Barista Salary in Kansas City, KS
Baristas in Kansas City, KS earn about $12.23 per hour, which amounts to approximately $489.20 per week, $2,119.87 per month, and $25,438.40 per year.
The demand for Baristas in Kansas City is growing at a rate of 6% per year, indicating an increasing job opportunity in this profession annually.
How Much Does a Barista Make in Kansas City, KS?
The pay for a Barista in Kansas City varies depending on experience level. Below is a breakdown of hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly earnings based on different stages of expertise.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.94 | $397.60 | $1,718.93 | $20,627.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $12.23 | $489.20 | $2,119.87 | $25,438.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $15.05 | $602.00 | $2,598.33 | $31,304.00 |
Do Baristas in Kansas City Earn Tips?
Yes, Baristas typically receive tips as a significant part of their earnings. They can often earn an extra $2 to $5 per hour in tips, depending on the establishment and customer traffic.
Barista Salary in Kansas City vs. National Average
Nationally, Baristas earn around $15.05 per hour or about $31,304 per year on average.
Compared to the national average, Baristas in Kansas City earn slightly less, at an average hourly wage of $12.23 and yearly salary of $25,438.40.
This difference may be influenced by the local cost of living and prevailing wage standards in Kansas City, KS.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Kansas City for Baristas
Nearby cities offering higher pay rates for Baristas include:
- Mission: $12.94 per hour
- Lenexa: $12.04 per hour
Baristas who work in Mission tend to earn slightly higher wages compared to Lenexa and Kansas City itself.
What Influences a Barista’s Salary in Kansas City?
Several factors can impact how much a Barista earns in Kansas City:
- Experience and Skill Level: Seasoned Baristas with excellent coffee-making skills can command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in specialty coffee shops or high-end cafés usually offers better compensation than chain fast-food outlets.
- Certifications: Possession of certifications like those from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) can enhance earning potential.
- Shift and Hours: Evening or weekend shifts sometimes come with premium rates.
- Tips: Locations with higher customer volume or generosity may yield more in tips, boosting total earnings.
How To Become a Barista in Kansas City
To start a career as a Barista in Kansas City, consider these key steps:
- Complete Barista Training at The Roasterie, which provides comprehensive brewing techniques, customer service, and equipment knowledge.
- Enroll in Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Courses to gain global recognition in coffee preparation and sensory skills.
- Obtain certifications such as the SCA Barista Skills Certification or the ServSafe Food Handler Certification to improve qualifications.
- Gain practical experience by working in local cafés or coffee shops to hone barista skills.
Top Employers Hiring Baristas in Kansas City
Some of the prominent employers looking to hire Baristas in Kansas City include:
- Starbucks
- The Roasterie
- Messenger Coffee Co.
Establishments That Baristas in Kansas City Work At
Baristas can be found working across a variety of establishments including casual cafés, specialty coffee shops, fast casual eateries, and sometimes grocery stores with coffee bars.
The type of establishment has a direct impact on salaries; specialty coffee shops and higher-end cafés tend to offer better wages and tipping opportunities compared to fast casual or chain outlets.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Kansas City for Baristas
If you are interested in positions similar to Barista, here are related careers worth considering.
These include Bartender, Barback, and Bar Manager roles, which involve beverage service and hospitality duties.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Baristas in Kansas City
Baristas should familiarize themselves with local and federal labor laws to ensure fair treatment and understand their tax obligations.
- State-specific labor regulations can be found on the Kansas official government website, which provides valuable resources and guidelines.
- For federal labor laws and employment information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.