Highest-Paying Barista Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. Utilizing a comprehensive analysis of public government data, company reports, and thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has produced updated average salary estimates for barista roles across the United States. This data helps to identify the highest-paying barista positions based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of baristas:
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Lead Barista remains the highest-paid type of barista, with an average salary of $36,250 and an average hourly rate of $17.40.
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The second highest-paying type of barista is Barista Trainer, earning an average salary of $35,500.
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The average barista salary is now $31,000 per year, with an average hourly pay of $15.00.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging, and while compensation is crucial, it should be one of many factors you consider. If you aspire to work as a barista, understanding the highest-paying roles in this field will aid you in planning your career trajectory.
Here are the top salaries for different types of baristas:
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Lead Barista
Average Salary: $36,250
A Lead Barista is responsible for delivering exceptional customer service and demonstrating expertise in coffee equipment, products, and menu offerings. They engage with customers, educating them on premium coffee selections while fostering a welcoming store atmosphere. Additionally, Lead Baristas mentor new team members and provide technical assistance.
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Barista Trainer
Average Salary: $35,500
Barista Trainers play a pivotal role in developing new baristas, sharing knowledge about coffee preparation, service techniques, and customer interaction.
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Certified Barista
Average Salary: $34,000
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Server/Barista
Average Salary: $31,500
A Server/Barista prepares and serves beverages and food items, ensuring customer satisfaction by clearly explaining menu options. Essential skills for this role include strong communication and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
Below is a detailed table of the average pay for various barista positions, showcasing the highest-paying roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Baristas
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lead Barista | |
| 2 | Barista Trainer | |
| 3 | Certified Barista | |
| 4 | Server/Barista |
Methodology
Zippia utilizes publicly available data from government sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to develop its salary estimates.
Our data science team regularly reviews job postings and corporate resources for the most current salary information for baristas.
Once the data is collected, the team computes a weighted average for each job title. For further details regarding our salary estimates, please refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Barista Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid barista job?
The highest-paid barista job is a Lead Barista. Lead Baristas earn an average salary of $36,250, equating to about $17.40 per hour.
A Lead Barista is tasked with providing exceptional customer service and demonstrating expertise in coffee equipment and products. They engage with customers, educate them about premium coffee offerings, and foster a welcoming store environment. Furthermore, Lead Baristas assist in training new team members and provide necessary guidance.
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What is a good salary for a barista?
A good salary for a barista is $31,000 or more. The average barista salary is currently $31,000, meaning those earning at least this amount are above the average pay scale.
However, keep in mind that the average salary can vary significantly based on location, as employers adjust their pay according to the cost of living in different areas. Research the average salary for your expertise and experience level in your specific region for a clearer perspective on your compensation.
If you’re just starting as a barista, the entry-level salary may be lower, so don’t base your expectations solely on the average salary.
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Do barista jobs pay well?
Barista jobs generally offer moderate pay. As with any profession, some barista roles pay better than others. The average salary of $31,000 is significantly lower than the average national salary of about $50,000 per year.
Nonetheless, barista positions can have potential for higher earnings, especially for experienced professionals.
Barista salaries can vary based on experience, industry, and location, so it’s essential to consider these factors when searching for barista jobs. Conduct research on the typical pay for baristas in your area and don’t hesitate to negotiate your salary based on this information.
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Where do baristas get paid the most?
Baristas earn the highest salaries in California. In California, baristas enjoy an average annual salary of $34,500 and an hourly wage of approximately $16.60.
The states following California with the highest-paid baristas include New York, Washington, and Massachusetts, with average annual salaries of $33,000, $32,800, and $31,500, respectively.
The cities offering the best salaries for baristas are:
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San Francisco, CA – $36,000
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New York, NY – $35,500
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Boston, MA – $34,800
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
