Barista Salary in St. Petersburg, FL
Baristas in St. Petersburg, FL, in 2025, earn approximately $16.43 per hour, which is about $657.20 per week, $2,847.87 per month, and $34,174.40 per year.
The job demand for Baristas is growing steadily at about 6% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the coffee and café industry in St. Petersburg.
How Much Does a Barista Make in St. Petersburg, FL?
The salary of a Barista in St. Petersburg varies based on experience level and skills. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings across different experience levels.
| 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) | $14.00 | $560.00 | $2,413.33 | $29,120.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Baristas in St. Petersburg Earn Tips?
Yes, Baristas often earn tips in addition to their wages. They can make an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips depending on the establishment and customer volume, which can significantly increase their overall earnings.
Barista Salary in St. Petersburg vs. National Average
Nationally, Baristas earn about $15.64 per hour, which is approximately $32,531.20 annually.
Baristas in St. Petersburg earn slightly above the national average at $16.43 per hour and $34,174.40 annually. This reflects the competitive coffee culture and cost of living in the area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St. Petersburg for Baristas
Nearby neighborhoods that pay higher wages to Baristas include:
- Downtown: $17.00 per hour
- Old Northeast: $16.50 per hour
Working in these higher-paying areas can enhance a Barista’s income compared to other parts of St. Petersburg.
What Influences a Barista’s Salary in St. Petersburg?
Several factors affect a Barista’s salary in St. Petersburg:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced baristas who master latte art, advanced espresso techniques, and customer service usually earn more.
- Type of Establishment: Specialty coffee shops, high-end cafés, or busy urban locations tend to offer better pay compared to small or chain coffee outlets.
- Certifications and Training: Completing recognized barista training or certifications can boost earning potential.
- Shift Timing: Working peak hours, weekends, or holidays might come with shift differentials.
- Local Demand and Competition: The thriving coffee culture in St. Petersburg increases demand and can positively influence wages.
How To Become a Barista in St. Petersburg
To start and grow a career as a Barista in St. Petersburg, consider the following steps:
- Complete Barista Training Programs: Programs like the Barista Training Program at The Art Institute of Tampa offer comprehensive skills in coffee preparation and café management.
- Specialize with Coffee Brewing Techniques Courses: Short courses at St. Petersburg College focus on advanced espresso and brewing methods that improve your expertise.
- Obtain Necessary Certifications: Food Handler Certification is required in Florida to ensure safe food service practices. Additionally, Certified Barista Level 1 certification demonstrates proficiency in barista skills.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level work in cafes builds customer service and technical skills.
Top Employers Hiring Baristas in St. Petersburg
Some notable employers actively seeking Baristas in St. Petersburg include:
- Starbucks
- La Segunda Bakery
- Hilton
Establishments That Baristas in St. Petersburg Work At
Baristas in St. Petersburg typically work in various settings including:
- Specialty Coffee Shops: These often pay higher salaries due to the skilled craftsmanship required and premium products.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Cafés: These places provide steady employment but often at slightly lower wages.
- Hotels and Resorts: Upscale hotel cafes usually offer better pay and benefits.
- Bakeries and Local Markets: Such establishments may pay varying wages based on size and business model.
The type of establishment greatly impacts a Barista’s earnings, with specialty and upscale environments providing better salary and tip opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St. Petersburg for Baristas
Baristas may consider related roles if looking to expand or change their career paths within hospitality.
These related positions include Bartender, Bar Manager, and Barback, all of which share overlapping skills and hospitality industry experience.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Baristas in St. Petersburg
As a Barista in St. Petersburg, it is important to understand relevant labor laws and tax obligations to ensure a fair work environment and compliance:
- You can find detailed federal labor laws on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Florida’s labor and employment regulations are available on the official Florida state website.
- For local employment information and resources, visit the City of St. Petersburg’s official website.