Barista Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on Jan 08, 2025
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How much does a Barista make in San Diego, CA?

The average salary for a Barista is $37,574 per year in San Diego, CA.

In San Diego, CA, baristas earn an average yearly salary of around $37,574. This figure can vary based on experience and the specific location of their work. Entry-level baristas in the area typically start with a salary close to $32,100. As they gain experience and develop their skills, baristas can see their earnings increase significantly.


For those who have been in the job longer, salaries can reach up to $44,000 per year. Approximately 13.6% of baristas make around $32,100, while others can earn as much as $42,918.


Overall, becoming a barista can be a rewarding job opportunity in San Diego, offering a decent salary and the chance to interact with different people every day. With time and experience, baristas can expect to see their salaries rise, making it an appealing career choice for many job seekers.

View Barista Jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the highest paying cities for Barista near San Diego, CA?

For baristas looking to maximize their earnings near San Diego, San Ysidro leads with an average salary of $41,256. Following closely are Poway and Santee, with average salaries of $40,872 and $40,471, respectively. These cities offer excellent opportunities for baristas seeking higher pay while enjoying the vibrant Southern California lifestyle.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Barista jobs near San Diego, CA, highlighting San Ysidro, CA with the highest at $41,256 and Chula Vista, CA with the lowest at $38,536.
  1. San Ysidro, CA
    Average Salary: $41,256
    Working in San Ysidro offers a dynamic coffee culture, especially near the border where diverse flavors attract both locals and tourists. Popular spots like Starbucks and local cafes provide a vibrant environment for coffee lovers.
    Find Barista jobs in San Ysidro, CA


  2. Poway, CA
    Average Salary: $40,872
    Poway is known for its community-focused atmosphere, making it a great place for coffee enthusiasts. Local coffee shops often serve freshly brewed coffee, fostering connections among residents.
    Find Barista jobs in Poway, CA


  3. Santee, CA
    Average Salary: $40,471
    In Santee, coffee lovers can enjoy a blend of community and convenience. With popular chains and quaint local cafés, baristas enjoy creating a personal touch in every cup.
    Find Barista jobs in Santee, CA


  4. Solana Beach, CA
    Average Salary: $40,190
    Solana Beach boasts a laid-back vibe with ocean views and trendy cafes. Baristas here thrive in a beach-oriented atmosphere, serving delicious coffee to visitors and locals alike.
    Find Barista jobs in Solana Beach, CA


  5. La Mesa, CA
    Average Salary: $40,128
    La Mesa offers a charming small-town ambiance with bustling local businesses. Baristas have the opportunity to work in cozy cafes, building relationships with regular customers.
    Find Barista jobs in La Mesa, CA


  6. Spring Valley, CA
    Average Salary: $40,015
    Spring Valley features a multicultural environment, perfect for baristas to embrace diverse coffee tastes. Working here often means crafting unique beverages for a variety of customers.
    Find Barista jobs in Spring Valley, CA


  7. El Cajon, CA
    Average Salary: $39,804
    El Cajon provides a vibrant setting for baristas with a mix of popular coffee chains and independent shops. The community appreciates quality coffee, allowing baristas to showcase their skills.
    Find Barista jobs in El Cajon, CA


  8. Lemon Grove, CA
    Average Salary: $39,332
    Lemon Grove is a friendly community with a growing coffee scene. Local cafes offer a chance for baristas to engage with a close-knit customer base while serving delicious brews.
    Find Barista jobs in Lemon Grove, CA


  9. Bonita, CA
    Average Salary: $39,298
    Bonita’s scenic surroundings make it an enjoyable place for baristas to work. Coffee shops here serve as social hubs, allowing baristas to build connections with the community.
    Find Barista jobs in Bonita, CA


  10. Chula Vista, CA
    Average Salary: $38,536
    Chula Vista features a lively coffee culture with numerous local and national coffee shops. Baristas enjoy a diverse clientele and the chance to experiment with flavors to delight customers.
    Find Barista jobs in Chula Vista, CA

What are the best paying companies for Barista in San Diego, CA?

In San Diego, some of the best-paying companies for barista jobs include Lofty Coffee Co and Mission Yogurt, Inc., offering average salaries around $43,300 and $43,000, respectively. Hyatt and Local Krave also provide solid earnings at approximately $42,678 and $41,480. For those looking to work at well-known establishments, Starbucks and Marriott International offer competitive salaries, making them great options for job seekers in the coffee industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Barista jobs in San Diego, CA, highlighting Lofty Coffee Co with the highest at $43,300 and San Diego Youth Services with the lowest at $39,667.
  1. Lofty Coffee Co
    Average Salary: $43,300
    Lofty Coffee Co offers competitive salaries for Baristas in San Diego. The company focuses on quality coffee and community service. Locations include several popular spots in the North Park and Encinitas areas.


  2. Mission Yogurt, Inc.
    Average Salary: $43,000
    Mission Yogurt, Inc. provides a positive work environment for Baristas. The company serves a blend of coffee and food options at various locations, including the San Diego International Airport.


  3. Hyatt
    Average Salary: $42,678
    Hyatt values its Baristas as part of the guest experience. Working at Hyatt in San Diego allows you to be part of a luxury hotel environment, offering gourmet coffee options for hotel guests.


  4. Local Krave
    Average Salary: $41,480
    Local Krave focuses on craft coffee and healthy offerings. Baristas at this company work in a friendly atmosphere at their location in La Jolla, making a significant impact on customer satisfaction.


  5. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $41,358
    Marriott International’s Baristas play an important role in enhancing guest experiences. Opportunities are available in their various hotel locations in San Diego, serving quality coffee to travelers.


  6. Starbucks
    Average Salary: $41,268
    Starbucks is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong company culture. Baristas in San Diego can find positions in numerous locations, where they learn about coffee and customer service.


  7. Target
    Average Salary: $40,000
    Target offers Baristas a unique retail environment. Working here allows you to serve coffee to shoppers while being part of a well-known retail brand with locations throughout San Diego.


  8. Nordstrom
    Average Salary: $39,844
    Nordstrom values quality service, and Baristas are key to providing a premium shopping experience. With their locations in San Diego, Baristas can contribute to a stylish atmosphere while serving customers.


  9. HAZEL
    Average Salary: $39,667
    HAZEL is a boutique coffee shop dedicated to exceptional service. Baristas at HAZEL can showcase their skills in a trendy setting, making connections with customers in the heart of San Diego.


  10. San Diego Youth Services
    Average Salary: $39,667
    San Diego Youth Services provides opportunities for Baristas to work in a meaningful setting. Employees part of this organization can impact the community while enjoying a fulfilling work environment.

There are 7,614 Barista job openings nationwide!

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