What Restaurants Do Baristas Make the Most Money at in Spokane, WA?

The average hourly wage for Baristas in Spokane is about $15 per hour. However, pay can vary significantly based on the establishment, their clientele and the overall volume of business. Many coffee spots offer opportunities for tips and bonuses, which can boost a Barista’s take-home earnings.

If you’re curious about which restaurants and cafes pay Baristas the best in Spokane, this article will guide you through some of the leading spots. We’ll also explore factors influencing pay and offer tips for landing high-paying Barista jobs in the area.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Baristas in Spokane, WA

Spokane’s coffee scene combines local independent cafes with well-known chains, each offering different pay scales and work environments. These spots below are among the best known for good wages and positive workplace cultures for Baristas.

1. Atticus Coffee & Gifts

Famous for its cozy vibe and combined café and gift shop concept, Atticus Coffee & Gifts offers Baristas a chance to work in a community-focused environment. Their commitment to quality and customer service often translates into good gratuities and competitive hourly wages.

2. Indaba Coffee

Indaba Coffee prides itself on sourcing and roasting its own sustainably grown beans. Baristas here benefit from extensive training and a reputation for excellent craft coffee, attracting loyal customers and supportive management that value their staff.

3. The Elk Public House

While known primarily as a gastropub, The Elk Public House also operates a coffee bar with a focus on specialty beverages. This creates opportunities for Baristas to engage with a diverse clientele and enjoy a lively, upscale environment with competitive pay.

4. Seattle’s Best Coffee - Spokane

A well-known national chain, Seattle’s Best Coffee offers consistency in pay and schedules with occasional bonuses for peak performance. Their established operations provide security and steady income for Baristas looking for reliable jobs.

5. World's Fair Coffee

Local favorite World's Fair Coffee is noted for its quality espresso and chilled environment. Baristas here are rewarded with above-average tips due to a loyal customer base in popular locations around Spokane.

6. VooDoo Doughnut Spokane

While primarily a doughnut shop, VooDoo Doughnut also serves specialty coffee drinks. The established brand recognition and busy customer flow can offer Baristas solid earnings especially during peak times and special events.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Barista Earnings in Spokane

The type of venue plays an important role in shaping a Barista’s earnings in Spokane. Specialty coffee shops focused on craftsmanship often pay more than basic chain coffee stands. The experience and skills required to handle artisan-level coffee can command higher wages.

Additionally, locations where Baristas can cultivate regular customer relationships often provide better tipping potential. Casual fast-food or chain outlets may offer steadier hours but with less opportunity for gratuities or bonuses.

Barista certification or training in advanced brewing methods can lead to opportunities at upscale coffee venues or multi-service restaurants that value skilled beverage preparation and customer interaction.

How To Find a High Paying Barista Job in Spokane

Refine Your Application Materials

Tailor your resume to highlight any previous Barista or customer service experience, especially in specialty coffee settings. A cover letter that emphasizes your passion for coffee and willingness to learn can set you apart.

Leverage Networking

Attend local coffee events or workshops where you can meet potential employers and fellow Baristas. Personal connections and word-of-mouth often open doors to top-paying positions.

Prepare for Interviews

Know your coffee basics thoroughly and be ready to discuss brewing methods, coffee bean origins and customer service scenarios. Showing enthusiasm and professionalism makes a strong impression.

Target Premium Venues

Seek out establishments known for quality and customer loyalty, as these tend to pay more and provide better working environments for Baristas committed to their craft.

Stay Flexible

Being open to varying shifts, including weekends and mornings, increases your chances of landing a competitive role, as many coffee businesses have fluctuating peak hours.

What’s the Outlook for Barista Jobs in Spokane in 2025 and Beyond?

The demand for Baristas in Spokane is expected to remain steady or grow slightly by 2025, buoyed by the city’s expanding food and beverage industry and a strong local coffee culture. Specialty coffee shops and artisan cafes are fueling this growth.

According to labor market analysis, the hospitality sector in Spokane continues to adapt to consumers seeking higher quality and unique coffee experiences, which often correlates with increased hiring of skilled Baristas.

Opportunities are particularly strong in neighborhoods experiencing revitalization and increased foot traffic, such as Kendall Yards and the downtown area.

Is a Barista’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Spokane?

With an average wage of $15 per hour, a full-time Barista in Spokane can earn approximately $31,000 annually before taxes. This can be augmented by tips, bonuses and overtime.

Spokane’s cost of living is modest compared to many U.S. cities, with average monthly expenses including:

• 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,100
• Utilities: $150
• Groceries (per person): $300–$400
• Transportation (monthly pass): $50

For skilled Baristas working at higher-paying venues, living comfortably on their earnings is generally feasible in Spokane. Many supplement income with tips, which can significantly enhance monthly take-home pay.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Spokane Barista Jobs

Our selections focused on spots known both for competitive pay and positive work environments based on current job listings, employee reviews and local reputation.

We prioritized:

• Wages: Establishments offering hourly pay at or above Spokane’s average for Baristas
• Tips and Bonuses: Venues where gratuities contribute substantially to total earnings
• Location: Accessibility within popular and thriving neighborhoods
• Employee Satisfaction: Positive feedback regarding management and work culture

These factors collectively identify workplaces offering both financial and job satisfaction advantages for Baristas in Spokane.