What Restaurants Do Baristas Make the Most Money at in Tempe, AZ?

The average hourly wage for Baristas in Tempe is about $15 per hour. However, earnings can vary significantly depending on the coffee shop or restaurant where a Barista works, as well as factors such as tips, skill level and location.

If you’re curious about which restaurants and cafes pay Baristas the most in Tempe, this article will highlight some of the top-paying spots. We’ll also explore how factors like restaurant type and certifications impact earnings and offer tips on finding high-paying Barista jobs.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Baristas in Tempe, AZ

Tempe’s growing coffee culture features a mix of independent artisanal cafes and popular chains, offering Baristas a variety of opportunities to earn competitive wages and tips. Here are some of the top places known to pay better than average for Baristas:

1. The Coffee Shop

A local favorite, The Coffee Shop is known for its cozy environment and great coffee crafted from locally sourced beans. Baristas here benefit from a loyal customer base and competitive pay.

2. Cartel Coffee Lab

Cartel Coffee Lab is a well-known specialty coffee roaster and Café with a strong reputation in Tempe. Their commitment to quality means Baristas receive advanced training and often higher wages paired with good tip potential.

3. Press Coffee Roasters

Press Coffee Roasters prides itself on ethically sourced beans and a modern Café vibe. With several locations including Tempe, Baristas here are trained Baristas who typically enjoy above-average hourly rates.

4. Royal Coffee Bar

This trendy spot in downtown Tempe boasts a strong following among young professionals and students. It combines modern coffee techniques with a welcoming atmosphere, rewarding experienced Baristas well.

5. Changing Hands Cafe

Located within the Changing Hands Bookstore, this Café offers a unique setting and steady flow of dedicated customers. Baristas benefit from steady shifts and a good mix of salary and tips.

6. Daily Driver Coffee

Daily Driver Coffee emphasizes sustainability and community involvement. Baristas are often trained in advanced coffee prep skills, reflecting in higher pay than typical chain Cafés.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Barista Earnings in Tempe

The kind of restaurant or Café you work at affects your income as a Barista in Tempe. For example, independent specialty coffee shops often pay more than national chains but may have fewer total hours available.

Upscale Cafés and restaurants typically expect more skill and knowledge around coffee preparation, which translates into higher wages and sometimes even bonuses or increased tips.

The restaurant’s location within the city also influences earnings. Cafés near Arizona State University or busy downtown areas attract more business, increasing tips and potentially allowing for overtime shifts.

• Specialty Coffee Shops: Often pay higher hourly wages and offer Barista training; tips tend to be better due to more affluent clientele.
• Chain Cafés: Usually have stable hours but generally offer lower base pay and less tipping compared to independent shops.
• Restaurants with Coffee Bars: Income depends on the restaurant’s focus on coffee and Barista skills; might pay less than dedicated Cafés but offer tipping opportunities.
• Location: Areas with high foot traffic or near popular locales generally yield better tip opportunities and often pay higher wages.

How To Find a High Paying Barista Job in Tempe

Polish Your Resume and Highlight Relevant Skills

Emphasize experience with espresso machines, latte art and customer service. Certifications in coffee preparation and Barista courses can boost your appeal to employers seeking skilled workers.

Network Within the Local Coffee Community

Attend local coffee events or workshops in Tempe to meet Café owners, managers and experienced Baristas. Personal connections can help you learn about unadvertised job openings or get referrals.

Focus on Specialty Cafés and Upscale Restaurants

These locations often provide better pay and opportunities for skill growth. Do research on spots with higher customer traffic and positive reviews to target your job search.

Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews

Demonstrate knowledge of coffee beans, brewing methods and customer engagement. Show enthusiasm for employee development and willingness to work varied shifts to stand out.

Consider Part-Time or Weekend Roles Initially

This can be a gateway to full-time high-paying positions as you prove your skills and reliability.

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

The job market for Baristas in Tempe is expected to grow moderately through 2025 and beyond. This is fueled by the city’s expanding food scene, increasing coffee culture and the steady influx of students and professionals.

According to labor market analyses, there will be a need for skilled Baristas especially in neighborhoods near Arizona State University and downtown, driven by new Café openings and evolving consumer preferences for artisanal coffee.

The demand is also supported by trends towards specialty coffee, direct trade sourcing and enhanced Café experiences, which favor well-trained Baristas who can engage customers and deliver high-quality beverages.

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

With an average wage of $15 per hour, a Barista working full-time could earn roughly $31,000 annually before taxes. This salary offers a modest living, especially when supplemented with tips.

Tempe's cost of living is relatively affordable compared to larger cities. Here are some 2025 estimates:

• 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,200
• Utilities (electricity, water, heating): $120
• Groceries (monthly for one): $300 - $400
• Transportation (public or gas): $100 - $150

While a Barista's salary can cover basic expenses, those seeking a more comfortable lifestyle might consider supplementing income with tips, second jobs or pursuing higher-paying roles within specialty coffee shops or larger restaurants.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Tempe Barista Jobs

We selected these top-paying Tempe Barista jobs after a detailed review of local job listings, worker reviews and industry feedback. Our focus was on highlighting roles that not only pay well but also offer good working environments and the potential for skill development.

Key criteria included:

• Competitive Pay: Restaurants and Cafés known to offer hourly wages above Tempe’s average for Baristas.
• Training and Certification Support: Employers that encourage ongoing education and Barista skill advancement.
• Location: Establishments conveniently located near high-traffic areas or community hubs like Arizona State University.
• Positive Reviews: Workplaces with strong employee satisfaction and supportive management.

Considering these factors helps job seekers find Barista positions that offer both financial benefits and career growth potential in Tempe’s vibrant coffee scene.