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Barista Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Team Members will execute the duties for their specific areas within the bakery-cafe (e.g., Production, Prep, Service, Cashier, Expo, Drive-Thru, Barista, Guest Experience Champion, QC, ...

Restaurant Team Members will execute the duties for their specific areas within the bakery-cafe (e.g., Production, Prep, Service, Cashier, Expo, Drive-Thru, Barista, Guest Experience Champion, QC, ...

Restaurant Team Members will execute the duties for their specific areas within the bakery-cafe (e.g., Production, Prep, Service, Cashier, Expo, Drive-Thru, Barista, Guest Experience Champion, QC, ...

Restaurant Team Members will execute the duties for their specific areas within the bakery-cafe (e.g., Production, Prep, Service, Cashier, Expo, Drive-Thru, Barista, Guest Experience Champion, QC, ...

Barista experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $22.00 per hour to $28.00 per hour We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB ...

Personal Care Specialist (Part Time)

Normal, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Our ideal Personal Care Specialist candidate should be friendly and upbeat, much like a barista in your favorite coffee shop. Our incredible Personal Care Specialists are Green Thumb's secret to ...

Personal Care Specialist (Part Time)

Normal, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Our ideal Personal Care Specialist candidate should be friendly and upbeat, much like a barista in your favorite coffee shop. Our incredible Personal Care Specialists are Green Thumb's secret to ...

Personal Care Specialist (Part Time)

Normal, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Our ideal Personal Care Specialist candidate should be friendly and upbeat, much like a barista in your favorite coffee shop. Our incredible Personal Care Specialists are Green Thumb's secret to ...

Personal Care Specialist (Full Time)

Normal, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Our ideal Personal Care Specialist candidate should be friendly and upbeat, much like a barista in your favorite coffee shop. Our incredible Personal Care Specialists are Green Thumb's secret to ...

Personal Care Specialist (Full Time)

Normal, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Our ideal Personal Care Specialist candidate should be friendly and upbeat, much like a barista in your favorite coffee shop. Our incredible Personal Care Specialists are Green Thumb's secret to ...

Showing results 21-39

Barista information

See Normal, IL salary details

$7

$15

$18

How much do barista jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for barista in Normal, IL is $15.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $16.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Barista vs Waitstaff?

AspectBaristaWaitstaff
CredentialsMinimal; often no formal certification neededMinimal; no formal certification typically required
Work EnvironmentCoffee shops, cafesRestaurants, cafes, dining establishments
Industry UsageFood service, hospitalityFood service, hospitality
Job FocusPreparing coffee, customer service at the counterServing food and drinks, customer interaction at tables

While both roles involve customer service in food and beverage settings, a Barista primarily focuses on preparing coffee and beverages in cafes, whereas a Waitstaff serves food and drinks at tables in restaurants. The skills and work environments overlap, but their specific duties and settings differ.

What is the job of a barista?

A barista prepares and serves coffee, tea, and other beverages in a coffee shop or café setting. They take customer orders, operate coffee-making equipment, maintain cleanliness, and provide friendly service. Good communication skills and knowledge of drink recipes are important for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a barista, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Barista, you need knowledge of coffee preparation, beverage recipes, and basic food safety, often supported by on-the-job training or barista certifications. Familiarity with espresso machines, grinders, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and cleaning equipment is essential. Excellent customer service, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient service, high-quality beverages, and a positive customer experience in a fast-paced café environment.

What are some common challenges baristas face during busy shifts and how can they manage them effectively?

During peak hours, baristas often juggle multiple drink orders, maintain equipment, and provide friendly customer service—all while working quickly and accurately. Managing these challenges requires strong multitasking skills, clear communication with teammates, and staying organized behind the counter. Many baristas find it helpful to memorize recipes, anticipate customer needs, and support coworkers to ensure smooth workflow and minimize stress during rush periods.

Which barista job pays the most?

Experienced or specialized baristas, such as those working in high-end cafes or luxury hotels, tend to earn higher wages. Additionally, baristas with advanced skills, certifications, or supervisory roles like shift managers often receive higher pay than entry-level positions.

What does a barista do?

