Coffee shop workers Salary
Median salary £12,170 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
About this role
Coffee shop workers prepare and serve coffee, tea, other beverages and light food items in cafes, coffee shops and similar establishments. They operate espresso machines, serve customers and maintain a clean, welcoming environment.
Key responsibilities
- Preparing espresso-based drinks, teas and other beverages
- Taking orders and serving customers at the counter
- Operating and cleaning espresso machines and equipment
- Preparing sandwiches, pastries and light food items
- Maintaining hygiene standards and cafe cleanliness
Qualifications and entry routes
No formal qualifications are required. On-the-job barista training is standard. Food hygiene Level 2 certification is typically needed. SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) qualifications are valued in specialty coffee.
Career outlook
Growing coffee culture drives continued demand. Specialty coffee skills and latte art can lead to higher-paying barista roles in independent and premium establishments.
Key skills
Common industries
- Independent coffee shops
- Coffee chains (Costa, Starbucks, Pret)
- Hotel cafes
- Co-working space cafes
- Mobile coffee units
Data coverage
Median Salary
£12,170
Mean Salary
£13,476
Jobs (000s)
16k
Data Years
5 years
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Mid Level
£12,170
3-7 years
Senior
£18,832
8-15 years
Salary Trend (2021-2025)
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
All Employees
£12,170
Full-time Only
£21,598
Full-time premium: +£9,428
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Salary forecast
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Lifetime earnings
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