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Cafe Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Paris Baguette

Cafe Assistant Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

Job Summary We are looking for a motivated, dependable, and hands-on Assistant Manager to join our Paris Baguette café team. The Assistant Manager plays a key role in supporting daily operations ...

Life Time

Life Cafe Assistant Leader

Columbia, MD · On-site

$19.75/hr

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, Inc.

Life Cafe Assistant Leader

Columbia, MD · On-site

$19.75/hr

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 ...

Twosome Place

Assistant Café Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

Position Overview The Assistant Café Manager supports all aspects of daily café operations while serving as the second-in-command to the Café Manager. This role is responsible for leading shifts ...

Glenstone Museum

Seasonal Cafe Attendant

Potomac, MD · On-site

$21.60/hr

Position Café Attendant - Seasonal Reports To Café Supervisor Seasonal Term July 6th, 2026, to ... * Assist with basic food preparation. * Assist with basic cleaning and sanitation standards.

Sidwell Friends School

Café Associate, Fox Den

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.50 - $21.50/hr

Restock ingredients, paper goods, and display items proactively throughout shifts. * Assist with ... Protect café assets and demonstrate integrity in all operational processes. Qualifications * 18 ...

Nexdine Hospitality

Café Worker

Fort Washington, MD · On-site

$18/hr

Café Worker Location: Fort Washington, PA Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:30 am - 2:30 pm Hours ... Responsible for running the point of sale system and assist customers as needed * Set up and ...

Sidwell Friends School

Café Associate, Fox Den

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Restock ingredients, paper goods, and display items proactively throughout shifts. * Assist with ... Protect café assets and demonstrate integrity in all operational processes. Qualifications * 18 ...

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Cafe Assistant information

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How much do cafe assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafe assistant in Washington is $17.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.04 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 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.

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 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.

How to get a cafe assistant job with no experience?

To get a cafe assistant job with no experience, focus on demonstrating good communication skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. Highlight any customer service or teamwork experience on your resume, and consider volunteering or taking short courses in hospitality to build relevant skills. Employers often value reliability and enthusiasm, even without prior work history.

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 Washington? The most popular types of Cafe jobs in Washington are:
What job categories do people searching Cafe Assistant jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Cafe Assistant jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Cafe Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Cafe Assistant job openings:
Cafe Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafe Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,210 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Cafe Assistant Manager

Paris Baguette

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 9 days ago

Paris Baguette rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 16 rated cafes

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for a motivated, dependable, and hands-on Assistant Manager to join our Paris Baguette café team. The Assistant Manager plays a key role in supporting daily operations, leading the team, delivering exceptional customer service, and ensuring the café operates efficiently. The ideal candidate is a strong leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, leads by example, and is committed to maintaining high standards of quality, cleanliness, and teamwork.
Responsibilities
  • Assist with the daily operation of the café
  • Lead, coach, and support team members during each shift
  • Deliver exceptional customer service and professionally resolve guest concerns
  • Open and close the café following company procedures
  • Monitor food quality, cleanliness, and food safety standards
  • Manage inventory and place product and supply orders
  • Assist with scheduling and labor management
  • Train, coach, and develop new employees
  • Support barista, cashier, bakery, and café operations as needed
  • Ensure compliance with company policies and health department regulations
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and positive work environment
Qualifications
  • Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a café, bakery, restaurant, or similar food service environment preferred
  • Current ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification required
  • Barista experience preferred
  • Knowledge of café and bakery operations
  • Experience with inventory management and product ordering
  • Reliable, punctual, and dependable
  • Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work well with others and foster a positive team environment
  • Ability to multitask and remain organized in a fast-paced environment
  • Flexible availability, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Ability to work both opening and closing shifts
  • Basic computer and POS system experience preferred
Benefits
  • Competitive hourly pay
  • Employee discounts
  • Paid training
  • Growth and advancement opportunities
  • Supportive, team-oriented work environment

What Paris Baguette employees say

Pay

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