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Cafe Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Life Time, Inc.

Life Cafe Assistant Lead

Canton, MI · On-site

$37K - $48K/yr

Position Summary The Assistant Café Leader supports the Café Leader in delivering exceptional guest experiences, leading daily operations, and developing a high-performing team. This role combines ...

Life Time

Life Cafe Assistant Lead

Canton, MI

$37K - $48K/yr

Position Summary The Assistant Café Leader supports the Café Leader in delivering exceptional guest experiences, leading daily operations, and developing a high-performing team. This role combines ...

Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill

Cafe Team Member

Armada, MI · On-site

$11.50 - $15.75/hr

Cafe Team Member is an essential part of our walk-up food service destinations on the farm. This ... areas * Assist with cleaning duties including wiping down equipment, sweeping, mopping, and ...

Blakes Payroll Group LLC

Cafe Team Member

Armada, MI

$11.50 - $15.75/hr

Cafe Team Member is an essential part of our walk-up food service destinations on the farm. This ... areas * Assist with cleaning duties including wiping down equipment, sweeping, mopping, and ...

TJO 10 X 10 MANAGEMENT, L.P.

Cafe

Carsonville, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $16/hr

POSITION OVERVIEW The Cafe worker is responsible for providing customers with an enjoyable ... needs. * Assist members with purchasing decisions; payment types; locating merchandise; and ...

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Cafe Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$13

$15

How much do cafe assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafe assistant in Michigan is $13.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $14.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cafe Assistant vs Barista?

AspectCafe AssistantBarista
CredentialsNone required, some experience helpfulFood safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentGeneral cafe duties, customer servicePreparing coffee, espresso, and beverages
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in cafes, restaurants, cateringPrimarily in coffee shops and specialty cafes
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for general cafe support rolesInterested in coffee preparation skills

While both roles work in cafes, a Cafe Assistant provides general support including customer service and cleaning, whereas a Barista specializes in coffee and beverage preparation. The roles often overlap, but Baristas typically require specific coffee-making skills and certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position based on their skills and interests.

What does a cafe attendant do?

A cafe attendant, also known as a cafe assistant, is responsible for serving customers, taking orders, preparing and serving beverages and food, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring a positive customer experience. They often handle cash registers, follow health and safety standards, and work in a fast-paced environment requiring good communication and customer service skills.

What are some positions in a cafe?

In a cafe, common positions include barista, who prepares and serves coffee and beverages; cashier, who handles transactions; and kitchen staff, responsible for food preparation. Other roles may include cleaning staff, shift supervisors, and managers, all working together to ensure smooth operation and customer satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by Cafe Assistants and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafe Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling busy rush hours, maintaining excellent customer service under pressure, and balancing multiple tasks like operating the register, preparing drinks, and restocking supplies. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and teamwork are crucial in overcoming these challenges. Many cafes provide training and encourage a supportive environment, where staff members help each other during peak periods, making it easier to manage high workloads and provide a positive customer experience.

Do cafe jobs pay well?

Cafe assistant positions typically offer hourly wages that are close to minimum wage, with pay varying based on location, experience, and tips. While some cafes may provide additional benefits or opportunities for tips, overall pay is generally modest compared to other industries.

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

To thrive as a Cafe Assistant, you generally need experience in food preparation, basic food hygiene knowledge, and strong customer service skills, often supported by a food safety certificate. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, coffee machines, and inventory management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for delivering efficient service, maintaining food safety standards, and ensuring a positive customer experience in a busy cafe environment.

What do you do as a cafe assistant?

A cafe assistant is responsible for taking customer orders, preparing and serving food and beverages, maintaining cleanliness, and handling payments. They often work with coffee machines, POS systems, and follow health and safety standards. Good communication and multitasking skills are important in this role.

What Does a Cafe Assistant Do?

A cafe assistant supports the daily operations of a cafe or coffee shop. As a cafe assistant, your job duties may include taking food and beverage orders, stocking pastry displays and other inventory, and cleaning the facility. You may also make simple drinks and be trained to use an espresso machine. Although there are minimal qualifications to become a cafe assistant, you need strong customer service, communication, and multi-tasking skills, as well as attention to detail. Employers typically provide on-the-job training in this entry-level role, which can help you gain valuable career experience in the service industry.

What does a Cafe Assistant do?

A Cafe Assistant is responsible for supporting the daily operations of a cafe, which includes tasks such as serving customers, preparing and serving food and drinks, handling payments, and maintaining cleanliness in the dining and kitchen areas. They often assist with restocking supplies, setting up tables, and ensuring that customers have a pleasant dining experience. Good communication and customer service skills are essential for this role, as Cafe Assistants frequently interact with customers and work as part of a team.
More about Cafe Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cafe jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Cafe jobs in Michigan are:
What job categories do people searching Cafe Assistant jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Cafe Assistant jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cafe Assistant jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Cafe Assistant job openings:
Cafe Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafe Assistant job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,865 per year, or $13.4 per hour.
Life Cafe Assistant Lead

Life Cafe Assistant Lead

Life Time, Inc.

Canton, MI • On-site

$37K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Life Time rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 389 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 63 rated gym and leisure clubs

Job description

Position Summary
The Assistant Café Leader supports the Café Leader in delivering exceptional guest experiences, leading daily operations, and developing a high-performing team. This role combines strong service leadership with operational know-how, ensuring the café runs smoothly, efficiently, and in alignment with Life Time's hospitality standards. From coaching team members to ensuring food quality and safety, the Assistant Café Leader sets the tone for service excellence while supporting business goals.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Leads day-to-day café operations with a focus on hospitality, service standards, and shift execution
  • Coaches, trains, and motivates team members to deliver exceptional guest experiences and meet performance expectations
  • Partners with the Café Leader to manage labor, food costs, inventory, and overall financial performance
  • Supports hiring, onboarding, and ongoing development of team members to create a strong, service-focused café culture
  • Ensures all food safety, cleanliness, and Life Time brand standards are upheld on every shift

Position Requirements
  • Strong passion for hospitality, guest engagement, and team leadership
  • Ability to lead by example and coach others in a fast-paced café environment
  • Experience working with POS systems, food handling, and inventory processes
  • Ability to lift up to 20 lbs repeatedly and perform physical tasks throughout shifts
  • Strong communication and organizational skills

Education:
  • High School Graduate or equivalent

Years of Experience:
  • 1-2 years of leadership experience in a fast-casual or café setting

Licenses / Certifications / Registrations:
  • ServSafe Manager certification or equivalent
  • ServSafe Alcohol Safety or equivalent (if applicable)
  • CPR/AED certification

Preferred Requirements
  • College degree in business, culinary arts, hospitality, or related field
  • Knowledge of food costing, scheduling, and basic profit & loss analysis
  • Experience leading team culture and driving sales through service
  • Ability to develop and implement service recovery or upselling strategies
  • Passion for creating a desirable, guest-centric café environment

Life Time is a place for everyone. As an organization, we are committed to an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that respects and celebrates the unique contributions of each individual while ensuring we remain an equal opportunity employer that recruits, hires, trains and promotes based on merit and qualifications.

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