How exposed are Baristas to AI?
Baristas score 41 out of 100 (Moderate) on the AIRRBridge AI exposure scale, built from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections 2025–35 and O*NET task data. Exposure measures how much of the work AI tools could change. It is not a forecast of job loss.
How this score is built
| BLS AI exposure: Moderate | The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics rates this occupation's relative exposure to AI as moderate. Exposure measures how much of the work AI tools could change, and BLS notes it does not imply job loss. | 37.5 |
|---|---|---|
| O*NET task mix | How this occupation's tasks compare with other moderate-exposure occupations: routine, information-heavy work raises it, while caring, hands-on and judgment-heavy work lowers it. | +4.0 |
| Score | Kept between 5 and 95. Low is under 25, Moderate 25 to 49, High 50 to 74, Very high 75 and up. | 41.5 |
Job outlook
| Median annual pay | $31,200 |
|---|---|
| Projected employment change, 2025 to 2035 | +5.8% |
| Openings per year, on average | about 827,400 |
| Typical education to enter | No formal educational credential |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
BLS publishes these figures for the wider group "Fast food and counter workers", which includes this occupation. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35.
Common questions
How will AI affect Baristas?
AIRRBridge rates Baristas at 41 out of 100 (Moderate) for AI exposure. Exposure measures how much of the work AI tools could change, not whether the job will disappear. BLS projects employment in the wider BLS group "Fast food and counter workers" to grow 5.8% from 2025 to 2035, with about 827,400 openings a year.
How much do Baristas make?
BLS reports a median annual pay of $31,200 for the wider BLS group "Fast food and counter workers".
What education do Baristas need?
BLS lists no formal educational credential as the typical education needed to enter the wider BLS group "Fast food and counter workers".
Averages don't capture your exact tasks. Take the free AI Risk Check for a personal read on your own work as one of today's Baristas.
Check my risk freeO*NET-SOC 35-3023.01 · O*NET 30.2 data, scored October 2026. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Includes information from the O*NET Database by USDOL/ETA, used under CC BY 4.0, modified by AIRRBridge. Scores are estimates for information only, not career advice.