Baristas in California
Baristas prepare and serve specialty beverages like espresso drinks, coffee, and tea at coffee shops, cafes, and similar food service establishments. They also serve food items such as baked goods and sandwiches to customers In California the median pay is $42,280 a year, 36% above the national median of $31,200.
$42,280median pay in California, per year
$36,790–$44,970middle half earn
449,840employed in California
$31,200U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against baristas and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against baristas and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Who is hiring in California
106open roles like this on employer career sites, 49 in California or remote
9employers hiring
90posted in the last 7 days
CA · OH · NYwhere most openings are
Openings in California and remote
- VCS Food Service Worker/Barista- Fresno CA · Veterans Health Administration · Fresno, California · $17.86–$17.86
- FOOD SERVICE WORKER NA-02 (STARBUCKS BARISTA) · U.S. Marine Corps · Oceanside, California · $18.66–$18.66
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Active ListeningService OrientationSpeakingMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationReading ComprehensionCritical Thinking
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementSales and MarketingFood ProductionEnglish LanguagePersonnel and Human Resources
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Baristas.
Licenses and training in California
Baristas pay in other states
Washington · $37,710District of Columbia · $37,430Colorado · $36,270Vermont · $36,030Massachusetts · $35,850Connecticut · $35,380Hawaii · $35,250New York · $35,250Oregon · $35,050Maine · $34,710
Related occupations
Fast Food and Counter WorkersBartendersWaiters and WaitressesFood Servers, NonrestaurantChefs and Head CooksFirst-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving WorkersCooks, Fast FoodCooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against baristas and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against baristas and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 35-3023.01. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.