Position
Salary

How much does a Barista make?

The average salary for a Barista is $34,262 per year in the US.

Baristas often start their careers with a modest salary, but with experience and skill development, they can expect to see their income grow. On average, a Barista makes about $34,262 per year. This range varies depending on the location, size of the business, and the barista’s expertise.

Many baristas find that their earnings increase as they gain more experience and become skilled in various coffee-making techniques. The hourly wage can also differ significantly. Entry-level baristas might earn around $12 per hour, while more experienced baristas can earn closer to $18 per hour or more. Some baristas also receive tips, which can add to their overall income. Additionally, working in high-traffic areas or upscale coffee shops may lead to higher earnings.

View Barista jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Barista?

Baristas can find some of the highest paying job opportunities in Seattle, WA, where they earn an average salary of $44,163. In California, Visalia and Salinas both offer competitive wages, with average salaries reaching $43,326 and $43,043, respectively. Job seekers looking for great opportunities and good pay might consider cities like Santa Maria, Modesto, and Bakersfield, which also offer salaries above $42,000.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Barista jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $44,163 and Vallejo, CA with the lowest at $41,385.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $44,163
    In Seattle, you can find rewarding work in cafes and coffee shops. Major chains like Starbucks and local favorites thrive here. Enjoy a vibrant coffee culture and great teamwork.
    Find Barista jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Visalia, CA
    Average Salary: $43,326
    Visalia offers a cozy environment to craft the perfect cup. Work in local eateries that value tradition. Enjoy a supportive community with a relaxed pace.
    Find Barista jobs in Visalia, CA


  3. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $43,043
    Salinas is known for its friendly locals and tight-knit community. Baristas here work in a variety of cafes, from small local spots to larger chains. Experience the charm of the Central Coast.
    Find Barista jobs in Salinas, CA


  4. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $42,999
    Santa Maria provides a laid-back atmosphere in its cafes. Work in a variety of settings, including well-known coffee houses. Enjoy the relaxed coastal vibe.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $42,610
    Modesto offers diverse opportunities in coffee shops and cafes. Work in family-owned businesses or larger chains. Experience a welcoming community and dynamic work environment.
    Find Barista jobs in Modesto, CA


  6. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $42,328
    Bakersfield has a growing coffee scene with many new cafes opening. Work in a variety of settings and enjoy a friendly work atmosphere. Experience a mix of urban and small-town charm.
    Find Barista jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  7. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $41,910
    San Francisco offers a bustling coffee culture. Work in a variety of trendy cafes and enjoy the vibrant city life. Major chains and independent shops provide diverse experiences.
    Find Barista jobs in San Francisco, CA


  8. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $41,839
    Stockton has a welcoming atmosphere for baristas. Work in local cafes and enjoy a close-knit community. Experience a mix of small-town charm and growing urban energy.
    Find Barista jobs in Stockton, CA


  9. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $41,636
    San Jose offers many opportunities in a variety of cafes. Work in a vibrant tech hub with many coffee lovers. Enjoy a dynamic work environment and friendly community.
    Find Barista jobs in San Jose, CA


  10. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $41,385
    Vallejo provides a charming setting for coffee enthusiasts. Work in local cafes and enjoy a friendly community. Experience a mix of urban and small-town atmospheres.
    Find Barista jobs in Vallejo, CA

What are the best companies a Barista can work for?

Baristas can find excellent opportunities at top companies like Ralph Lauren, which offer competitive salaries. Providence and City of Hope also provide good pay and benefits, attracting many professionals. Other notable companies include Bigfoot Java, UPMC, and Advocate Aurora Health, all known for their attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Barista jobs, highlighting Ralph Lauren with the highest at $296,538 and SUPP with the lowest at $44,000.
  1. Ralph Lauren
    Average Salary: $296,538
    Ralph Lauren is known for luxury lifestyle brands. They have several locations across the United States and around the world. They offer a competitive salary package and benefits for their baristas, making it an attractive job for those in the industry.


  2. Providence
    Average Salary: $48,505
    Providence is a not-for-profit health system with locations across the Western United States. They offer various benefits and a supportive environment for their baristas. The company emphasizes the importance of each employee's role, providing growth opportunities and a positive work culture.


  3. City of Hope
    Average Salary: $47,502
    City of Hope is a cancer research and treatment center with locations in California. They focus on providing a welcoming atmosphere for their baristas. They offer competitive salaries and strive to create a supportive environment for their employees.


  4. bigfoot java
    Average Salary: $46,874
    bigfoot java is a local coffee shop chain with several locations in the Midwest. They offer a friendly work environment and competitive pay for their baristas. They focus on customer satisfaction and employee well-being.


  5. UPMC
    Average Salary: $46,716
    UPMC is a leading healthcare provider with locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland. They offer a variety of benefits and a supportive work environment for their baristas. The company values employee growth and provides a positive work culture.


  6. Advocate Aurora Health
    Average Salary: $46,513
    Advocate Aurora Health is a healthcare provider with locations in Illinois and Wisconsin. They offer competitive salaries and benefits for their baristas. The company focuses on creating a supportive environment and providing growth opportunities.


  7. City Market
    Average Salary: $45,690
    City Market is a grocery store chain with locations in the Midwest. They offer a family-friendly work environment and competitive pay for their baristas. The company values employee satisfaction and provides a positive work culture.


  8. Big Shoulders Coffee
    Average Salary: $45,308
    Big Shoulders Coffee is a coffee shop chain with locations in Illinois. They offer a fun and supportive work environment for their baristas. The company emphasizes the importance of each employee's role and provides a positive work culture.


  9. King Soopers
    Average Salary: $44,544
    King Soopers is a supermarket chain with locations in Colorado. They offer competitive salaries and benefits for their baristas. The company focuses on employee well-being and provides a positive work environment.


  10. SUPP
    Average Salary: $44,000
    SUPP is a coffee shop chain with locations in the Midwest. They offer a friendly and supportive work environment for their baristas. The company values employee satisfaction and provides a positive work culture.

How to earn more as a Barista?

Becoming a top barista can lead to more than just a fulfilling job; it can also mean earning more. Here are some key strategies to increase earnings in this role:

First, gaining experience is crucial. As baristas work more, they become faster and more skilled at making drinks. This efficiency leads to higher productivity and can result in faster service, which keeps customers happy and coming back. Experienced baristas often earn higher wages due to their expertise and speed.

Second, learning to create popular and seasonal drinks can attract more customers. Offering unique, high-demand items can draw in a larger crowd and increase sales. Baristas who create and promote these drinks can earn tips and possibly even bonuses.

  1. Gain experience: Work consistently to become faster and more skilled.
  2. Create popular drinks: Learn to make unique and seasonal items to attract customers.
  3. Master customer service: Provide excellent service to encourage tips and repeat visits.
  4. Learn new skills: Take courses to improve latte art, brewing techniques, or coffee knowledge.
  5. Seek promotions: Aim for higher positions that come with higher pay.

Currently 5,869 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
5,869 Job Openings