As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Barista Team Member in the United States is $27,540 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $13.
However, a Barista Team Member's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Barista Team Member's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Barista Team Member's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Barista Team Member | $27,139 |
| Intermediate Level Barista Team Member | $27,977 |
| Senior Level Barista Team Member | $28,413 |
| Specialist Level Barista Team Member | $28,500 |
| Expert Level Barista Team Member | $28,559 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Barista Team Members. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 20.39% |
| HACCP | 2.33% |
| Food Handling | 0.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$30,845 |
12%
|
|
Innovation
|
$29,743 |
8%
|
|
Product Quality
|
$29,468 |
7%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$29,192 |
6%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$29,192 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$28,917 |
5%
|
Understanding how a Barista Team Member's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Barista Team Member, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Food Restaurant Shift Supervisor | $34,800 | 26% |
| Gourmet Restaurant Manager - Casino | $59,500 | 116% |
| Culinary Services Supervisor | $40,400 | 47% |
| Food Service Operations Team Lead | $41,200 | 50% |
Salaries for a Barista Team Member can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $30,803 in 2023 to around $30,299 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Barista Team Member salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $30,803 |
| 2024 | $30,654 |
| 2025 | $30,299 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Starbucks baristas are allowed to accept tips, which are collected in a jar and shared among all hourly employees who worked that week. This can significantly enhance their income, which typically ranges from a minimum salary of $23,670 to a mid-salary of $26,060, and a maximum salary of $28,770 annually. Tips can be an important supplement to their earnings.
Starbucks employees in the United States earn varying salaries based on their roles. For a Barista Team Member, the salary ranges from a minimum of $23,670 to a mid-range of $26,060, with a maximum of $28,770 per year. Other positions, like Regional Director, can earn significantly more, reflecting the diverse pay scale within the company.
Starbucks barista salaries range from a minimum of $23,670 to a maximum of $28,770 annually, translating to approximately $11.37 to $14.00 per hour. Therefore, they are not paying $20 an hour. The average salary is around $26,060, which is about $12.53 per hour, well below the $20 mark.
A Level 1 Barista is a beginner trained to become a confident, cafe-ready barista. The training focuses on essential skills and techniques, preparing individuals for the role. Salaries for Barista Team Members range from $23,670 to $28,770, with a mid-salary of $26,060, reflecting the value of skilled baristas in the industry.
As of January 2025, a Barista in the USA typically earns between $23,670 and $28,770 annually, with a mid-salary of $26,060. This reflects a range of hourly wages, aligning with the average pay of around $15.55 per hour, while some may earn more or less depending on experience and location.
As of now, the salary for a Barista Team Member at Chick-fil-A in California ranges from $23,670 to $28,770 annually. The mid-range salary is approximately $26,060, which translates to about $12.53 per hour. This provides a competitive wage for those in this role within the state.
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