A barista is a person who prepares and serves coffee and other beverages, typically in a coffee shop or café. Their responsibilities include grinding coffee beans, brewing espresso and coffee drinks, steaming milk, and creating specialty beverages. Baristas also maintain cleanliness in the work area, operate cash registers, and provide excellent customer service. Additionally, they may be responsible for restocking supplies and sometimes preparing light food items. The role requires attention to detail, knowledge of coffee varieties, and strong communication skills.

Is a barista a difficult job?

A barista job involves preparing and serving coffee and beverages, often requiring good customer service skills and the ability to work quickly in a fast-paced environment. It can be physically demanding and may involve early mornings, late nights, or weekend shifts, but the difficulty level varies based on individual experience and workplace expectations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Barista jobs in Normal, IL? The most popular types of Barista jobs in Normal, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Barista jobs in Normal, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Barista jobs in Normal, IL are:
What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Barista jobs? Cities near Normal, IL with the most Barista job openings:
Infographic showing various Barista job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,620 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Restaurant Team Member

Panera Bread

East Peoria, IL • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Panera Bread rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 1,454 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 16 rated cafes


Job description

Restaurant Team Member
At Panera Bread, we believe every guest deserves our best. As a Restaurant Team Member, you'll be the heart of hospitality- bringing warmth, care, and joy to every interaction. Restaurant Team Members have the special opportunity to connect with our amazing guests, directly impact the bakery-cafe's growing business, and most importantly serve local communities across the country. Support in bringing Panera warmth to life and help ensure every guest receives our best. By sharing a warm welcome, delivering food with gratitude, always looking for ways to help, building personal connections, and finding moments to surprise and delight, you help create meaningful experiences that keep guests coming back.
Responsibilities
As a Restaurant Team Member, you will be an ambassador for bringing Panera Warmth to life with each guest interaction, delivering excellent services in every circumstance. Your daily responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
  • Restaurant Team Members will execute the duties for their specific areas within the bakery-cafe (e.g., Production, Prep, Service, Cashier, Expo, Drive-Thru, Barista, Guest Experience Champion, QC, etc.).
  • Greet every guest with genuine warmth and enthusiasm.
  • Assemble fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches with care, accuracy, and efficiency - no assembly lines, just real ingredients and great food.
  • Stay on the move - assist guests at entry, cashier, and dining areas.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and inviting environment by following food safety standards and cleaning protocols.
  • Be informed about daily priorities and adapt to changes with a positive attitude - every guest gets our best.
  • Support team success by completing cleaning and stocking duties and helping set up the next shift.

What's In It for You
  • Competitive pay & eligible for team tips
  • Free on-shift meals & unlimited fountain beverages
  • Flexible, reliable scheduling
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays (for full-time team members)
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, pet insurance & 401(k) with match available
  • Career advancement & leadership development opportunities
  • Tuition discounts
  • Perks & rewards for team members
  • Team member assistance program

This Opportunity Is for You If
  • You meet the minimum age requirement (16+) and can lift up to 25 lbs. and stand for extended periods.
  • Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests, managers, and team members' directions in a loud environment.
  • You have strong interpersonal skills and love making people smile.
  • You're passionate about creating moments of comfort, connection, and joy for every guest.
  • You thrive in a fast-paced environment and can multitask with ease.
  • You're reliable, punctual, and flexible to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Complete basic food safety understanding and practice training. (Food Handler's Card, as required by law)
  • You enjoy working with food. (Food service experience is preferred but not required.)

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans
Competitive pay: $15.00 - $18.00
The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
601298 East Peoria, IL - West Camp Street

What Panera Bread employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Panera Bread logo

About Panera Bread

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panera began in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Company, a humble community bakery founded with a sourdough starter from San Francisco and a dream of putting a loaf of bread in every arm. While our business has expanded well beyond St. Louis since then, that same sourdough starter is still used in our iconic sourdough bread and the craft of baking bread fresh each day remains at the heart of Panera Bread. Each day our trained bakers fill our bakery shelves with delicious freshly baked cookies, pastries, bagels, and a range of breads from focaccia to classic baguettes. We believe in serving delicious, freshly prepared, Clean food made with carefully selected ingredients that we are proud to serve our own families. Our menu, crafted by chefs and bakers, features classic, comforting dishes, each with an intriguing twist. We respect our planet and take measures to lessen our impacts. We believe in treating people with warmth, kindness, and respect, whether it’s a guest in our cafe or one of our associates. And we believe in helping our local communities, especially in times of need.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1981