Barista Salary in Nashville, TN
Baristas in Nashville, TN, in 2025, earn approximately $16.01 per hour, which translates to about $640.40 per week, $2,775.07 per month, and $33,300.80 per year.
The job demand for Baristas in Nashville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy and expanding market for coffee professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Barista Make in Nashville, TN?
The salary of a Barista in Nashville varies based on experience and employer, but here is a breakdown of typical earnings:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.13 | $485.20 | $2,094.27 | $25,210.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.01 | $640.40 | $2,775.07 | $33,300.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.14 | $845.60 | $3,655.73 | $43,931.20 |
Do Baristas in Nashville Earn Tips?
Baristas typically earn tips in addition to their hourly wage. On average, Baristas in Nashville can expect to make an extra $2 to $5 per hour in tips, which can significantly supplement their income depending on the location and customer volume.
Barista Salary in Nashville vs. National Average
Nationally, Baristas earn an average of around $16.01 per hour, translating to about $33,300.80 per year.
Baristas in Nashville earn approximately the same as the national average, with an hourly rate of $16.01 and yearly earnings of $33,300.80. This makes Nashville a competitive city for Baristas regarding salary.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Nashville for Baristas
Nearby areas offer the following average hourly wages for Baristas:
- Brentwood: $16.50 per hour
- Nashville: $16.01 per hour
Brentwood tends to offer slightly higher pay to Baristas compared to Nashville, making it a potentially attractive option for jobs nearby.
What Influences a Barista’s Salary in Nashville?
Several factors can significantly influence how much a Barista earns in Nashville.
- Experience and Skill Level: Baristas with greater experience and advanced skills, such as latte art and espresso preparation, often command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working at specialty coffee shops or upscale cafes may offer better pay compared to fast food or chain coffee outlets.
- Shift Timing: Morning or peak hours may offer shift differentials that increase overall earnings.
- Location: Positions in higher-paying areas like Brentwood tend to offer better compensation.
- Tips: Opportunities for tips vary greatly depending on the clientele and establishment type, affecting total income.
How To Become a Barista in Nashville
Starting a career as a Barista in Nashville involves multiple steps to build skills and increase employability.
- Complete Barista Training Programs: Nashville State Community College offers a Culinary Arts Program that includes barista training, giving practical coffee preparation experience.
- Local Training: Frothy Monkey Barista Training provides focused courses on espresso, latte art, and customer service essential for Baristas.
- Earn Certifications: Industry-recognized credentials like the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Barista Skills Certification can boost career prospects.
- Food Safety Knowledge: ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures compliance with food safety practices and is often required for food service roles.
- Gain Experience: Start in entry positions and develop interpersonal and technical skills to advance in this competitive field.
Top Employers Hiring Baristas in Nashville
Nashville has a bustling coffee scene with several prominent employers consistently looking for skilled Baristas.
- Starbucks
- Barista Parlor
- Frothy Monkey
- The Well Coffeehouse
- White Bison Coffee
Establishments That Baristas in Nashville Work At
Baristas typically find employment in a range of coffee-serving establishments.
- Specialty Coffee Shops: These often offer higher wages due to the focus on quality and skilled preparation.
- Casual Cafes and Coffeehouses: Competitive but usually with moderate pay compared to specialty shops.
- Fast Casual Food Chains: May offer steady work but often with lower hourly rates.
- Restaurants and Hotels: Baristas working in larger establishments might receive better benefits and salaries.
The type of establishment heavily influences salary, with premium coffee shops rewarding skilled Baristas more handsomely.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Nashville for Baristas
If you are interested in careers similar to Barista, consider exploring other roles in hospitality that require similar skills and offer growth opportunities.
These include Bartender, Barback, and Cashier roles, which leverage customer service skills and familiarity with food and beverage environments.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Baristas in Nashville
Baristas should understand the labor laws and tax regulations that apply to them in Nashville and Tennessee.
- State labor laws and employment regulations can be accessed on the Official website of the State of Tennessee.
- Federal labor standards, wage and hour rules, and workplace protections are detailed on the U.S. Department of Labor website.