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Starbucks Barista Salary in California

How much does a Starbucks Barista make in California?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Starbucks Barista in California is $33,783 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.

However, a Starbucks Barista's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $40,024
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $30,651 to $37,050
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $27,800
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Starbucks Barista Salaries

A Starbucks 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.

How Experience Level Affects Starbucks Barista Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Starbucks 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $29,413
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $30,321
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $30,796
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $30,891
  • Expert (over 8 years): $30,954
Levels Salary
Entry Level Starbucks Barista$29,413
Intermediate Level Starbucks Barista$30,321
Senior Level Starbucks Barista$30,796
Specialist Level Starbucks Barista$30,891
Expert Level Starbucks Barista$30,954
View as Graph

How Do Starbucks Barista Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Starbucks Baristas. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $33,912.
  • California: $33,783.
  • Massachusetts: $33,333.

Top Paying Cities for Starbucks Baristas

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:

  • Los Angeles: $33,841
  • West Hollywood: $33,817
  • Dodgertown: $33,841

Starbucks Barista Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Starbucks 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, Starbucks Barista positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Starbucks Barista as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Starbucks Barista

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$40,540$19.020%

Starbucks Barista Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Starbucks 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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$30,651
Average $33,783/year
$37,050
$2,554
Average $2,815/month
$3,088
$589
Average $650/week
$713
$15
Average $16/hour
$18
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $37,050 $3,088 $713 $18
Average $33,783 $2,815 $650 $16
25th Percentile $30,651 $2,554 $589 $15

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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