How Much Does a Barista Make in the United States?
The average salary for a Barista in the United States is base plus tips per month or $37,839 base plus tips per year, according to the most recent data averaged from Glassdoor, Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
Average Barista Base Salary:
The average hourly wage for a Barista is $18.19 base plus tips.
Tips form a significant part of a Barista’s overall earnings. While the amount is left to the customers’ discretion, customers typically tip between 15% and 20% of the total bill.
In some cases, coffee shops may have a tip jar or a system for tipping when paying with credit or debit cards.
Annual Mean Wage of Baristas by State
[Calculated using Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Salary.com and Talent.com data]
This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data.
The annual earnings for Baristas can significantly vary across different states due to multiple factors.
For example, in states with high living expenses like Massachusetts or New York, Baristas may command higher wages to keep up with the cost of living.
Conversely, Baristas might have relatively modest salaries in states with lower living costs such as Oklahoma or Iowa.
Furthermore, states famous for their tourist attractions or lively entertainment districts, like California or Florida, may offer more competitive wages to entice skilled Baristas, especially during peak season.
Factors That Affect Average Barista Salary
Aside from geographic location, several other factors influence the average Barista salary:
Experience and Expertise
Baristas with extensive experience and honed skills tend to command higher salaries. This is because their proficiency in crafting coffee and understanding customer preferences adds significant value to the establishment.
Educational Background and Training
Baristas who have pursued additional certifications, attended specialized courses or participated in Barista competitions often have a competitive edge in negotiating higher salaries. Such qualifications demonstrate a commitment to excellence and mastery in the field.
Type of Establishment
The nature of the coffee shop or establishment where a Barista works can greatly impact their earnings. For example, Baristas employed in upscale cafes or specialty coffee shops typically receive higher compensation compared to those working in chain coffee outlets or fast-food joints.
Shift Flexibility
Baristas willing to work flexible hours, including early mornings, late evenings and weekends or holidays, may receive additional pay incentives.
Performance and Customer Engagement
Exceptional customer service skills, coupled with the ability to consistently deliver top-notch coffee experiences, often translate into performance-based bonuses or salary increments. Baristas who excel in engaging with customers and creating a welcoming atmosphere contribute significantly to customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Benefits and Perks
Beyond the base salary, the overall compensation package, including benefits like health insurance, paid time off or retirement plans, plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining talented Baristas. Employers who offer comprehensive benefits packages tend to attract a higher caliber of Barista talent.
Negotiation Skills
Candidates who possess strong negotiation skills and advocate for their own value may have the opportunity to secure higher salaries either during the hiring process or during performance reviews.
Tips
In addition to base wages, Baristas often receive tips from customers. Tips can significantly supplement a Barista’s income, especially in establishments where tipping is common.
Similarly to other service-oriented industries, it’s customary to consider tipping around 15% to 20% on coffee, especially for specialty drinks like lattes, cold brews, cappuccinos and custom-made beverages requiring extra attention to detail. For drip coffee, it’s generally considered polite to leave at least a $1 tip.
The amount of tips can vary based on factors such as the location of the coffee shop, the quality of service provided and the generosity of customers.
Barista Salary in Major US Cities
Among these four major U.S. cities, New York City is the top-paying city for Baristas, followed by Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami.
Annual mean wage $28,998
Annual mean wage $36,735
Annual mean wage $36,686
Annual mean wage $38,486
[Calculated using Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Salary.com, Glassdoor and Talent.com data]
High-Paying Cities for Baristas
| City | Avg Salary | Avg Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 36,686 | 17.64 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 38,486 | 18.50 |
| Miami, FL | 28,998 | 13.94 |
| NYC, NY | 36,735 | 17.66 |
Average Barista Salary by State
Baristas in the District of Columbia, Oregon and California earn the highest average salaries, while those in Georgia, Michigan and Mississippi earn the lowest.
