Position
Salary

How much does a Barista make?

The average salary for a Barista is $34,389 per year in the US.

A barista works in cafes and restaurants, preparing and serving coffee. They are skilled in making a variety of coffee drinks and can also assist with food orders. The salary for a barista varies based on experience and location. Most baristas start at a lower salary and can increase their pay with more experience.

The average yearly salary for a barista is around $34,389. This average considers all levels of experience. Here is a breakdown of what different experience levels might earn:

  • New baristas can expect to earn about $22,000 per year.
  • Baristas with a few years of experience might earn up to $35,582.
  • Seasoned baristas can earn as much as $46,900 annually.

View Barista jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Barista?

Baristas in Seattle, WA, enjoy one of the highest salaries among barista jobs, with an average of $44,663. This city stands out for offering competitive pay in the coffee industry. Other top-paying cities for baristas include Visalia, Salinas, and Santa Maria, each with average salaries above $42,000. Job seekers looking for barista positions in California can find attractive opportunities in cities like Modesto, Bakersfield, Vallejo, and San Francisco. These cities provide good earning potential while being part of vibrant coffee cultures.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Barista jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $44,663 and San Jose, CA with the lowest at $41,736.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $44,663
    Seattle's dynamic coffee scene offers baristas vibrant opportunities. Work in renowned spots like Starbucks or Tully’s Coffee. Enjoy a fast-paced environment with a focus on high-quality beverages.
    Find Barista jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Visalia, CA
    Average Salary: $43,266
    Visalia's friendly atmosphere provides a great setting for baristas. Enjoy working in cozy coffee shops like Peet's Coffee. Here, you'll serve both locals and visitors, ensuring every cup delights.
    Find Barista jobs in Visalia, CA


  3. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $43,121
    Salinas' growing coffee culture opens doors for baristas. Enjoy working in welcoming cafés, crafting drinks for regulars. This community-focused city values your skills in delivering excellent service.
    Find Barista jobs in Salinas, CA


  4. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $42,762
    Santa Maria's relaxed vibe suits baristas looking for a laid-back atmosphere. Work in local cafes where you can build a loyal customer base. Enjoy the small-town charm while perfecting your coffee skills.
    Find Barista jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $42,585
    Modesto offers a welcoming environment for baristas. Enjoy working in family-owned cafes that appreciate your craft. Here, you'll serve diverse communities, making each shift unique and engaging.
    Find Barista jobs in Modesto, CA


  6. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $42,440
    Bakersfield's bustling coffee scene offers baristas many opportunities. Work in popular spots that draw both locals and travelers. Here, you'll be at the heart of a dynamic community that values your expertise.
    Find Barista jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  7. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $42,126
    Vallejo's vibrant coffee culture makes it a great place for baristas. Work in chic cafes that attract a variety of patrons. Enjoy the energetic atmosphere as you create delicious drinks for everyone.
    Find Barista jobs in Vallejo, CA


  8. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $42,126
    San Francisco's diverse coffee scene offers baristas endless opportunities. Work in trendy cafes known for their unique brews. Enjoy the city's creativity and passion for coffee as you perfect your craft.
    Find Barista jobs in San Francisco, CA


  9. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $42,004
    Stockton's warm community provides a great setting for baristas. Work in cozy cafes that value your skills. Here, you'll enjoy serving a diverse group of customers, making each day interesting.
    Find Barista jobs in Stockton, CA


  10. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $41,736
    San Jose's tech-savvy environment offers baristas many opportunities. Work in innovative cafes that blend coffee and technology. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while crafting the perfect cup for everyone.
    Find Barista jobs in San Jose, CA

What are the best companies a Barista can work for?

Ralph Lauren offers one of the best paying opportunities for baristas, with an average salary of $292,525. This high salary makes it an attractive option for those in the field. Other notable companies include Providence, Superba Food + Bread, and Kafiex Roasters, which also provide competitive salaries for baristas. These companies recognize the skill and artistry involved in crafting coffee, rewarding baristas with salaries that reflect their worth. Job seekers with a passion for coffee can find excellent compensation and career opportunities with these top-tier employers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Barista jobs, highlighting Ralph Lauren with the highest at $292,525 and BigFoot Java with the lowest at $47,140.
  1. Ralph Lauren
    Average Salary: $292,525
    Ralph Lauren is a luxury fashion brand known for its high-quality products. Baristas here blend coffee and create delightful beverages in stores across the country. Ralph Lauren offers competitive benefits and a friendly work environment.


  2. Providence
    Average Salary: $51,020
    Providence offers a comprehensive healthcare system with job opportunities for baristas in their cafés. Employees enjoy a supportive team atmosphere and opportunities for career growth. Locations are primarily in the western United States.


  3. Superba Food + Bread
    Average Salary: $50,769
    Superba Food + Bread combines fresh bread with delicious coffee. Their baristas create a welcoming atmosphere in their cafés. The company operates in several cities across the U.S., emphasizing quality and community.


  4. Kafiex Roasters
    Average Salary: $49,379
    Kafiex Roasters specializes in fine coffee roasting and provides barista positions in their cafés. Their baristas have the chance to learn from skilled roasters. Locations include various cities, emphasizing fresh, high-quality coffee.


  5. Bequest Coffee Co
    Average Salary: $48,978
    Bequest Coffee Co offers a unique café experience with a focus on sustainable practices. Their baristas enjoy a supportive work environment. The company operates in several cities, promoting community engagement.


  6. Bobae Coffee & Tea
    Average Salary: $48,944
    Bobae Coffee & Tea serves a variety of drinks made from high-quality ingredients. Their baristas create a welcoming space for customers. Locations are in select cities, focusing on a family-friendly atmosphere.


  7. City of Hope
    Average Salary: $47,789
    City of Hope is a renowned cancer research and treatment center. Their café baristas provide a comforting service to patients and staff. Locations include their campuses in California and Illinois.


  8. UPMC
    Average Salary: $47,574
    UPMC offers barista positions in their cafés, providing quality beverages to patients, staff, and visitors. The company values a positive work environment. Locations are primarily in Pennsylvania and Maryland.


  9. The Granola Bar
    Average Salary: $47,242
    The Granola Bar specializes in healthy snacks and beverages. Their baristas enjoy a friendly work environment. Locations are in several cities, emphasizing healthy and delicious options.


  10. BigFoot Java
    Average Salary: $47,140
    BigFoot Java provides barista positions with a focus on quality and customer service. Their baristas work in a fun and energetic atmosphere. Locations are in select cities, offering a unique coffee experience.

How to earn more as a Barista?

Aspiring baristas who want to increase their earnings can follow a few key steps. Focusing on certain areas can lead to higher pay and better job satisfaction. One important factor is gaining experience. Working at a busy coffee shop helps baristas learn more about coffee and customer service. This experience often leads to higher pay.

Another factor is mastering the art of coffee making. Baristas who can make high-quality drinks quickly earn more respect from customers and employers. Learning new techniques and staying updated with coffee trends can improve skills. This makes a barista more valuable. Baristas who take the time to master their craft often see better results in their earnings.

Consider the following factors to increase earnings:

  1. Gain more experience at different coffee shops.
  2. Learn advanced coffee-making techniques.
  3. Stay updated with the latest coffee trends.
  4. Focus on excellent customer service skills.
  5. Earn certifications in coffee expertise.

Currently 6,665 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
6,665 Job Openings