How much does a Barista make?
A Barista's job involves preparing and serving coffee and other beverages. The average yearly salary for a Barista is around $34,148. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of coffee shop. Some Baristas earn more, especially those working in high-end cafes or with many years of experience.
The salary range for Baristas can be quite broad. The lowest 10% earn about $22,000 per year. The highest 10% earn over $45,000 annually. Most Baristas fall somewhere in the middle of this range. Many factors can influence these numbers, including the cost of living in different areas and the demand for skilled Baristas.
What are the highest paying cities for a Barista?

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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $43,394
In Seattle, coffee culture thrives. With many coffee shops, baristas have plenty of opportunities. Starbucks and other local cafes offer a dynamic environment.
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Visalia, CA
Average Salary: $43,069
Visalia offers a warm, community-focused atmosphere. Baristas here enjoy a friendly environment. Local cafes provide a chance to connect with residents.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $42,956
Santa Maria has a laid-back vibe, perfect for baristas. The city's growing coffee scene offers many opportunities. Local cafes are welcoming and supportive.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $42,905
Salinas is a bustling city with a strong agricultural presence. Baristas here enjoy a vibrant community. Coffee shops are popular spots for locals and workers alike.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $42,111
Modesto offers a diverse and growing coffee culture. Baristas can find work in many local cafes. The city's welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to work.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $41,807
Bakersfield has a vibrant coffee scene with many opportunities for baristas. The city's warm climate makes it a pleasant place to work. Local cafes are always looking for skilled baristas.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $41,335
San Jose is a tech hub with a thriving coffee culture. Baristas here enjoy a dynamic work environment. Many cafes offer modern amenities and a fast-paced atmosphere.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $41,319
Stockton offers a friendly and supportive environment for baristas. The city's growing coffee scene provides many opportunities. Local cafes are known for their welcoming atmosphere.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $41,268
San Francisco is a coffee lover's paradise. Baristas here enjoy a vibrant and diverse work environment. The city's many cafes offer a chance to connect with a wide range of customers.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $41,178
Vallejo offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for baristas. The city's growing coffee scene provides many opportunities. Local cafes are known for their friendly and supportive environment.
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What are the best companies a Barista can work for?

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Mohegan Sun
Average Salary: $81,745
Mohegan Sun offers exciting Barista jobs with competitive salaries. This company operates in Connecticut and offers a vibrant work environment. Baristas here enjoy a dynamic atmosphere with a focus on customer service.
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Apple
Average Salary: $59,468
Apple provides rewarding Barista positions with a strong emphasis on innovation. Located in various tech hubs, Apple offers a unique blend of coffee expertise and tech-savvy culture. Baristas work in modern, high-energy settings.
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bigfoot java
Average Salary: $46,502
Bigfoot Java is known for its cozy and welcoming coffee shops. Baristas here enjoy a friendly work environment with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction. They operate in several locations, offering a chance to connect with the community.
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UPMC
Average Salary: $45,797
UPMC offers Barista jobs with a focus on health and wellness. They operate in Pennsylvania and provide a supportive work environment. Baristas here contribute to a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff.
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Hyatt Vacation Ownership
Average Salary: $45,473
Hyatt Vacation Ownership provides Barista positions with a focus on hospitality. They operate in various locations, offering a chance to work in beautiful settings. Baristas here enjoy a dynamic and customer-focused environment.
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Big Shoulders Coffee
Average Salary: $45,263
Big Shoulders Coffee offers Barista jobs with a strong community focus. They operate in Chicago and provide a welcoming atmosphere. Baristas here enjoy a creative and supportive work environment.
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Advocate Aurora Health
Average Salary: $44,840
Advocate Aurora Health offers Barista positions with a focus on health and wellness. They operate in Illinois and Wisconsin, providing a supportive work environment. Baristas here contribute to a healthy lifestyle for patients and staff.
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1 Hotels
Average Salary: $44,659
1 Hotels offers Barista jobs with a focus on luxury and hospitality. They operate in various locations, providing a chic and modern work environment. Baristas here enjoy a dynamic and customer-focused setting.
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Din Tai Fung
Average Salary: $44,331
Din Tai Fung offers Barista positions with a focus on Asian cuisine. They operate in several locations, providing a unique and vibrant work environment. Baristas here enjoy a creative and customer-focused setting.
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Fooda
Average Salary: $44,123
Fooda offers Barista jobs with a focus on food delivery. They operate in various locations, providing a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. Baristas here enjoy a supportive and innovative setting.
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 strategic thinking. Baristas who excel in their craft often find ways to increase their earnings through various methods. One key factor is mastering the art of coffee preparation. This includes understanding different brewing methods, experimenting with various coffee beans, and perfecting the art of latte art. Another important factor is developing strong customer service skills. Building a rapport with customers can lead to repeat business and higher tips.
Additionally, baristas can increase their earnings by learning to manage the cash register and handle transactions efficiently. This skill ensures smooth operations and reduces errors. Another way to boost income is by taking on additional responsibilities, such as training new staff or managing social media for the café. Lastly, baristas can earn more by offering specialty drinks and upselling items. This requires knowledge of the menu and the ability to suggest complementary products. By focusing on these areas, baristas can enhance their skills and increase their earnings.
Here are five factors that can help a barista earn more:
- Mastering coffee preparation skills
- Developing strong customer service skills
- Efficiently managing cash register and transactions
- Taking on additional responsibilities
- Offering specialty drinks and upselling items



