Top 10 Barista Jobs in NYC, NY – July 2024 Job Listings

Best Barista Jobs in New York City (Hiring Now!)

New York City boasts a total of 3,930 coffee shops. It’s an ideal place for Baristas looking for a wide range of opportunities — from high-end artisanal spots to cozy neighborhood cafes.

[Source: Smartscrapers]

Whether you’re looking to start or advance your career, we’ve compiled a list of the top Barista jobs in NYC that you can apply for right now.

1. Hutch + Waldo | $22–$32 per hour

[Source: Hutch & Waldo]

• Position: Barista
• About: Hutch + Waldo was founded in 2017 by two friends from Sydney, Australia. Their vision is to create a warm and inviting space that combines Australian cafe culture with New York City’s vibrant energy.
• Requirements: Minimum of two years’ hospitality experience
• Salary: $37,440–$52,000 base plus tips per year 
• Job type: Full-time
• Benefits: Employee discounts, flexible schedule, opportunities for advancement
• Where to apply: Visit Hutch & Waldo’s career page

2. The Mark Hotel | $20–$27.50 per hour

[Source: The Mark Hotel]

• Position: Barista 
• About: The Mark Hotel is a luxury hotel located along Madison Avenue in the iconic Upper East Side neighborhood. 
• Requirements: Proficiency in all aspects of fine dining service, ability to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally, prior knowledge about the food and beverage industry
• Salary: $41,600–$57,200 base plus tips per year 
• Job type: Full-time 
• Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, free lunch
• Where to apply: Visit The Mark Hotel’s career page

3. Ralph Lauren | $16–$22.97 per hour

[Source: Ralph Lauren]

• Position: Barista, Ralph’s Coffee, 5th Ave
• About: The Ralph Lauren Corporation is best known for its high-end fashion brands like Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren and more. It also owns the coffee shop franchise, Ralph’s Coffee.  
• Requirements: Previous experience as a Barista or in a related position, ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Salary: $33,280–$47,777.6 base plus tips per year 
• Job type: Part-time
• Benefits: Paid training, paid time off, flexible schedule
• Where to apply: Visit Ralph Lauren’s career page

4. Food+ | $29.44 per hour

[Source: Food+]

• Position: Barista
• About: Food+ by Compass is a skilled team dedicated to creating delicious food experiences for a major tech company, helping to fuel creativity and innovation.
• Requirements: Previous experience is preferred
• Salary: $30,584 base plus tips per year 
• Job type: Part-time
• Benefits: 401(k)/retirement plan, associate shopping program, health and wellness programs, discount marketplace, identity theft protection, pet insurance
• Where to apply: Visit Food+’s career page

5. Flik Hospitality Group | $22–$24 per hour

[Source: Flik Hospitality Group]

• Position: Barista
• About: Flik Hospitality Group is a provider of hospitality and corporate dining services, with clients from over 800 locations. It is also a part of Compass Group North America.
• Requirements: Previous Barista experience is preferred
• Salary: $45,760–$49,920 base plus tips per year 
• Job type: Full-time
• Benefits: Employee discount, identity theft protection, medical and disability insurance, commuter benefits 
• Where to apply: Visit Compass Group’s career page

6. Constellation | $23 per hour

[Source: Constellation]

• Position: Barista 
• About: Constellation is a culinary organization committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences across a diverse range of settings. 
• Requirements: Minimum of one year’s experience working in a retail environment
• Salary: $47,840 base plus tips per year 
• Job type: Full-time 
• Benefits: Health and vision insurance, employee discount, 401(k)/retirement plan, commuter assistance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement
• Where to apply: Visit Constellation’s career page

7. Bluestone Lane | $24–$26 per hour

[Source: Bluestone Lane]

• Position: Head Barista 
• About: Bluestone Lane is an Australian-inspired coffee and lifestyle brand headquartered in New York City.
• Requirements: Minimum of one year working as a Barista or Head Barista in a specialty cafe or four years working in a non-specialty cafe with a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Salary: $37,440–$52,000 base plus tips per year
• Job type: Full-time
• Benefits: Paid parental leave, employee assistance program, health insurance, 401(k)/retirement plan, commuter assistance, referral program
• Where to apply: Visit Bluestone Lane’s career page

