Barista Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

How much does a Barista make in San Diego, CA?

The average salary for a Barista is $38,227 per year in San Diego, CA.

In San Diego, CA, a Barista can expect to earn a competitive salary. On average, a Barista makes about $38,227 per year. This figure can vary based on experience and the specific coffee shop. Those new to the job may start at the lower end of the salary range, while those with more experience can earn more.

Several factors can influence a Barista's salary. These include the location of the coffee shop, the size of the business, and the demand for coffee in the area. Baristas who work in busy downtown areas or popular tourist spots may earn more than those in quieter neighborhoods. Additionally, some coffee shops offer benefits like health insurance and paid time off, which can increase the overall value of the job.

Barista jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Barista near San Diego, CA?

Baristas in San Diego can find some of the best pay in nearby cities. Imperial Beach, San Ysidro, and Poway offer the highest salaries. These cities provide a great opportunity for those looking to advance their careers. Baristas in Imperial Beach earn an average of $41,744 per year. San Ysidro and Poway follow closely, with average salaries around $41,600 and $41,300, respectively. These figures highlight the potential for higher earnings in these areas.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Barista jobs near San Diego, CA, highlighting Imperial Beach, CA with the highest at $41,744 and Lemon Grove, CA with the lowest at $40,309.
  1. Imperial Beach, CA
    Average Salary: $41,744
    In Imperial Beach, coffee enthusiasts enjoy a vibrant community. Many cafes thrive here, offering a chance to serve delicious drinks. Local spots like The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf provide a welcoming environment.
    Find Barista jobs in Imperial Beach, CA


  2. San Ysidro, CA
    Average Salary: $41,606
    San Ysidro offers a bustling atmosphere with many cafes and restaurants. Working here means meeting diverse customers. Popular places like Starbucks allow baristas to grow their skills.
    Find Barista jobs in San Ysidro, CA


  3. Poway, CA
    Average Salary: $41,317
    Poway has a charming, community-focused vibe. Many cafes here value friendly service and quality drinks. Working at local spots like Peet's Coffee can be a rewarding experience.
    Find Barista jobs in Poway, CA


  4. Santee, CA
    Average Salary: $41,100
    Santee is a growing city with a variety of cafes. Baristas here enjoy a friendly environment and a chance to connect with locals. Coffee shops like Blue Bottle Coffee offer a great place to work.
    Find Barista jobs in Santee, CA


  5. Lakeside, CA
    Average Salary: $40,925
    Lakeside offers a peaceful setting with many coffee shops. Baristas here can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Working at local cafes like Stumptown Coffee Roasters provides a great experience.
    Find Barista jobs in Lakeside, CA


  6. La Mesa, CA
    Average Salary: $40,852
    La Mesa has a vibrant community with many cafes. Baristas here can enjoy a lively environment. Local spots like Philz Coffee offer a great place to work and grow.
    Find Barista jobs in La Mesa, CA


  7. El Cajon, CA
    Average Salary: $40,549
    El Cajon offers a diverse range of cafes. Baristas here can enjoy a dynamic work environment. Working at places like The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf provides many opportunities.
    Find Barista jobs in El Cajon, CA


  8. Spring Valley, CA
    Average Salary: $40,378
    Spring Valley has a growing community with many coffee shops. Baristas here can enjoy a welcoming environment. Local cafes like Blue Bottle Coffee offer a great place to work.
    Find Barista jobs in Spring Valley, CA


  9. Ramona, CA
    Average Salary: $40,332
    Ramona offers a charming setting with many cafes. Baristas here can enjoy a peaceful environment. Working at local spots like Peet's Coffee provides a great experience.
    Find Barista jobs in Ramona, CA


  10. Lemon Grove, CA
    Average Salary: $40,309
    Lemon Grove has a vibrant community with many coffee shops. Baristas here can enjoy a friendly environment. Local cafes like Stumptown Coffee Roasters offer a great place to work.
    Find Barista jobs in Lemon Grove, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Barista in San Diego, CA?

Baristas in San Diego, CA, can find good job opportunities with top-paying companies. Hyatt offers the highest average salary at $44,562 per year. Lofty Coffee Co and Mission Yogurt, Inc. also provide competitive wages, making them attractive options for those in the industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Barista jobs in San Diego, CA, highlighting Hyatt with the highest at $44,562 and Target with the lowest at $40,000.
  1. Hyatt
    Average Salary: $44,562
    Hyatt offers exciting opportunities for Baristas in San Diego. With locations like the Hyatt Regency San Diego, Baristas can expect a dynamic work environment. Hyatt values customer service and team collaboration.


  2. Lofty Coffee Co
    Average Salary: $43,300
    Lofty Coffee Co provides a unique coffee experience in San Diego. Baristas here enjoy a creative atmosphere. The company operates several cafes in the city, offering a cozy and welcoming environment.


  3. Mission Yogurt, Inc.
    Average Salary: $43,000
    Mission Yogurt, Inc. is known for its delicious yogurt and coffee. Baristas work in a vibrant setting. The company has multiple locations in San Diego, providing a chance to meet diverse customers.


  4. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $42,283
    Marriott International offers a range of opportunities for Baristas in San Diego. With locations like the San Diego Marriott Hotel, Baristas can expect a professional atmosphere. The company values teamwork and customer satisfaction.


  5. Starbucks
    Average Salary: $41,775
    Starbucks is a well-known name in coffee. Baristas here enjoy a supportive work environment. The company has many locations in San Diego, offering a chance to work with a large team.


  6. Local Krave
    Average Salary: $41,480
    Local Krave provides a cozy coffee experience in San Diego. Baristas here enjoy a friendly atmosphere. The company operates several cafes in the city, offering a chance to connect with the community.


  7. Noble House Hotels & Resorts
    Average Salary: $41,400
    Noble House Hotels & Resorts offers a luxurious experience for Baristas in San Diego. With locations like the Hotel del Coronado, Baristas can expect a high-end work environment. The company values excellence in service.


  8. Aramark
    Average Salary: $40,850
    Aramark provides a variety of opportunities for Baristas in San Diego. With locations like the San Diego Convention Center, Baristas can expect a diverse work environment. The company values teamwork and customer service.


  9. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
    Average Salary: $40,800
    The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers a unique coffee experience in San Diego. Baristas here enjoy a creative atmosphere. The company operates several cafes in the city, offering a chance to meet diverse customers.


  10. Target
    Average Salary: $40,000
    Target offers a variety of opportunities for Baristas in San Diego. With locations like the Target stores around the city, Baristas can expect a busy work environment. The company values efficiency and customer service.

Currently 9,177 Barista job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Barista in the US?

Learn what a Barista does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Barista today.
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Barista
9,177 Job Openings