Stocking & Cleaning
End-of-Week Admin & Cash-out
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

FREE ASSESSMENT

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