8. Aritzia | $20–$25 per hour

[Source: Aritzia]

• Position: Barista 
• About: Aritzia is a Canadian fashion brand and retailer known that offers stylish women’s clothing. Its SoHo flagship store has an in-house cafe that serves espresso drinks. 
• Requirements: Previous experience in retail or hospitality
• Salary: $41,600–$52,000 base plus tips per year 
• Job type: Full-time
• Benefits: Employee discounts, flexible schedule, career advancement opportunities
• Where to apply: Visit Aritzia’s career page

9. Nordstrom | $16.95–$17.65 per hour

[Source: Nordstrom]

• Position: Barista – Milk Bar 
• About: Nordstrom is a leading high-end department store chain. Most of its locations also house restaurant and cafe concepts, including the NYC-founded dessert shop, Milk Bar. 
• Requirements: Previous experience in food service and/or hospitality
• Salary: $35,256–$36,712 base plus tips per year 
• Job type: Full-time and part-time
• Benefits: Employee discount, medical, vision and dental insurance, 401(k)/retirement plan, disability insurance 
• Where to apply: Visit Nordstrom’s career page

10. Starbucks | $22.70 per hour

[Source: Starbucks]

• Position: Barista 
• About: Starbucks is a multinational chain of coffeehouses and one of the world’s largest coffeehouse chains.
• Requirements: Availability to work flexible hours that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights and/or holidays
• Salary: $47,216 base plus tips per year 
• Job type: Full-time, part-time
• Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, 100% tuition coverage, equity reward program, flexible scheduling
• Where to apply: Visit Starbucks’ career page

Salary Trends for Barista Jobs in New York City

The average Barista wage in NYC is $17.61 base plus tips per hour, according to the most recent data averaged from Indeed, Glassdoor and Salary.com. This translates into a salary of $36,735 base plus tips a year for full-time positions. 

Compare the average salaries Baristas make in major U.S. cities.

[Calculated using Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Salary.com, Glassdoor and Talent.com data]

Tipping Trends for Baristas

In addition to base salaries, Baristas in New York City often receive tips, which can significantly increase their overall earnings. 

These tips can vary based on factors such as the level of customer service provided, the popularity of the establishment and the generosity of patrons.

Customers often tip between 15% and 20% of the total bill. Some cafes and coffee shops also have a tip jar and/or a tip pooling system for eligible employees.

If you are a Barista in NYC, try out our New York paycheck calculator to see what your take-home pay is in this state.

Whether you’re compensated hourly or on a fixed salary basis, our calculator will help you accurately determine your earnings.

Factors That Affect Barista Earnings

Here are the factors that influence the average Barista salary:

• Experience and skill level: Experienced Baristas often earn higher pay due to their ability to elevate customer experiences.
• Education and training: Additional certifications and participation in competitions can give Baristas a competitive edge in negotiating salaries.
• Establishment type: Baristas employed in upscale cafes generally receive higher compensation compared to those in chain outlets.
• Location: Geographic areas with higher living costs may offer baristas higher salaries to offset expenses.
• Shift flexibility: Those willing to work flexible hours may receive extra pay incentives.
• Performance and engagement: Exceptional customer service and engagement often result in performance-based bonuses.

Quiz: Is Barista the Right Role for You?

See if you have what it takes to be a Barista by taking our quiz below.

Results

Congratulations!

Based on your responses, it seems like a career as a Barista would be an excellent fit for you. Your skills and preferences align well with the demands of the profession.

Embrace this opportunity, and consider exploring further training or gaining hands-on experience to enhance your craft. Check out our list of high-paying Barista Jobs.

Cheers to a promising future in the hospitality and coffee industry!

There’s great potential!

While your results indicate that a Barista role may not be an immediate perfect match, there’s great potential for you to excel with dedication and focused effort.

Consider investing some time in honing your skills, perhaps by attending Barista courses and workshops or gaining practical experience in a cafe/coffee shop setting. You can also visit our Barista Interview Questions to learn more about how you can improve your chances.

#1. How do you prioritize tasks during a busy shift?

I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and impact on customer service.

I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and impact on customer service.

I find it challenging to manage my workload effectively under pressure.

I find it challenging to manage my workload effectively under pressure.

