Barista Salaries & Top Paying Companies in Santa Cruz, CA

Position

City

Salary

How much does a Barista make in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average salary for a Barista is $39,138 per year in Santa Cruz, CA.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Barista jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, showing an average salary of $39,138 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Barista jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, showing an average salary of $3,262 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Barista jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, showing an average salary of $753 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Barista jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, showing an average salary of $19 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Barista in Santa Cruz, CA, can expect to make a good living. The average yearly salary for a Barista in Santa Cruz is around $39,138. This means that most people in this role earn somewhere close to this number each year.

Here are some more details about what people typically earn in this job. To give a clearer picture, here is the breakdown:

The lowest 25% of Baristas earn less than $33,000 each year.
The highest 25% earn more than $43,145 a year.
Most Baristas, around 50%, earn between $36,382 and $42,018 annually.

The average salary is a helpful benchmark, but knowing the full range can help in planning and budgeting.

What are the highest paying cities for a Barista near Santa Cruz, CA?

Baristas can expect competitive pay near Santa Cruz, CA. Palo Alto offers the highest average salary at $44,473. Other cities with good salaries include King City at $43,240 and Salinas at $42,935. Exploring these nearby cities can yield attractive job opportunities with solid compensation. Cities like Los Gatos, San Jose, and Scotts Valley also provide strong earning potential for baristas.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Barista jobs near Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting Palo Alto, CA with the highest at $44,473 and Hollister, CA with the lowest at $40,463.

Palo Alto, CA
Average Salary: $44,473
Palo Alto offers a vibrant atmosphere for coffee enthusiasts. With numerous tech companies nearby, cafes are always bustling. Prominent chains and independent cafes create a dynamic environment for baristas.
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King City, CA
Average Salary: $43,240
King City provides a charming setting for baristas. The city’s slower pace allows for close connections with customers. Local cafes are known for their cozy environments and strong community ties.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $42,935
Salinas is a hub for agriculture, making it an interesting place for baristas. The city's diverse population brings unique tastes to local coffee shops. The agricultural setting adds a unique touch to the coffee experience.
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Los Gatos, CA
Average Salary: $42,811
Los Gatos is known for its picturesque landscapes and friendly community. This city's cafes often have a laid-back vibe, ideal for those who enjoy a relaxed work environment. The town's charm attracts a diverse clientele.
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Watsonville, CA
Average Salary: $41,848
Watsonville offers a mix of urban and rural settings. Its cafes cater to both locals and tourists, providing a dynamic work environment. The city's rich cultural heritage adds a special flavor to the coffee experience.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $41,441
San Jose is a bustling tech city with a vibrant coffee scene. Cafes here are always full of energy, and the fast-paced environment suits dynamic individuals. The city's diversity brings a wide range of coffee preferences.
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Scotts Valley, CA
Average Salary: $40,981
Scotts Valley offers a serene environment with a tight-knit community. Cafes here are known for their welcoming atmosphere and strong customer relationships. The slower pace allows for a more personal coffee experience.
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Pacific Grove, CA
Average Salary: $40,892
Pacific Grove is a coastal city with a charming beachside vibe. Cafes here often have a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The scenic views make for a pleasant work environment.
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Monterey, CA
Average Salary: $40,635
Monterey offers a historic charm combined with a modern coffee culture. The city’s cafes attract both locals and tourists, creating a dynamic work environment. The scenic waterfront adds to the unique coffee experience.
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Hollister, CA
Average Salary: $40,463
Hollister provides a small-town feel with a growing coffee scene. The city’s cafes emphasize community and local flavor. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a great place for those who enjoy a personal touch in their work.
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What are the best paying companies for a Barista in Santa Cruz, CA?

Starbucks offers one of the highest-paying barista positions in Santa Cruz, CA, with an average salary of $43,240. This coffee giant provides a range of benefits and opportunities for career growth. Albertsons also provides competitive wages at around $37,567 on average, making it a solid choice for those in the area. Coffeetopia, while offering a slightly lower average salary of $35,000, remains a notable option for those looking to enter the field.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Barista jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting Starbucks with the highest at $43,240 and Coffeetopia with the lowest at $35,000.

Starbucks
Average Salary: $43,240
Starbucks offers barista roles in multiple locations across Santa Cruz. They provide training and career growth. Positions focus on excellent customer service and coffee expertise. Locations include University Avenue, Water Street, and Broadway.
Albertsons
Average Salary: $37,567
Albertsons has several stores in Santa Cruz. They look for baristas who enjoy brewing and selling top-quality coffee. They offer benefits and a supportive work environment. Their locations include Mission Street, Front Street, and Soquel Avenue.
Coffeetopia
Average Salary: $35,000
Coffeetopia is a local favorite in Santa Cruz. They offer barista positions with a focus on specialty coffee. Employees get to learn from experienced baristas. Locations include Pacific Avenue, Center Street, and Bay Street.

What are the best paying Barista related jobs in Santa Cruz, CA?

Barista roles open many doors to other exciting career paths in Santa Cruz, CA. Closely related positions, such as pastry chefs, can earn over $59,000 annually, with a focus on crafting delicious baked goods. Coffee roasters also benefit from high salaries, making nearly $49,000 a year by perfecting the art of roasting beans. These careers bring the joy of coffee to customers, with potential for growth and higher earnings.

Graph displaying best paying related job salaries for Barista jobs near Santa Cruz, CA, highlighting Pastry Chef with the highest at $59,760 and Cashier with the lowest at $38,460.

Pastry Chef
Average Salary: $59,760
Crafting delicious treats is key for pastry chefs. They often work in cafes and bakeries. Creativity and attention to detail are essential.
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Coffee Roaster
Average Salary: $48,667
Roasting beans with precision is a must. These professionals work in coffee shops and roasting facilities. They must understand different coffee flavors.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $43,460
Line cooks prepare food quickly. They usually work in busy kitchens. Teamwork and efficiency are crucial.
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Customer Service Representative
Average Salary: $43,168
Providing excellent service is vital. These workers often greet customers and solve problems. They can work in cafes and other food service spots.
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Shift Leader
Average Salary: $39,511
Shift leaders manage teams during their work period. They ensure everything runs smoothly. Experience in food service is often needed.
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Server
Average Salary: $39,197
Servers take orders and deliver food. They interact with customers to ensure satisfaction. This role often happens in restaurants and cafes.
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Cashier
Average Salary: $38,460
Handling payments and transactions accurately is key. Cashiers work in retail and food service. Good customer interaction skills are important.
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Barista Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

How much does a Barista make in Santa Cruz, CA?

What are the highest paying cities for a Barista near Santa Cruz, CA?

What are the best paying companies for a Barista in Santa Cruz, CA?

Currently 6,771 Barista job openings, nationwide.

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

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