Interesting Statistics About Baristas in 2025

Key Findings:

• There are 474,400 people working as Baristas in the United States.
• Only 35% of Baristas work full-time positions, while 65% work part-time.
• Most Baristas give their job satisfaction a rating of 2.9 out of 5 and their salary satisfaction a 2.6 out of 5.
• On average, Baristas rate their personality fit with the job at 3.8 out of 5, suggesting most feel well-suited to the role.
• There are currently over 42,700 coffee shops in the U.S.
• About 51% of U.S. consumers opt to get coffee from a cafe at least once a week.
• However, 54% of them spend $20 or less per month on these coffee.
• The U.S. specialty coffee market is expected to grow from $52.1 billion in 2025 to $81.8 billion by 2030.
• Specialty coffee accounts for 59% of total coffee consumption in the country.
• Consumers aged 18 to 24 spend the most on specialty coffee.
• The coffee industry supports over 2.2 million U.S. jobs and brings in more than $100 billion in wages each year.

This report explores Barista statistics in 2025, offering a detailed look at the current landscape of the U.S. coffee industry. 

It covers key data on employment, wages, demographics and job satisfaction, while also highlighting broader market trends like the rise of specialty coffee, changing consumer habits and the economic impact of coffee nationwide. 

Whether you’re a current Barista, an employer or someone considering a career in coffee, these insights shed light on where the industry stands today — and where it’s headed.

Nationwide Barista Employment and Job Outlook

Understanding the size of the Barista workforce is key to grasping its impact on the coffee industry.

• Total employment: There are currently over 474,400 individuals employed as Baristas across the country. (Source)
• Number of jobs: There are about 93,300 active Barista job openings.
• Job outlook: Estimates suggest that there will be 1,058,480 new job openings for Baristas by the year 2029. 
• Growth rate: The Barista job market is anticipated to grow by 4.6% between 2016 and 2026.

These numbers highlight strong prospects for both experienced Baristas and those looking to start in this line of work.

Demographic Profile of Baristas in the US

The demographic composition of Baristas in the United States reveals several key characteristics.

• Employment type: Recent data shows that only 35% of Baristas hold full-time positions, while the remaining 65% work part-time. (Source)
• Gender distribution: The profession is predominantly female, with women comprising approximately 61% of the Barista population, compared to 39% for men.
• Age by gender: A significant majority, around 67%, are under the age of 30. 
• Age distribution: The average age for both male and female Baristas is 21. This skew towards a younger demographic likely reflects the physical demands of the job, the need for multitasking abilities and the perception of Barista work as an entry-level position or a role often held by students. 
• Level of educational attainment: Approximately 43% of Baristas in the U.S. hold bachelor’s degrees. 
• Racial and ethnic composition: The majority of Baristas in the U.S. are white, accounting for 62% of the workforce. Latinos represent the second-largest group at 21%, followed by African Americans at 9%.
• Foreign language skills: Around 58% of Baristas in the US who speak a second language are fluent in Spanish. 

Salary and Overall Income

The earnings of U.S.-based Baristas depend on several factors like the following:

• Annual salary: Recent data shows that Baristas make $34,825 per year (before tips), on average.
• Hourly wage: Most Baristas earn hourly wages, with the U.S. average being $16.74 per hour.
• Tip amount: Baristas typically earn an additional $2 to $5 per hour in tips, which can significantly supplement their base wage.
• Regional variations: The District of Columbia leads as the highest-paying location for Baristas, where the average annual salary is $39,521. Oregon follows at $37,984, with California close behind at $37,933. 

Pro tip: Bookmark our Paycheck Calculator to easily figure out exactly how much your take-home pay is. 

Job Satisfaction and Retention in the Barista Profession

Below, we’ll look at key points that provide insights into the overall health and sustainability of this workforce segment.

• Job satisfaction: Most Baristas rate their job satisfaction as 2.9 out of 5, which puts them in the bottom 25% of professions. (Source) 
• Schedule flexibility: Many Baristas appreciate the flexibility of part-time work, with 65% valuing it for better work-life balance and the ability to study while working.
• Salary satisfaction: Baristas rated their salary satisfaction at 2.6 out of 5, with most feeling dissatisfied and only a few reporting contentment with their pay.
• Personality fit: On average, Baristas rated their personality fit with their work at 3.8 out of 5, indicating that most feel suited to the role with few concerns.
• Work environment: Baristas gave their work environment a 3.4 out of 5, indicating that most find it enjoyable or at least not problematic.

