Barista Salary in Concord, CA
Baristas in Concord, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $20.74 per hour, which translates to about $829.60 per week, $3,594.93 per month, and $43,139.20 per year.
The demand for Baristas in Concord is growing steadily at about 5% per year, suggesting a positive job outlook and a healthy market for coffee shop and café services in the area.
How Much Does a Barista Make in Concord, CA?
The salary of a Barista in Concord varies by experience level and skills. Below is a breakdown of earnings at different stages of their careers.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.01 | $760.40 | $3,288.67 | $39,460.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.74 | $829.60 | $3,594.93 | $43,139.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $22.63 | $905.20 | $3,915.47 | $46,950.40 |
Do Baristas in Concord, CA Earn Tips?
Baristas typically earn tips as part of their compensation. On average, they can make an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips, which can significantly boost their overall income depending on the location and establishment.
Barista Salary in Concord, CA vs. National Average
Nationally, Baristas earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
Comparing this with Concord, Baristas earn significantly more, with an average of $20.74 per hour and $43,139.20 annually. This difference reflects the higher cost of living and demand for quality coffee service in the region.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Concord, CA for Baristas
Nearby areas with competitive pay for Baristas include:
- Oakley: $20.30 per hour
- Antioch: $20.10 per hour
Baristas in Oakley and Antioch enjoy hourly wages slightly below those in Concord, but still higher than the national average.
What Influences a Barista’s Salary in Concord, CA?
Several factors influence the salary of a Barista in Concord:
- Experience and Skill Level: Baristas with more experience and refined skills in espresso preparation and latte art tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Employment in specialty coffee shops or upscale cafes often offers better compensation than fast casual or chain coffee outlets.
- Certifications and Training: Holding certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification or Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Barista Skills Certification can boost earning potential.
- Work Hours and Tips: Shift timing and the ability to earn tips impact overall income.
- Local Market Demand: Higher demand and cost of living in Concord contribute to elevated salaries for Baristas.
How To Become a Barista in Concord, CA
To pursue a career as a Barista in Concord, consider these steps:
- Complete Barista Training: Programs like the Barista Training Program at Diablo Valley College teach coffee preparation techniques, equipment handling, and customer service essentials.
- Enhance Coffee Craft Skills: The Coffee Craft Program at Contra Costa College offers hands-on learning covering espresso preparation, latte art, and café management skills.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Many employers require or prefer certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification to ensure food safety compliance.
- Get Specialty Certifications: The internationally recognized Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Barista Skills Certification validates advanced barista competencies.
- Gain Experience: Working in coffee shops or cafés to apply learned skills and build customer service experience is crucial.
Top Employers Hiring Baristas in Concord, CA
The most prominent employers seeking Baristas in Concord include:
- Starbucks
- Peet's Coffee
- Java Detour
Establishments That Baristas in Concord, CA Work At
Baristas in Concord commonly work at various types of establishments such as:
- Coffee Shops and Cafés: Independent and specialty shops often provide better opportunities for higher wages and tips due to quality-focused customers.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: These may offer consistent schedules but often lower wage rates and tips.
- Chain Coffee Stores: Employment tends to be stable with standardized pay but sometimes limited tips.
The type of establishment directly affects the Barista's salary, with specialty and independent cafés generally allowing for greater earning potential through higher wages and tips.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Concord, CA for Baristas
If you're exploring careers related to being a Barista, consider these similar roles which utilize hospitality and beverage service skills:
These include Bartender, Bar Manager, and Backwaiter positions, all of which share customer service and beverage preparation responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Baristas in Concord, CA
Baristas should be informed about applicable labor laws and tax responsibilities to protect their rights and ensure compliance:
- Federal labor statistics and job outlook can be found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- The California Employment Development Department provides state-specific employment resources and labor market information.
- Local job and business resources are available on the Concord city website.