Barista Salary in Salt Lake City, UT
Baristas in Salt Lake City, UT, in 2025, earn approximately $14.55 per hour, which translates to about $582.00 per week, $2,522.00 per month, and $30,264.00 per year.
The job market for Baristas in Salt Lake City is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive demand trend for coffee professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Barista Make in Salt Lake City, UT?
The salary of a Barista in Salt Lake City varies by experience and employer, but here is an overview of earnings across different levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.98 | $439.20 | $1,900.80 | $22,790.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.55 | $582.00 | $2,522.00 | $30,264.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.29 | $771.60 | $3,328.40 | $39,967.20 |
Do Baristas in Salt Lake City Earn Tips?
Yes, Baristas typically earn an additional $5 to $10 per hour in tips, which can significantly boost their overall earnings depending on the establishment and shift.
Barista Salary in Salt Lake City vs. National Average
Nationally, Baristas earn an average hourly wage of around $15.00 and an annual salary of about $31,200.
Compared to the national average, Baristas in Salt Lake City earn slightly less on average, at $14.55 per hour and $30,264 annually.
This difference may be influenced by local cost of living and the coffee market in Utah.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Salt Lake City for Baristas
Nearby areas offer varied pay scales for Baristas:
- Draper: $16.01 per hour
- Sandy: $14.72 per hour
Baristas working in Draper tend to earn higher wages compared to those in Sandy and Salt Lake City itself.
What Influences a Barista’s Salary in Salt Lake City?
Several factors can influence how much a Barista earns in Salt Lake City:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Baristas with advanced coffee-making skills or latte art proficiency tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale coffee shops, specialty cafes, or larger chains often offers better pay than smaller or fast-casual places.
- Certifications and Training: Holding certifications such as the Barista Guild of America Certification may enhance hiring prospects and salary potential.
- Shift Hours and Tips: Baristas working peak hours or busy locations usually receive higher tips, impacting overall earnings.
- Local Market Demand: The demand for skilled Baristas in Salt Lake City affects salary competitiveness.
How To Become a Barista in Salt Lake City
Becoming a Barista in Salt Lake City can be streamlined by following these steps:
- Complete Specialized Training: Consider programs like the Salt Lake Community College Culinary Arts Program, which offers comprehensive training including Barista techniques, or the University of Utah Continuing Education Barista Training focusing on coffee preparation and customer service.
- Earn Food Safety Certification: Obtaining the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures knowledge of safe food handling, often required in food service roles.
- Get Professional Barista Certification: The Barista Guild of America Certification demonstrates professional skills and knowledge, improving employability.
- Gain Experience: Starting at local coffee shops or cafes can help build practical skills and customer interaction expertise.
Top Employers Hiring Baristas in Salt Lake City
Some of the notable employers actively hiring Baristas in Salt Lake City include:
- Starbucks
- University of Utah
- Local independent coffee shops
Establishments That Baristas in Salt Lake City Work At
Baristas in Salt Lake City commonly work at a variety of establishments:
- Independent Coffee Shops: These often provide a cozy environment and focus on specialty coffee drinks; wages can vary widely based on business size and clientele.
- Chain Cafes (e.g., Starbucks): Tend to offer steady pay and benefits, with standardized training and possible opportunities for advancement.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: May employ Baristas as part of broader service teams; typically offer moderate pay.
- Hotels and Event Venues: Positions here might come with higher pay due to formal settings and greater skill demands.
Each type of establishment affects a Barista's salary based on reputation, customer volume, and tips potential.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Salt Lake City for Baristas
If you’re interested in roles similar to Barista, consider the following positions that share skills and work environments:
These include Bartender, Barback, and Bar Manager roles, which involve related beverage preparation and customer service skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Baristas in Salt Lake City
Baristas should stay informed about local and federal labor regulations and tax responsibilities to manage employment effectively.
- Comprehensive labor standards and regulations can be found on the Federal Department of Labor website.
- The State of Utah's Department of Workforce Services provides state-specific employment and tax resources.
- Local government information is available on the Official Salt Lake City website, offering insights on municipal labor laws and services.