| State | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $39,521 |
| Oregon | $37,984 |
| California | $37,933 |
| Massachusetts | $37,635 |
| Hawaii | $36,965 |
| Washington | $36,961 |
| Maine | $36,262 |
| Rhode Island | $36,007 |
| Alaska | $35,732 |
| Maryland | $35,612 |
| New Jersey | $35,303 |
| New Hampshire | $35,271 |
| Colorado | $35,002 |
| New York | $34,212 |
| Vermont | $33,976 |
| Illinois | $33,203 |
| Montana | $32,503 |
| Connecticut | $32,351 |
| Minnesota | $32,118 |
| Virginia | $31,879 |
| North Dakota | $31,790 |
| Michigan | $31,766 |
| Florida | $31,653 |
| North Carolina | $31,513 |
| Nevada | $31,392 |
| New Mexico | $31,311 |
| Delaware | $31,122 |
| South Dakota | $30,927 |
| Arizona | $30,910 |
| South Carolina | $30,845 |
| Wisconsin | $30,735 |
| Kentucky | $30,707 |
| Pennsylvania | $30,492 |
| Missouri | $30,321 |
| Arkansas | $30,314 |
| Ohio | $29,858 |
| Alabama | $29,359 |
| Tennessee | $29,284 |
| Utah | $29,248 |
| Idaho | $29,182 |
| Wyoming | $29,163 |
| Texas | $29,139 |
| Nebraska | $28,943 |
| Indiana | $28,668 |
| Iowa | $28,067 |
| Georgia | $28,046 |
| Kansas | $28,027 |
| Oklahoma | $27,834 |
| West Virginia | $26,816 |
| Louisiana | $25,433 |
| Mississippi | $23,755 |
Non-Monetary Benefits and Perks for Baristas
Apart from their salary, Baristas might enjoy a variety of non-monetary perks and benefits aimed at enhancing job satisfaction, fostering work-life balance and supporting professional growth. Here are some typical non-monetary perks and benefits that they may receive:
- Flexible scheduling: Many coffee shops offer Baristas flexible scheduling options, allowing them to adjust their work hours around personal commitments and preferences.
- Professional development opportunities: Baristas may have access to professional development opportunities, such as attending coffee industry events, workshops or training sessions to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Employee discounts: Baristas may receive discounts on coffee, food or merchandise sold at the coffee shop.
- Healthcare benefits: Some employers offer comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, to support the health and well-being of their Baristas.
- Paid time off (PTO) and vacation days: Baristas typically receive paid time off, including vacation days and sick leave, allowing them to take breaks and recharge when needed.
- Retirement savings plan: Many employers provide access to a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan, to help Baristas save for their future financial security.
- Recognition programs: Coffee shops may implement recognition programs to acknowledge the hard work and contributions of Baristas, with incentives like employee of the month awards or performance bonuses.
- Uniform allowance or reimbursement: Some coffee shops offer Baristas a uniform allowance or reimbursement to cover the cost of purchasing and maintaining their work uniforms.
- Gym memberships: Some employers, especially those with a wellness-oriented approach, may offer Baristas access to gym memberships.
- Wellness programs: Coffee shops may implement wellness programs aimed at promoting employee health and well-being. These programs could include activities such as yoga classes, meditation sessions or nutrition workshops, providing Baristas with tools and resources to enhance their overall wellness.
According to Statista, these are the benefits employees change jobs for:
[Source: Statista]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
Top 5 Skills Needed for Baristas
To excel at their job, Baristas must possess a diverse skill set tailored to meet the demands of the fast-paced coffee environment. Here are the top five skills of successful Baristas:
1. Espresso Brewing
Mastery of the espresso machine is essential. Baristas should be skilled at pulling shots, adjusting grind settings and managing extraction times to consistently produce high-quality espresso.
In YouTube video below, you can see how Boram Um, the world’s best Barista, makes espresso:
2. Milk Steaming and Latte Art
Baristas need to skillfully steam milk to create creamy textures for lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso-based drinks. Moreover, proficiency in latte art adds a touch of elegance to beverages, enhancing customer satisfaction and aesthetic appeal.
3. Customer Service
Exceptional customer service is key to fostering positive experiences and building customer loyalty. Baristas should possess strong communication skills, attentiveness and the ability to engage with customers in a friendly and welcoming way.
4. Product Knowledge
A comprehensive understanding of different types of coffee beans, brewing methods and flavor profiles is essential for guiding customers through menu options, making recommendations and answering questions about different coffee offerings.
5. Time Management and Multitasking
In a bustling coffee shop, Baristas must efficiently manage their time and multitask to handle various tasks simultaneously, such as taking orders, preparing beverages and maintaining cleanliness and organization in the workspace.
Education Requirements for Baristas
While specific educational criteria may vary depending on the coffee shop and job responsibilities, Baristas typically benefit from a combination of formal education and practical experience in the coffee industry. Key education requirements for this role include:
- High school diploma or equivalent: Many barista positions require candidates to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. This foundational level of education demonstrates basic literacy, numeracy and communication skills essential for success in the role.
- Coffee-related courses or training: While not always mandatory, completing courses or training programs focused on coffee brewing, espresso techniques and customer service can enhance a candidate’s qualifications for Barista positions.
