Barista Salary in Santa Monica, CA
Baristas in Santa Monica, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $19.14 per hour, which translates to about $765.60 per week, $3,317.60 per month, and $39,811.20 per year.
The demand for Baristas in Santa Monica is growing positively at about 6% per year, indicating a healthy increase in job opportunities reflecting the growing coffee culture and café scene in the area.
How Much Does a Barista Make in Santa Monica, CA?
The salary of a Barista in Santa Monica varies depending on experience, skills, and place of employment. Here is a breakdown of typical earnings based on experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.28 | $611.20 | $2,638.13 | $31,657.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.14 | $765.60 | $3,317.60 | $39,811.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.98 | $959.20 | $4,140.53 | $49,878.40 |
Do Baristas in Santa Monica Earn Tips?
Baristas typically earn tips as part of their income. In Santa Monica, a Barista can expect to earn approximately $5 to $10 per hour in tips, supplementing their base wage significantly depending on the café's location and customer volume.
Barista Salary in Santa Monica vs. National Average
Nationally, Baristas earn an average of about $14.50 per hour and around $30,160 per year.
Compared to this, Baristas in Santa Monica earn a notably higher wage with about $19.14 per hour and nearly $39,811 annually, reflecting the higher cost of living and demand in this California city.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Santa Monica for Baristas
Nearby areas offer competitive compensation for Baristas as well:
- Ocean Park: $21.00 per hour
- Downtown Santa Monica: $20.50 per hour
Working in these neighborhoods can provide slightly higher pay due to increased customer traffic and premium service expectations.
What Influences a Barista’s Salary in Santa Monica?
Several factors can impact a Barista’s earning potential in Santa Monica:
- Experience and Mastery: Baristas with advanced skills such as espresso mastery and latte art often command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Specialized coffee shops and high-end cafés tend to offer better pay compared to fast-casual chains.
- Certifications and Training: Holding certifications such as a Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Barista Certification can boost salary prospects.
- Shift Hours and Flexibility: Working peak hours and weekends may offer higher earnings through shift differentials and more tips.
How To Become a Barista in Santa Monica
Becoming a successful Barista in Santa Monica includes gaining proper training and experience, as well as relevant certifications.
Barista Training at Santa Monica College offers comprehensive courses covering espresso preparation, latte art, and customer service skills, which are vital for this role.
Coffee Brewing Techniques at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf provides in-house advanced brewing methods and equipment handling training.
Professional certifications like the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Barista Certification are highly recognized and show proficiency in coffee preparation and knowledge.
Obtaining a Food Handler's Permit is also necessary to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
Top Employers Hiring Baristas in Santa Monica
Santa Monica hosts several reputable employers that frequently seek skilled Baristas:
- Starbucks
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
- Blue Bottle Coffee
- Urth Caffé
- Demitasse
Establishments That Baristas in Santa Monica Work At
Baristas in Santa Monica work across various establishment types, including:
- Specialty Coffee Shops: These offer higher pay due to the skill and craft involved.
- Fast Casual Cafés: Generally offer moderate wages with higher volume customer flow.
- Chain Coffee Shops: Provide consistent work but usually pay a standard wage with variable tips.
- Restaurants and Hotels: Baristas here might see different wage structures and benefit packages.
The type of establishment greatly impacts the salary structure, benefits, and tips received by Baristas.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Santa Monica for Baristas
If you are interested in roles similar to Barista, you might consider these career paths that also relate to the food and beverage industry:
Labor Laws and Taxes for Baristas in Santa Monica
Baristas should be familiar with labor laws and tax regulations applicable to their work in Santa Monica.
- Federal labor standards and regulations are available on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- California state labor laws, workplace safety, and wage regulations can be reviewed on the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
- Local rules and resources specific to Santa Monica can be found on the City of Santa Monica official website.