See also: Pros and Cons of Being a Barista

The US Coffee Shop Market: Size, Revenue and Key Players

Coffee shops play a crucial role in shaping the Barista profession, with major chains and independent cafes driving employment and industry trends.

• The U.S. coffee shop market is projected to reach $57 billion in 2025. (Source)
• Forecasts also indicate the market size will reach $72 billion by 2028.
• The U.S. has over 42,700 coffee shops, to date. 
• Meanwhile, the branded coffee shop market is expected to exceed 51,100 outlets by September 2029. 
• The broader U.S. coffee market, encompassing all sales channels — such as coffee shops, retail and ready-to-drink products — generates approximately $80 billion in annual revenue. (Source)
• Starbucks leads the U.S. coffee shop market with a commanding 40% share, followed by Dunkin’ at 26% and Dutch Bros. at 3%, while all other chains combined make up the remaining 31%. 
• About 51% the population buys coffee from a coffee shop at least once a week. 
• However, a majority of consumers (54%) spend $20 or less per month on coffee from these establishments. 

The Rise of Specialty Coffee in the US Market

Specialty coffee has emerged as a significant and rapidly expanding segment within the broader U.S. coffee industry.

• The specialty coffee market in the U.S. is projected to grow to $52.1 billion in 2025, reaching $81.8 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% from 2025 to 2030. (Source)
• Meanwhile, the global specialty coffee market is projected to reach $183.0 billion by 2030. 
• Specialty coffee now makes up 59% of all coffee consumed in the U.S., underscoring its growing popularity among American consumers. (Source)
• A survey found that 70% of coffee drinkers are willing to pay more for higher-quality coffee. 
• Consumers aged 18 to 24 account for the largest share of revenue in the U.S. specialty coffee market, reflecting their strong interest in premium, innovative coffee options.
• Meanwhile, the 25 to 39 age group is expected to drive the fastest growth, fueled by higher disposable income and a growing preference for quality, ethically sourced coffee.
• In the same survey, 66% of these consumers aged 25 to 29 have drank specialty coffee in the past week. 

US Coffee Consumption Trends

Americans’ coffee habits continue to evolve, driven by shifting preferences, lifestyle changes and new brewing innovations. 

• Coffee remains a cornerstone of American daily routines, with over 60% of adults consuming it daily.
• The average American’s coffee consumption rate is approximately 1.87 cups per day. 
• Specialty coffee drinkers consume an average of 2.8 cups per day, compared to 1.87 cups for traditional coffee drinkers.
• Espresso-based beverages are increasingly popular, with 22% of Americans reporting consumption in the past day. 
• Within the specialty coffee category, both espresso-based and non-espresso-based beverages have seen an increase in consumption, with ready-to-drink coffee emerging as the third most popular preparation method among specialty coffee drinkers. (Source)

Economic Impact of the Coffee Industry

The coffee industry in the U.S. exerts a substantial and multifaceted impact on the national economy

• The coffee industry is a major source of employment, responsible for over 2.2 million US jobs and generating more than $100 billion in wages annually. (Source)
• Coffee businesses contribute significantly to government revenue, paying over $37 billion in federal, state and local taxes each year. 
• Notably, for every $1 in coffee imported into the United States, an estimated $43 in value is created within the domestic economy. (Source)
• Annually, the per capita consumption in the U.S. is around 4.7 kilograms (or 10.3 lbs), averaging about three cups per day. (Source)

Conclusion

The Barista statistics for 2025 we’ve listed above highlight a fast-growing, youth-driven profession at the heart of a booming U.S. coffee industry. 

With over 474,000 Baristas, rising job demand and a strong shift toward specialty coffee, the role continues to evolve alongside changing consumer tastes. 

Despite moderate job satisfaction, the industry’s economic impact is undeniable — supporting millions of jobs and generating billions in revenue, wages and taxes. That said, coffee remains both a cultural staple and a major contributor to the U.S. economy.