Barista salary in Australia
ANZSCO occupation: Bar Attendants and Baristas
Last reviewed July 2026
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) · 2025 data. Annual figure derived from median weekly earnings × 52.
See your take-home pay on $78,000 →At a glance
- People employed
- 118,800
- Annual employment growth
- +1,600/yr
- 5-yr projected growth
- +5.2%
- Skills shortage rating
- No national shortage
- Main industry
- Accommodation and Food Services
- Works full-time
- 29%
- Avg full-time hours
- 41 hrs/wk
- Works part-time
- 71%
- Female share
- 58%
- Median age
- 23 yrs
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025) · Jobs and Skills Australia — Employment Projections (May 2025 to May 2030), produced with Victoria University (2025) · Jobs and Skills Australia — 2025 Occupation Shortage List (unit-group level) (2025)
What does a barista do?
Bar Attendants and Baristas prepare, mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to patrons in bars in licensed establishments, and prepare and serve espresso coffee and other hot beverages to patrons in cafes, coffee shops and dining establishments.
- Preparing, serving and selling cocktails, mixed drinks, bottled, canned and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and a variety of coffee beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso-based beverages
- Cleaning and maintaining bar service areas, coffee-making areas and espresso machines
- Collecting payment for sales and operating cash registers
- Promoting services and products
- Washing glassware and arranging bottles and glasses
- Tapping kegs and attaching supply lines
- Replenishing drink dispensers, shelves and refrigerators
- Selling light snacks
- Selecting and grinding coffee
How to become a barista
Typical education for this occupation, and courses that lead to it.
Education held by people in this role
Courses to get started
Where baristas are employed
Share of workers by state and territory (employment distribution, not pay).
Barista jobs
Related occupations
Jobs that pay similar to a barista
Frequently asked questions
How much does a barista earn in Australia?
The median barista earns $78,000 per year ($1,500 per week, or about $37/hour), based on Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025).
What qualifications do you need to be a barista?
Most baristas hold a Certificate III or IV (14.7% of workers). Pathways vary — see typical courses above.
Is barista a job in demand in Australia?
Around 118,800 baristas are employed in Australia. Employment is changing by about +1,600 workers per year.
Earnings, employment and education data: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025). Used under CC BY 4.0.
Employment projections: Jobs and Skills Australia — Employment Projections (May 2025 to May 2030), produced with Victoria University (2025). Used under CC BY 4.0.
Skills shortage ratings: Jobs and Skills Australia — 2025 Occupation Shortage List (unit-group level) (2025). Used under CC BY 4.0.
The ABS median refers to full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate; individual pay varies. Annual figures derived from median weekly earnings × 52. Figures are estimates for guidance only.