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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Coffee Barista in California is $30,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.
However, a Coffee Barista's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Coffee Barista Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $32,500 | $2,708 | $625 | $16 |
| Average | $30,400 | $2,533 | $585 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,900 | $2,325 | $537 | $13 |
Core Spaces - Fullerton, CA
Mollie Stone's Markets - Greenbrae, CA
Mollie Stone's Markets - San Francisco, CA
Marriott International, Inc - Indian Wells, CA
A Coffee Barista'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 Coffee Barista'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 Coffee Barista | $29,988 |
| Intermediate Level Coffee Barista | $30,912 |
| Senior Level Coffee Barista | $31,381 |
| Specialist Level Coffee Barista | $31,475 |
| Expert Level Coffee Barista | $31,538 |
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 Coffee Baristas. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Coffee Barista salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $32,587. While startup companies pay approximate $27,649.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $27,649 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $29,219 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $31,493 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $32,587 |
For Coffee Barista roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Coffee Barista positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Coffee Barista as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $36,480 | $18.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Coffee Barista'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $32,500 | $2,708 | $625 | $16 |
| Average | $30,400 | $2,533 | $585 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,900 | $2,325 | $537 | $13 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Coffee Barista, 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 | $38,300 | 26% |
| Gourmet Restaurant Manager - Casino | $65,600 | 116% |
| Culinary Services Supervisor | $44,600 | 47% |
| Food Service Operations Team Lead | $45,500 | 50% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Coffee Barista job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
BLUESTONE LANE NY LLC
Los Angeles, CA
BLUESTONE LANE NY LLC | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Summary/Objective. The Barista is responsible for upholding the standard of quality of the Bluestone Lane co... more
7 Days Ago
Mobile Unit 7
San Diego, CA
Mobile Unit 7 | San Diego, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Join Our Team as a Coffee Truck Barista. Are you passionate about coffee and love connecting with people. Mobile Unit 7, ... more
7 Days Ago
NMG ENTERPRISES INC
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
NMG ENTERPRISES INC | Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Salary Range. $18.00 - $21.00. Job Summary. Prepares and serves specialty coffee ( hot and cold) to customers. Job Qualif... more
7 Days Ago
Check n' Play
Brea, CA
Check n' Play | Brea, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Please do not apply unless you have true specialty coffee experience. We will assess your espresso and matcha making skil... more
7 Days Ago
Erewhon Market
Santa Monica, CA
Erewhon Market | Santa Monica, CA
Erewhon Market - JobID: 200-901242 [Beverage Server / Crew Member] As a Barista at Erewhon Market, you'll: Prepare all coffee, espresso, tonics, juice bar ... more
8 Days Ago
Dimension Hospitality, LLC
Solana Beach, CA
Dimension Hospitality, LLC | Solana Beach, CA
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Del Mar/Solana Beach. Compensation: $17.00 to $19.00 per hour. You start mornings right. From the first cup of coffee to a ... more
8 Days Ago
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