Baristas in Colorado earn a median of about $17.44 an hour, which is above the national median of $15.00. The average (mean) hourly wage is about $17.74, and roughly 82,010 people work in this counter-service role across the state. These figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program (May 2025), under code 35-3023, which is where baristas are classified.
Barista pay in Colorado, at a glance
| Measure | Colorado | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median hourly wage | $17.44 | $15.00 |
| Mean hourly wage | $17.74 | $15.46 |
| Approx. annual (mean, full time) | $36,899 | $32,157 |
| People employed (SOC 35-3023) | 82,010 | 3,854,050 |
These are figures for code 35-3023, which the BLS labels Fast Food and Counter Workers. