Barista Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
Baristas in Winston-Salem, NC, in 2025, earn approximately $14.47 per hour, which translates to about $578.80 per week, $2,508.13 per month, and $30,097.60 per year.
The job market for Baristas in Winston-Salem is experiencing positive growth at a rate of 5% per year, signaling increasing demand for skilled coffee professionals in this area.
How Much Does a Barista Make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The salary of a Barista in Winston-Salem varies depending on experience and specific employers. Here’s a breakdown by experience level:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.71 | $428.40 | $1,853.60 | $22,300.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.47 | $578.80 | $2,508.13 | $30,097.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $19.54 | $781.60 | $3,384.53 | $40,643.20 |
Do Baristas in Winston-Salem Earn Tips?
Yes, Baristas in Winston-Salem typically earn tips. They can often make an extra $10 per hour in tips on top of their hourly wages, depending on the establishment and customer traffic.
Barista Salary in Winston-Salem vs. National Average
Nationally, Baristas earn an average hourly wage of around $15.39, translating to approximately $32,011.20 per year.
Baristas in Winston-Salem earn slightly less than the national average, with an hourly wage of about $14.47 and a yearly salary of $30,097.60.
This difference may reflect local economic conditions and cost of living factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Winston-Salem for Baristas
Nearby areas offer slightly different pay rates for Baristas:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Ardmore: $15.00 per hour
Baristas working in Downtown Winston-Salem enjoy the highest pay among nearby neighborhoods, making it an attractive area for coffee professionals.
What Influences a Barista’s Salary in Winston-Salem?
Several factors affect how much a Barista can earn in Winston-Salem:
- Experience and Expertise: Experienced Baristas with advanced skills in espresso preparation and latte art often command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: High-end cafes, specialty coffee shops, and busy urban locations tend to offer better pay compared to fast food or smaller chains.
- Certifications: Accredited certifications like the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Certification or SCA Barista Skills Certification can boost earning potential.
- Shift Timing: Working peak hours or weekends might come with additional pay or higher tips.
- Customer Service Skills: Baristas who excel at engaging customers and maintaining fast, friendly service often earn more gratuities.
How To Become a Barista in Winston-Salem
Starting a career as a Barista in Winston-Salem can involve these steps:
- Complete training programs: For example, the Barista Training Program at Forsyth Technical Community College provides comprehensive coffee preparation, customer service, and equipment handling training.
- Obtain certifications: Consider earning the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Certification or SCA Barista Skills Certification to demonstrate professional skills.
- Food Safety knowledge: Securing certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification can be important as many employers require food safety compliance.
- Gain on-the-job experience: Starting in entry-level roles at cafes or coffee shops helps build essential skills and opens doors to advancement.
- Network in the coffee community: Connecting with local coffee professionals can help with job opportunities and career growth.
Top Employers Hiring Baristas in Winston-Salem
Some of the top employers looking for skilled Baristas in Winston-Salem include:
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
- Morrison Healthcare
- Starbucks
- Aramark
- Sodexo
Establishments That Baristas in Winston-Salem Work At
Baristas in Winston-Salem can work in a variety of establishments, including:
- Casual Coffee Shops: These typically offer steady schedules and moderate pay.
- Specialty Coffee Shops: Often pay higher wages and value advanced coffee skills.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Bars and eateries that serve coffee along with food can offer diverse work environments.
- Healthcare Facilities: Cafes in hospitals or medical centers may offer consistent hours and benefits.
- Corporate Cafeterias: Employers like Aramark and Sodexo provide food services in corporate or institutional settings.
The salary differences are influenced by the role's complexity, establishment prestige, and customer volume.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Winston-Salem for Baristas
If you are interested in careers related to Barista positions, consider exploring roles such as Bartender, Barback, or Cashier, which share overlapping skills in customer service and beverage preparation.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Baristas in Winston-Salem
Baristas should stay informed about relevant labor laws and tax regulations affecting their employment in Winston-Salem and North Carolina.
- For federal labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor.
- The North Carolina Department of Labor site provides state-specific information on wages, workplace safety, and rights.
- The City of Winston-Salem official website offers local government resources affecting workers.