- On-the-job training and experience: Practical experience gained through entry-level positions in the coffee industry, such as Barback or Cashier roles, is highly valued by employers when hiring baristas. This hands-on experience provides candidates with a deep understanding of coffee preparation, equipment operation and customer service best practices.
- Professional certifications: Obtaining industry-recognized certifications, such as the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Barista Skills Certification, can demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to professional development and enhance their qualifications for barista roles.
- Continuous learning and self-improvement: Baristas should be proactive in seeking opportunities for ongoing learning and skill development. This may involve attending coffee workshops, participating in barista competitions or staying updated on industry trends and innovations.
Top 5 Organizations That Offer Barista Training Programs
| Organization | Description |
|---|---|
| Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) | The SCA offers Barista courses at different skill levels, including the Barista Skills Foundation, Intermediate and Professional levels. These courses cover all aspects of barista work, from espresso preparation to latte art and customer service. |
| Boot Coffee Campus | Boot Coffee Campus provides hands-on Barista training workshops and courses at their training facilities in California. Their programs cater to beginners and experienced Baristas, focusing on technical skills, sensory analysis and coffee business management. |
| Seattle Barista Academy | The Seattle Barista Academy offers a variety of Barista training courses designed to develop fundamental and advanced Barista skills. Their programs cover espresso preparation, milk texturing, latte art and coffee shop management. |
| Counter Culture Coffee | Counter Culture Coffee operates training centers across the U.S., offering a range of Barista courses and workshops. Their programs focus on coffee brewing techniques, espresso extraction, milk steaming and sensory analysis. |
| Barista Guild | The Barista Guild, a community-driven organization affiliated with the SCA, offers Barista training workshops and events aimed at promoting excellence and professionalism in the coffee industry. Their courses cover espresso theory, workflow optimization and customer service. |
How Much Do Similar Careers to a Barista Get Paid?
Baristas in the U.S. earn more than Barbacks and Waiters but less than Prep Cooks.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Barback | |
| Waiter/Waitress | |
| Prep Cook |
Barista Career Progression
Baristas can progress from crafting individual beverages to Shift Supervisors, Assistant Managers and ultimately Café Managers. Each step offers new challenges and opportunities for growth, shaping a fulfilling career.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Baristas
As a Barista, you need to be aware of the minimum wage, overtime pay, leave and tipping policies in your state.
Check out the guides below or view more labor laws:
- New York Labor Law Guide
- Illinois Labor Law Guide
- California Labor Law Guide
- Florida Labor Law Guide
To easily calculate federal, state and local taxes in your state, use our free Paycheck Calculator.
Total Tax
Net pay
Disclaimer: Please note that this paycheck calculator is designed to provide an estimate and should not be considered as professional tax advice. The actual withholding amounts and taxes owed may vary depending on individual circumstances and other factors. For accurate and personalized tax advice, we recommend consulting with a tax professional.
Barista Salary FAQs
Negotiating your salary as a Barista involves several key steps:
- Research salary benchmarks in your area to understand the typical range for the Barista position.
- Highlight relevant experience and skills, such as customer service, beverage preparation and teamwork.
- Approach the negotiation with confidence, emphasizing your value to the team and the company.
- Be willing to negotiate beyond just salary. Consider discussing benefits such as paid time off, opportunities for advancement or additional training and development resources that can enhance your overall compensation package
- Practice your negotiation points and responses to potential counteroffers beforehand. Anticipate common objections and prepare persuasive arguments to address them effectively.
While it’s not exactly a state, the District of Columbia tends to offer the highest average salaries for Baristas in the United States. This is largely due to the higher cost of living in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., compared to many other states.
Bonuses or additional compensation for Baristas can vary depending on company policies. Some establishments may offer bonuses based on performance metrics or achieving specific targets, while others may not have such incentives in place.
Experience often correlates with higher salaries for Baristas. Those with more years of experience in the role or the coffee industry generally command higher compensation due to their expertise and demonstrated skills in beverage preparation and customer service.
Baristas may have opportunities for advancement into roles such as Shift Supervisor, Assistant Manager or even Café Manager. Additionally, obtaining additional certifications or developing specialized skills, such as in coffee roasting or brewing techniques, may enhance prospects for salary advancement.
While chain establishments may offer more standardized pay structures or higher salaries due to their larger budgets, independent coffee shops may offer greater flexibility or potential for bonuses.
Yes, seasonal fluctuations in Barista salaries can occur, especially in tourist-heavy areas where business may peak during certain seasons. During high-demand periods, Baristas may receive bonuses or higher compensation to accommodate increased workload and responsibilities.
