Barista Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Barista make?

The average salary for a Barista is $33,822 per year in the US.

A Barista's job involves preparing and serving coffee drinks. This role is popular in cafes and coffee shops. The average salary for a Barista can range from $22,000 to $44,050 per year. The median salary stands at around $33,822 annually. This range can vary based on experience, location, and the type of establishment.

Factors that can affect a Barista's salary include:

  • Experience: More experienced Baristas often earn higher salaries.
  • Location: Urban areas may offer higher wages than rural areas.
  • Type of establishment: High-end cafes may pay more than independent coffee shops.

Job seekers can find opportunities in various settings, from small local cafes to large coffee chains. Being skilled in coffee preparation and customer service can lead to a rewarding career.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Barista?

Baristas in Seattle, WA, earn the highest average salary among the listed cities. This makes it a top choice for those seeking better pay. Other cities like Salinas, CA, and Santa Maria, CA, also offer competitive wages. These cities provide a good opportunity for baristas to earn a solid income. Santa Rosa, CA, rounds out the list with a strong average salary. Job seekers can benefit from exploring these locations for better job prospects.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Barista jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $42,124 and Santa Rosa, CA with the lowest at $40,019.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $42,124
    In Seattle, coffee culture thrives, offering a dynamic environment for those passionate about coffee. With renowned coffee shops like Starbucks and Blue Bottle Coffee, baristas can expect a vibrant community and plenty of opportunities for growth.
    Find Barista jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $41,566
    Salinas boasts a growing coffee scene, with local cafes providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Baristas here can enjoy a close-knit community and the chance to connect with regular customers in a laid-back setting.
    Find Barista jobs in Salinas, CA


  3. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $41,388
    Santa Maria offers a charming environment for coffee enthusiasts. With a mix of local and chain coffee shops, baristas can enjoy a relaxed pace while serving a diverse clientele.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. Visalia, CA
    Average Salary: $41,324
    Visalia's coffee culture is on the rise, with several local cafes looking for skilled baristas. This city provides a friendly atmosphere where baristas can build lasting relationships with customers.
    Find Barista jobs in Visalia, CA


  5. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $40,699
    Modesto offers a variety of coffee shops, from cozy local cafes to larger chains. Baristas here can enjoy a supportive community and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.
    Find Barista jobs in Modesto, CA


  6. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $40,625
    Bakersfield's coffee scene is expanding, with a range of cafes offering unique experiences. Baristas can look forward to a welcoming environment and the chance to create memorable coffee moments.
    Find Barista jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  7. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $40,491
    San Jose's bustling coffee culture provides a vibrant setting for baristas. With numerous cafes and coffee shops, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow in a dynamic environment.
    Find Barista jobs in San Jose, CA


  8. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $40,326
    Stockton offers a friendly and supportive atmosphere for coffee lovers. Baristas can enjoy a close-knit community and the chance to connect with customers in a warm setting.
    Find Barista jobs in Stockton, CA


  9. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $40,085
    San Francisco's coffee culture is world-renowned, offering a diverse and exciting environment for baristas. With a mix of innovative cafes and traditional coffee shops, there are endless opportunities for creativity and growth.
    Find Barista jobs in San Francisco, CA


  10. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $40,019
    Santa Rosa provides a charming setting for coffee enthusiasts, with a variety of cafes offering unique experiences. Baristas can enjoy a supportive community and the chance to connect with customers in a welcoming environment.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

What are the best companies a Barista can work for?

Barista jobs at Mohegan Sun offer some of the best pay, with an average salary of $59,379. Emerald City Smoothie also provides competitive pay, averaging $50,156 per year. RH pays around $46,813 annually, making it another top choice for baristas.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Barista jobs, highlighting Mohegan Sun with the highest at $59,379 and HEIRLOOM MARKET with the lowest at $44,000.
  1. Mohegan Sun
    Average Salary: $59,379
    Mohegan Sun offers a dynamic environment for Baristas. They operate in Connecticut and offer a range of benefits. This company provides a lively atmosphere with opportunities for growth.


  2. EMERALD CITY SMOOTHIE
    Average Salary: $50,156
    EMERALD CITY SMOOTHIE is known for its vibrant coffee culture. They have locations in Washington, D.C. and offer a welcoming environment for Baristas. They focus on creating a positive work experience.


  3. RH
    Average Salary: $46,813
    RH offers a stylish setting for Baristas. They have locations across the U.S. and emphasize a creative and collaborative work environment. RH values skilled Baristas who can deliver exceptional service.


  4. Watermark Retirement Communities
    Average Salary: $46,105
    Watermark Retirement Communities provide a caring environment for Baristas. They operate in multiple states and focus on employee well-being. They offer a supportive atmosphere for those interested in serving a diverse community.


  5. UPMC
    Average Salary: $45,749
    UPMC offers a stable environment for Baristas. They have locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland. UPMC values skilled Baristas who can provide excellent service and support to their community.


  6. University Of Washington
    Average Salary: $45,679
    The University Of Washington offers a vibrant campus environment for Baristas. They have locations in Washington state and focus on providing a supportive work environment. They value skilled Baristas who can engage with students and faculty.


  7. Big Shoulders Coffee
    Average Salary: $45,320
    Big Shoulders Coffee offers a trendy atmosphere for Baristas. They have locations in Chicago and focus on creating a fun and energetic work environment. They value skilled Baristas who can deliver high-quality coffee and customer service.


  8. Hyatt Vacation Ownership
    Average Salary: $45,137
    Hyatt Vacation Ownership offers a luxurious environment for Baristas. They have locations across the U.S. and focus on providing a premium experience for guests. They value skilled Baristas who can deliver exceptional service and attention to detail.


  9. BREVILLE
    Average Salary: $44,500
    BREVILLE offers a modern and innovative environment for Baristas. They have locations in multiple states and focus on providing a supportive and creative work environment. They value skilled Baristas who can thrive in a fast-paced setting.


  10. HEIRLOOM MARKET
    Average Salary: $44,000
    HEIRLOOM MARKET offers a unique and artistic environment for Baristas. They have locations in California and focus on creating a welcoming and creative work environment. They value skilled Baristas who can engage with customers and contribute to the store's vibrant atmosphere.

How to earn more as a Barista?

Becoming a top-earning barista involves more than just making coffee. It requires a combination of skills, dedication, and a customer-focused mindset. Baristas who excel in their craft often find ways to increase their earnings through various strategies. One key factor is mastering the art of coffee preparation. This includes understanding different brewing methods, perfecting techniques, and staying updated on the latest trends in coffee.

Another important factor is enhancing customer service skills. Baristas who can engage with customers, remember their preferences, and provide a personalized experience often receive higher tips and positive reviews. Building a loyal customer base can lead to repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, baristas who take the initiative to learn about new products, such as seasonal drinks or specialty items, can attract more customers and increase sales. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial in this fast-paced industry. Finally, maintaining a clean and welcoming environment ensures a pleasant experience for customers, which can lead to higher tips and better reviews. By focusing on these areas, baristas can significantly boost their earnings and job satisfaction.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a barista:

  1. Master coffee preparation techniques
  2. Enhance customer service skills
  3. Learn about new products and trends
  4. Continuously update skills and knowledge
  5. Maintain a clean and welcoming environment

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.
Position
Overview
Barista
9,177 Job Openings