100+ Interesting Statistics About Baristas in the US in 2025

Barista Work in the US: Key Findings

• There are 474,600 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.

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

Whether you're a current Barista, an employer or someone considering a career in beverage service, these insights shed light on how the industry is evolving and what opportunities lie ahead.

Nationwide Barista Employment and Job Outlook

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

• Total employment: There are currently over 474,000 individuals employed as Baristas across the country.
• Number of jobs: There are about 93,300 active Barista job openings. (Source)

• Job outlook: Estimates suggest that the number of baristas will rise to 1,058,480 job openings by 2029, driven by both industry growth and high turnover. Also, forecasts show a need for 23,100 new Baristas to meet rising demand and 9,400 more to replace retirees over the next decade.
• Growth rate: The barista job market is anticipated to grow by 4.6% within the next few years, which is slightly faster than the general average for all occupations. 

• States with high employment concentration: Job opportunities vary widely across the country, with certain states like California and Texas employing significantly more Baristas than others. Below are the top five states with the highest Barista employment levels.

All in all, 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 74% of the Barista population, compared to 26% for men.
• Career interest by gender: There is also a slightly higher interest in becoming a Barista among women (52%) compared to men (48%), with a ratio of 1.10 to 1.
• Age by gender: 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. 

• Age distribution: A significant majority, around 67%, are under the age of 30. 

• 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 69% of the workforce. Latinos and Hispanics represent the second-largest group at 8%.

• Foreign language skills: Around 58% of Baristas in the U.S. who speak a second language are fluent in Spanish. 

See also: 75+ Restaurant Industry Statistics for 2025

Barista Statistics on Salary and Overall Income

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

• Annual base salary: Recent data shows that Baristas make $34,825 per year (before tips), on average.

• Hourly base pay: Most Baristas earn hourly wages, with the U.S. average being $16.74 per hour (before tips).
• 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.

• 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.

• Career happiness: Most Baristas rate their overall job satisfaction as 2.9 out of 5, which puts them in the bottom 25% of professions. (Source)
• 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.
• Opportunities to apply skills: With an average rating of 2.4 out of 5, many Baristas feel their skills are not utilized enough on the job.

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.

• Market growth forecast: The U.S. coffee shop market is projected to reach $57 billion in 2025 and then $72 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. (Source)

• Current shop count: The U.S. has over 42,700 coffee shops (including both independent and franchise brands), to date.
• Future expansion: Meanwhile, the branded coffee shop market is expected to exceed 51,100 outlets by September 2029. 

• Overall market size: 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)
• Market leaders: 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%. 

See also: Restaurant Consumer Trends [2025 Report]

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.

• Forecasted market value: 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 CAGR of 9.5% from 2025 to 2030. (Source)
• Global outlook: Meanwhile, the global specialty coffee market is projected to reach $183.0 billion by 2030. 

• Market share of consumption: Specialty coffee now makes up 59% of all coffee consumed in the U.S., underscoring its growing popularity among American consumers. (Source)
• Consumer interest and consumer spending intent: A survey found that 70% of coffee drinkers are willing to pay more for higher-quality coffee. 

• Top-spending age group: 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.
• Fastest-growing segment: 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.
• Recent consumption trends: In the same survey, 66% of these consumers aged 25 to 29 have drunk specialty coffee in the past seven days. 

US Coffee Consumption Trends

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

• Consumer frequency at coffee shops: About 51% the population buys coffee from a coffee shop at least once a week.
• Overall daily consumption rate: Coffee remains a cornerstone of American daily routines, with over 73% of adults consuming it daily — whether brewed at home, picked up on the go or ordered with breakfast. (Source)

• Spending habits: A good number of consumers (54%) spend $20 or less per month on coffee from cafes. 

• Average intake: The average American coffee consumption rate is approximately 1.87 cups per day.
• Specialty drinker behavior: Specialty coffee drinkers consume an average of 2.8 cups per day, compared to 1.87 cups for traditional coffee drinkers.

• Espresso popularity: 22% of Americans reported drinking an espresso-based beverage in the past day.
• Top coffee orders: Among coffee shop patrons, 38% say flavored lattes are their go-to, followed by flat whites (32%) and filter coffee (31%).

• Plant-based milk popularity: Around 51% of U.S. coffee drinkers now opt for oat, almond, soy or other nondairy milk in their coffee. (Source)

• Brewing formats on the rise: 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

• Jobs created: The coffee industry is a major source of employment, responsible for over 2.2 million U.S. jobs and generating more than $100 billion in wages annually. (Source)
• Tax contribution: Coffee businesses contribute significantly to government revenue, paying over $37 billion in federal, state and local taxes each year. 

• Economic value chain: For every $1 in coffee imported into the United States, an estimated $43 in value is created within the domestic economy. 

• Per capita consumption: On average, Americans consume 4.7 kilograms (10.3 lbs) of coffee annually — roughly three cups a day. (Source)

See also: Economic Indicators for the Restaurant Industry in 2025

Barista Statistics in 2025: 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. 

While job satisfaction is moderate and part-time work remains common, 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.

For those navigating this space — whether you're hiring for your coffee shop or searching for your next Barista job — OysterLink is built to help. Our platform connects hospitality professionals and employers quickly and efficiently. 

Explore job opportunities or post open roles today!