Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of baristas that are the highest paid 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 is the highest-paid type of barista with an average salary of $33,918 and an average hourly rate of $16.31.
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The second highest-paying type of barista is barista trainer, with an average salary of $33,343.
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The average barista salary is $29,528 per year, and the average hourly pay is $14.20.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a barista, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of baristas are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of baristas:
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Lead Barista
Average Salary: $33,918
A Lead Barista provides quality customer service and demonstrates knowledge of coffee equipment, products, and menu products. Lead baristas serve all products with friendly and individualized attention towards each customer. They are responsible for making a difference to customers by educating them about our premium coffees. They establish relationships with customers and foster a positive and friendly store environment. They also assist new team members in the training program and provide technical guidance.
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Barista Trainer
Average Salary: $33,343
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Certified Barista
Average Salary: $32,150
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Server/Barista
Average Salary: $30,749
A server/barista is someone who makes and serves beverages and foods, such as coffee, tea, and sandwiches or baked goods. He or she should be able to explain menu items to customers to ensure customer satisfaction. Other responsibilities include knowing food and beverage quality controls and updating displays to attract customers. The core skills that a server/barista should possess include excellent listening and communication skills and the ability to cope up with a physically demanding work environment. A candidate with a high school diploma or equivalent could qualify for the position.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various barista that pay the most followed by a more detailed 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 uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for baristas.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the 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 $33,918, which is $ 16.31 hourly.
A Lead Barista provides quality customer service and demonstrates knowledge of coffee equipment, products, and menu products. Lead baristas serve all products with friendly and individualized attention towards each customer. They are responsible for making a difference to customers by educating them about our premium coffees. They establish relationships with customers and foster a positive and friendly store environment. They also assist new team members in the training program and provide technical guidance.
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What is a good salary for a barista?
A good salary for a barista is $29,528 or more. The average barista salary is $29,528, so those making at least $29,528 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average barista salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a barista, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $29,528 average, as this includes all baristas of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Barista jobs pay well?
No, barista jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some barista jobs pay better than others, but the average barista salary of $29,528 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many barista jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of baristas earning $0 a year on average.
Baristas’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a barista. Do your research on the going rate for a barista in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do baristas get paid the most?
Baristas get paid the most in Nevada. In Nevada, baristas earn an average annual salary of $29,476 and an average hourly wage of $14.17.
Following NV, the states with the highest-paid baristas are Arizona, Maine, and Pennsylvania, with average annual salaries of $29,064, $30,990, and $29,059 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid barista salaries are:
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Portland, ME – $30,977
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Boston, MA – $30,844
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San Francisco, CA – $30,659
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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.
