The average hourly wage for Baristas in Inglewood is approximately $16 per hour. While this is a solid baseline, actual earnings can vary greatly depending on the establishment’s clientele, location and tipping culture.
If you’re curious “What Restaurants and Cafes Do Baristas Make the Most Money at in Inglewood?” — you’re in the right place. This article explores some of the local spots known for generous pay and tips. We’ll also cover the main factors affecting Barista income and share tips for landing higher-paying roles.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Baristas in Inglewood, CA- 1. The Coffee Brigade
- 2. SHADE Coffee Roasters
- 3. Cafe 500
- 4. The Kettle Coffee House
- 5. Blue Bottle Coffee - Downtown Inglewood
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Barista Earnings in Inglewood
- How To Find a High Paying Barista Job in Inglewood
- What’s the Outlook for Barista Jobs in Inglewood in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Barista’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Inglewood?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Inglewood Barista Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Baristas in Inglewood, CA
Inglewood’s rapidly growing food and beverage scene offers some excellent options for Baristas looking to maximize their income. From artisan coffee shops to trendy cafes, these venues are recognized for strong base wages combined with good tipping opportunities.
Check out these standout spots:
1. The Coffee Brigade
Known as a community-centric coffee spot, The Coffee Brigade emphasizes ethically sourced beans and craftsmanship. Its loyal customer base and lively atmosphere often result in steady tips and above-average hourly pay for Baristas.
2. SHADE Coffee Roasters
SHADE specializes in small-batch, carefully roasted coffee with a modern aesthetic. This specialty coffee shop attracts coffee aficionados who appreciate premium beverages, making tips more generous for skilled Baristas.
3. Cafe 500
A popular spot near the downtown core, Cafe 500 offers a blend of traditional and innovative coffee drinks. Baristas here can expect a fast-paced environment where knowledge of complex coffee preparations is rewarded.
4. The Kettle Coffee House
This charming cafe is known for its welcoming vibe and handcrafted drinks. The Kettle Coffee House often draws local regulars and remote workers, generating consistent sales and tipping potential.
5. Blue Bottle Coffee - Downtown Inglewood
As part of an internationally recognized brand, Blue Bottle Coffee in Inglewood combines professionalism with a premium coffee experience. The prestige and steady stream of clientele here tend to boost Baristas’ earning potential through a good mix of base wage and tips.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Barista Earnings in Inglewood
The type and style of restaurant or cafe plays a significant role in determining what a Barista earns. Typically, specialty coffee shops and cafes that emphasize handcrafted beverages offer better wages and tip potential compared to more casual or chain locations.
Upscale cafes often seek out Baristas with advanced skills and knowledge, including latte art and coffee bean expertise. This expertise is frequently rewarded with higher pay rates and increased tipping from customers appreciative of quality craft.
Location also matters. Venues situated in busy commercial or cultural hubs like downtown Inglewood usually attract customers willing to spend more, increasing overall sales and tips.
How To Find a High Paying Barista Job in Inglewood
Build Relevant Skills
Sharpen your coffee-making skills, including knowledge of brewing methods, espresso techniques and customer service. Certification in Barista training can significantly improve your job prospects.
Target Specialty Coffee Shops
Focus your job search on independent or boutique cafes known for high-quality offerings, as these usually pay better than mass-market chains.
Network Locally
Connect with current employees or managers in the Inglewood coffee scene by attending community events or visiting cafes during off-peak hours to introduce yourself.
Prepare a Professional Resume
Highlight your experience with specialty coffee preparation, customer interaction and any certifications. Tailoring your resume to emphasize relevant skills can help land interviews for higher-paying roles.
Show Enthusiasm in Interviews
Display passion for coffee culture, eagerness to learn and a dedication to excellent service. These attributes often set candidates apart in the competitive Inglewood market.
What’s the Outlook for Barista Jobs in Inglewood in 2025 and Beyond?
The outlook for Barista roles in Inglewood remains positive heading into 2025. The city’s expanding urban development and influx of new businesses drive demand for well-trained coffee professionals.
According to industry reports, specialty coffee consumption is expected to grow steadily, and Inglewood’s emerging café culture is part of this trend. This means more opportunities and increasing wages for skilled Baristas.
Local events and the proximity to Los Angeles’ wider coffee market also contribute to stronger hiring prospects in Inglewood compared to smaller cities.
Is a Barista’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Inglewood?
With an average hourly rate of approximately $16 per hour, Baristas in Inglewood can expect an annual base salary near $33,000 before tips, assuming full-time hours. Tips can boost this figure considerably, depending on the venue.
However, the cost of living in Inglewood should be factored in. For example, typical monthly expenses in 2025 may include:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,600–$1,800
- Utilities: Around $150 per month
- Groceries: Approximately $300–$450 monthly
- Transportation Costs: $100–$150 per month
For Baristas working in top-paying cafes with consistent tips, living comfortably in Inglewood is achievable. Careful budgeting and steady employment at a reputable establishment can support a decent quality of life.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Inglewood Barista Jobs
To compile our list of top-paying Barista jobs in Inglewood, we assessed data from multiple sources including job postings and industry insights.
Important factors we considered were:
- Pay structure: Establishments offering competitive base pay combined with strong tipping potential
- Work environment: Venues with positive employee reviews and good reputation within the community
- Location: Cafes located in busy neighborhoods attracting steady affluent clientele
By focusing on these criteria, we identified spots that not only pay well but also provide a rewarding workplace for Baristas eager to grow their careers.
