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Coffee Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Qargo Coffee

Qargo Coffee Elgin M183 - Barista

Elgin, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Qargo Coffee Location: In-person (Inside of the Elgin Meijer) Job Summary: Qargo Coffee is looking ... Follow health and safety guidelines for food and beverage handling. * Assist with food preparation ...

Qargo Coffee

Qargo Coffee Elgin M183 - Barista

Elgin, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Qargo Coffee Location: In-person (Inside of the Elgin Meijer) Job Summary: Qargo Coffee is looking ... Follow health and safety guidelines for food and beverage handling. * Assist with food preparation ...

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All JobsCoffee JobsCoffee Assistant JobsCoffee Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Coffee Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.9K

$49.9K

$71.6K

How much do coffee assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for coffee assistant in Chicago, IL is $49,855.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $50,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a coffee assistant?

Coffee Assistants are professionals who support the daily operations of coffee shops or cafes. Their responsibilities typically include preparing and serving coffee and other beverages, maintaining cleanliness in the work area, restocking supplies, and providing friendly customer service. They may also assist with taking orders, handling payments, and ensuring that customers have a pleasant experience. Coffee Assistants play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and atmosphere of a coffee establishment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a coffee assistant?

To thrive as a Coffee Assistant, you need basic barista skills, knowledge of coffee preparation, and customer service experience, often supported by on-the-job training or entry-level food service certifications. Familiarity with espresso machines, grinders, and point-of-sale (POS) systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask help you stand out in this customer-facing role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring high-quality beverages, efficient service, and positive customer experiences in a busy café environment.

What challenges do coffee assistants face during peak hours, and how can they overcome them?

During peak hours, Coffee Assistants often face challenges such as high customer volume, multitasking under pressure, and maintaining quality while working quickly. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively with team members, and prioritize tasks efficiently. Building strong routines for drink preparation and cleaning, as well as staying calm and focused, can help ensure a smooth workflow even during the busiest times.

What is the difference between Coffee Assistant vs Barista?

AspectCoffee AssistantBarista
CredentialsMinimal; often no formal certification neededOften requires barista training or certification
Work EnvironmentBack-of-house, supporting roles in cafesFront-of-house, customer-facing roles in cafes
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in coffee shops, cafes, and hospitalityPrimary role in coffee shops, cafes, and specialty coffee outlets
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level support roles in coffee industryLearning about customer service and coffee preparation roles

While both roles are integral to coffee establishments, a Coffee Assistant typically supports the team behind the scenes with tasks like stocking and cleaning, requiring minimal credentials. A Barista, on the other hand, actively prepares coffee and interacts with customers, often needing specific training or certifications. Both positions are common in cafes and hospitality, but they differ mainly in responsibilities and customer engagement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Coffee jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Coffee jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Coffee Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coffee Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,855 per year, or $24 per hour.

Coffee Lab Student Assistant

North Central College

Naperville, IL

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Federal Work Study Eligible? Posting Number ST000934 Position Title Coffee Lab Student Assistant Department Management/Marketing Division Academic Affairs Supervisor Amy Rogers Supervisor Title Coffee Lab Operations Manager Description of Job Duties
We offer a fun environment, flexible scheduling, and lots of free, fabulous, coffee!
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Coffee Packaging.
  • Assist with the preparation and delivery of brewed coffee on-campus.
  • Assist with on-campus Coffee Hours hosted by the Coffee Lab.
  • Provide tours of the Coffee Lab to visitors.
  • Oversee the on-campus Coffee Lab / Enactus store during work hours.
  • Clean and stock the lab and store.
  • Each student assistant will also be assigned to one of the following roles:
    • Online Orders
      • Responsible for making sure all online orders are fulfilled. This includes checking the website on a daily basis, packaging orders to go out on a regular schedule (minimum of 2 X per week), and arranging for the shipping and/or pick-up of the orders. Hours flexible.
    • Coffee Catering Service
      • Assist with coordination of the various coffee catering services provided on-campus. This includes communicating with customers, working closely with additional volunteers including Enactus team members and CEL students, and arranging the preparation, delivery, and clean-up of the coffee services. Hours are flexible but will also be determined by catering schedule.
    • Assistant Store Manager
      • Assist in overseeing the onsite store including working closely with additional volunteers including Enactus team members and CEL students to make sure weekly hours are fulfilled as well as assist with product inventory, display, and promotion. Hours flexible.
    • Sunday Morning Service
      • Oversee the fulfillment of an on-going Sunday morning coffee service order. Responsibilities will include preparing the coffee for pick-up and cleaning up the coffee containers when returned. Regular Sunday morning availability required.
Do the job duties for this position include any driving requirements? No Job Qualifications
Minimum:
  • Currently enrolled as a North Central College student in good academic standing.
  • Show strong attention to detail and ability to manage time efficiently.
  • Ability to communicate with staff, faculty, students, and community members in a clear, professional, and friendly manner.
  • Ability to problem solve and use critical thinking skills.
  • Basic computer skills
Will this position be working with minors? No Approximate number of work hours per week 5-20
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement

North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NCC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify the Office of Human Resources at 630-637-5757 or humanresources@hr.noctrl.edu
Determinations for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Open Date 01/18/2024 Close Date Open Until Filled No

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