Barista Salary in Compton, CA
Baristas in Compton, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $18.26 per hour, which translates to about $730.40 per week, $3,165.07 per month, and $37,980.80 per year.
The job market for Baristas in Compton is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating a steady increase in demand for skilled coffee professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Barista Make in Compton, CA?
The salary of a Barista in Compton can vary depending on experience and specific employer. Below is an overview of earnings based on experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.15 | $366.00 | $1,586.00 | $19,032.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.26 | $730.40 | $3,165.07 | $37,980.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $27.60 | $1,104.00 | $4,784.00 | $57,408.00 |
Do Baristas in Compton Earn Tips?
Yes, Baristas in Compton typically earn tips in addition to their base salary. Tips can add approximately $5 to $10 per hour, significantly boosting overall earnings depending on the establishment and customer volume.
Barista Salary in Compton vs. National Average
Nationally, Baristas earn an average of around $15.56 per hour and about $32,364.80 per year. Compared to this, Baristas in Compton earn a higher average wage of $18.26 per hour and $37,980.80 annually, reflecting the local market demand and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Compton for Baristas
Nearby areas offer the following Barista salaries:
- Harbor City: $20.00 per hour
- Inglewood: $19.50 per hour
- Compton: $18.26 per hour
Harbor City leads in pay for Baristas among these locations, with Inglewood also offering competitive wages.
What Influences a Barista’s Salary in Compton?
Several factors impact the salary a Barista can earn in Compton:
- Experience and Skill Level: Experienced Baristas with advanced coffee making skills typically command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in specialty coffee shops or upscale cafes usually offers better pay than fast food or chain coffee outlets.
- Certifications and Training: Having certifications like the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Certification can enhance earning potential.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts may receive differential pay or higher tips.
- Customer Volume and Tips: Locations with high foot traffic often provide more tipping opportunities, increasing total income.
How To Become a Barista in Compton
To become a Barista in Compton, consider the following steps to gain necessary skills and certifications:
- Complete a Barista Training Program: Programs like the Barista Training Program at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College offer comprehensive coffee preparation, customer service, and equipment maintenance training.
- Earn Specialty Certifications: The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Certification is widely recognized and focuses on coffee knowledge, brewing skills, and sensory analysis.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: A Food Handler's Permit is required by California law, ensuring adherence to safe food handling practices. Additionally, the ServSafe Certification educates on food safety and sanitation standards.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level roles or apprenticeships in coffee shops provide valuable on-the-job learning.
Top Employers Hiring Baristas in Compton
Baristas in Compton are commonly hired by:
- Starbucks
- Tierra Mia Coffee Company
- Coffee Commissary
Establishments That Baristas in Compton Work At
Baristas typically work in a variety of settings including:
- Casual Cafes and Coffee Shops: These often provide entry-level opportunities but with lower pay and tips.
- Specialty Coffee Houses: Focused on artisanal coffee, these establishments generally offer higher wages and tip potential.
- Fast Casual and Chain Outlets: Usually more consistent schedules and wages, but tips can be lower compared to independent shops.
- Restaurants and Hotels: May employ Baristas within larger hospitality operations, often with benefits and steady work.
The type of establishment significantly affects a Barista’s earnings, with specialty coffee shops offering some of the best financial rewards.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Compton for Baristas
If you're exploring roles similar to Barista, consider these related hospitality positions that share overlapping skill sets and may offer alternative career paths.
These include Bartender, Bar Manager, and Barback roles, each involving aspects of beverage preparation and customer service.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Baristas in Compton
Baristas should understand the local laws and tax responsibilities specific to working in Compton and California:
- Federal labor statistics and job outlook information is available at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov).
- Information on California employment services and labor market can be found at California Employment Development Department (edd.ca.gov).
- California's Department of Industrial Relations provides details on labor laws and workplace regulations at dir.ca.gov.