Next

#2. How do you handle a customer who complains about their coffee order?

I apologize to the customer and offer to remake their order to their satisfaction.

I apologize to the customer and offer to remake their order to their satisfaction.

I calmly address the customer’s concerns and work towards finding a resolution.

I calmly address the customer’s concerns and work towards finding a resolution.

Next

#3. What steps do you take to ensure cleanliness and hygiene in the workspace?

I regularly sanitize equipment and surfaces according to health standards.

I regularly sanitize equipment and surfaces according to health standards.

I sometimes overlook cleanliness tasks but understand their importance.

I sometimes overlook cleanliness tasks but understand their importance.

Next

#4. How do you approach learning about different coffee varieties and brewing methods?

I prefer to stick to what I already know but am open to learning new techniques.

I prefer to stick to what I already know but am open to learning new techniques.

I actively seek out opportunities to expand my knowledge and skill set through training and research.

I actively seek out opportunities to expand my knowledge and skill set through training and research.

Next

#5. How do you handle high-pressure situations, such as long lines or equipment malfunctions?

I stay calm, prioritize tasks and communicate effectively with coworkers to find solutions.

I stay calm, prioritize tasks and communicate effectively with coworkers to find solutions.

I feel stressed but try to manage the situation as best as I can.

I feel stressed but try to manage the situation as best as I can.

Next

#6. What steps do you take to ensure accuracy in taking and fulfilling customer orders?

I double-check orders for accuracy and communicate clearly with customers to confirm their preferences.

I double-check orders for accuracy and communicate clearly with customers to confirm their preferences.

I sometimes rush through orders, leading to mistakes.

I sometimes rush through orders, leading to mistakes.

Next

#7. How do you contribute to fostering a positive and welcoming atmosphere for customers?

I greet customers warmly and engage in friendly conversation.

I greet customers warmly and engage in friendly conversation.

I prefer keeping interactions with customers straightforward.

I prefer keeping interactions with customers straightforward.

Next

#8. What do you consider when recommending a coffee beverage to a customer?

I consider their taste preferences and any dietary restrictions they may have.

I consider their taste preferences and any dietary restrictions they may have.

I suggest the quickest option to expedite service without considering their preferences.

I suggest the quickest option to expedite service without considering their preferences.

Next

#9. How do you handle constructive feedback from your supervisor or colleagues?

I tend to get defensive or upset when receiving feedback from others.

I tend to get defensive or upset when receiving feedback from others.

I appreciate constructive feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

I appreciate constructive feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Next

#10. How do you maintain your composure during busy periods or stressful situations?

I take deep breaths and focus on prioritizing tasks to manage the workload effectively.

I take deep breaths and focus on prioritizing tasks to manage the workload effectively.

I become overwhelmed and find it challenging to remain calm under pressure.

I become overwhelmed and find it challenging to remain calm under pressure.

Finish

Legal Requirements for Barista Jobs in NYC

In New York City, Baristas, like all employees, are protected by various labor laws and regulations. Some of the key legal requirements for Baristas in New York City include:

• Minimum wage: Baristas must be paid at least the applicable minimum wage set by New York State and New York City laws. Since January 2024, the minimum wage in New York City is $16.00 per hour.  

• Overtime pay: Baristas are entitled to overtime pay if they work for more than 40 hours in a week, at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly wage.

• Breaks: New York State labor laws mandate that employees receive meal breaks and rest breaks, with the duration depending on the length of their shift. For example, employees who work shifts of more than six hours must be provided with a 30-minute meal break.
• Age requirement: According to the New York State Department of Labor (DOL), the minimum age requirement for Baristas is 18 years old. However, there are cases where establishments may accept applicants aged 16 to 17 who have a work permit or equivalent. 
• Tips: If an establishment allows tipping, tips belong to the employees who directly receive them, including Baristas. Employers are prohibited from taking a share of employees’ tips, except in limited circumstances specified by law.
• Paid sick leave: In New York City, employees are entitled to paid sick leave, which accrues based on the number of hours worked.
• Discrimination and harassment protections: Employees are protected from discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics — such as race, gender, religion, sexual orientation and disability — under federal, state and city laws.
• Workplace safety: Employers are required to provide a safe work environment for employees, including training on safety procedures and compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.