Position
City
Salary
In Ames, Iowa, baristas can expect to earn a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for a barista in this city is around $29,849. This figure offers a clear view of what professionals in this role can generally earn each year.
Looking at the salary distribution, 2.71% of baristas earn close to $22,000. A larger portion, 59.71%, earn between $31,600 and $32,560. This range shows the potential for higher earnings with experience and skill. The data helps job seekers set realistic expectations for their earnings and career growth.

Fort Dodge, IA
Average Salary: $32,666
In Fort Dodge, working as a barista means creating a welcoming atmosphere for coffee lovers. Popular spots like Fort Dodge Coffee offer a chance to connect with locals. Enjoy a peaceful yet engaging work environment.
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Ankeny, IA
Average Salary: $32,608
Ankeny provides a dynamic setting for baristas. Enjoy a vibrant community with places like Ankeny Coffee Works. Here, the focus is on customer satisfaction and a friendly service experience.
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Clive, IA
Average Salary: $32,560
Clive offers a bustling environment for those in the coffee industry. With spots like Clive Coffee, baristas thrive in a lively atmosphere. The focus is on crafting quality beverages and providing excellent service.
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Des Moines, IA
Average Salary: $32,260
Des Moines is a great city for baristas. The city's coffee culture is rich, with many cafes like Cafe Industri. Working here means engaging with a diverse crowd and honing your coffee skills.
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Waukee, IA
Average Salary: $31,292
In Waukee, baristas work in a serene yet energetic setting. Places like Waukee Coffee attract a mix of locals and visitors. It’s a chance to build lasting relationships while serving delicious coffee.
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West Des Moines, IA
Average Salary: $31,160
West Des Moines offers a polished setting for baristas. Cafes like West Des Moines Coffee focus on creating an inviting space. Working here means balancing a busy schedule with great customer interaction.
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Urbandale, IA
Average Salary: $30,946
Urbandale has a vibrant coffee scene with places like Urbandale Coffee Shop. Baristas here enjoy a supportive community. The job involves serving high-quality drinks and fostering a friendly environment.
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Cedar Falls, IA
Average Salary: $30,579
Cedar Falls provides a quaint yet bustling environment for baristas. Coffee spots like Cedar Falls Coffee are popular with students and locals. It’s a place to develop your craft while enjoying a close-knit community.
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Marshalltown, IA
Average Salary: $30,083
In Marshalltown, baristas enjoy a friendly and close-knit community. Places like Marshalltown Coffee offer a welcoming atmosphere. It's a great place to serve quality coffee and build lasting relationships.
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Ames, IA
Average Salary: $30,048
Ames offers a lively environment for baristas. The city’s coffee culture is thriving, with spots like Ames Coffee attracting a diverse crowd. Working here means engaging with a vibrant community and perfecting your coffee skills.
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Starbucks
Average Salary: $32,560
Starbucks offers rewarding barista jobs in Ames, IA. With a focus on community and customer service, Starbucks provides baristas with opportunities for growth. The company operates multiple locations around Ames, including downtown and near the university. Starbucks is known for its benefits and competitive pay.
Clouds
Average Salary: $23,333
Clouds provides barista jobs with a unique coffee experience in Ames, IA. Employees enjoy a supportive work environment and the chance to learn from skilled baristas. The company has several cafes in Ames, offering a cozy atmosphere for customers. Clouds values its staff and strives to provide a fulfilling work experience.

Customer Service Representative
Average Salary: $34,308
In this role, you will greet customers, answer questions, and process orders. Working for companies like Starbucks or Dunkin' in Ames, you will need good communication skills and a friendly attitude. This job offers the chance to meet people and develop customer service skills.
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Shift Leader
Average Salary: $33,508
A shift leader supervises other employees and ensures smooth operations. They may work for coffee shops like Peet’s Coffee or The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. This job requires leadership skills and the ability to handle tasks efficiently. It also offers opportunities for career growth.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $33,064
Line cooks prepare meals quickly and efficiently. In local restaurants like The Local and Brick Oven Bistro, they work in a fast-paced environment. This job demands good multitasking skills and knowledge of cooking techniques. It is a good role for those who enjoy working in a kitchen.
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Server
Average Salary: $31,628
Servers take orders, serve food and drinks, and ensure customers have a good experience. At places like The Wild Rover or The Melting Pot, they interact directly with guests. This job requires strong customer service skills and the ability to work under pressure. It is a great way to develop interpersonal skills.
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Cashier
Average Salary: $26,355
Cashiers handle payments, issue receipts, and provide customer service. They work at local grocery stores like Hy-Vee or Walmart. This job requires accuracy and good communication skills. It is a good entry-level position for those looking to gain experience in customer service.
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