Barista Salary in San Antonio, TX
Baristas in San Antonio, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $12.72 per hour, which translates to about $508.80 per week, $2,204.80 per month, and $26,457.60 per year.
The demand for Baristas in San Antonio is growing at a rate of 6% per year, indicating a positive job market with increasing opportunities in the coffee and café industry.
How Much Does a Barista Make in San Antonio, TX?
The salary of a Barista in San Antonio can vary depending on experience and employer, but here’s a breakdown of typical earnings based on experience level:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.00 | $440.00 | $1,906.67 | $22,880.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $13.00 | $520.00 | $2,253.33 | $27,040.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $15.00 | $600.00 | $2,600.00 | $31,200.00 |
Do Baristas in San Antonio Earn Tips?
Yes, Baristas generally earn tips. In San Antonio, they can make approximately $3 to $5 per hour in tips on top of their base salary. This additional income significantly enhances their overall earnings, especially in busy or upscale cafes.
Barista Salary in San Antonio vs. National Average
Nationally, Baristas earn an average of about $15.51 per hour, which amounts to around $32,260.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Baristas in San Antonio earn slightly less hourly at $12.72 per hour, and their yearly salary of $26,457.60 is also below the national average, reflecting regional cost of living and market factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near San Antonio for Baristas
Nearby areas that pay higher wages to Baristas include:
- Downtown: $14.50 per hour
- Alamo Heights: $15.00 per hour
Working in these areas can provide Baristas with opportunities for better pay and possibly more tips, thanks to higher traffic and upscale clientele.
What Influences a Barista’s Salary in San Antonio?
Several key factors impact how much a Barista earns in San Antonio:
- Experience and Skill Level: Baristas with more experience and advanced brewing skills tend to command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working at specialty coffee shops or high-end cafes typically pays more than chain coffee outlets or fast-food locations.
- Location: Areas with higher living costs or tourist traffic, like Downtown or Alamo Heights, offer better pay.
- Tipping Opportunities: Customer-facing roles with strong rapport building may result in more tips and higher overall earnings.
How To Become a Barista in San Antonio
Starting a career as a Barista in San Antonio involves a blend of training, certification, and practical experience.
A key step is completing a professional coffee training program, such as the Barista Training Program at San Antonio College, which covers coffee brewing techniques, customer service, and equipment maintenance.
Obtaining certifications from organizations like the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Certification can boost your credentials and enhance job prospects.
Additionally, you will need to acquire a Food Handler's Permit required by Texas to ensure safety and hygiene, and if working in cafés that serve alcoholic beverages, a TABC Certification (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) is necessary.
Top Employers Hiring Baristas in San Antonio
Some of the top employers looking for skilled Baristas in San Antonio include:
- Starbucks
- Target
- Marriott International
Establishments That Baristas in San Antonio Work At
Baristas commonly find roles in various types of establishments:
- Cafés and Specialty Coffee Shops: Often offer better pay and tipping opportunities due to focus on quality and customer experience.
- Fast Casual and Quick Service Restaurants: Provide steady work but generally lower wages and fewer tips.
- Hotels and Resorts: May provide higher hourly wages and benefits, especially in luxury settings.
- Corporate Offices and Institutional Cafeterias: Sometimes hire Baristas for internal coffee services which might provide stable but modest pay.
The type of establishment can strongly influence overall earnings and growth opportunities within the profession.
Related Hospitality Jobs in San Antonio for Baristas
If you’re interested in related roles connected to Barista work, you might consider the following careers:
These include Bartender, Bar Manager, and Barback positions, which share similar customer service and beverage preparation responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Baristas in San Antonio
Baristas in San Antonio should be aware of state and federal regulations affecting wages, work hours, and taxation.
- For workforce development and employment assistance, visit the Texas Workforce Commission.
- For comprehensive information on federal labor laws and standards, see the U.S. Department of Labor.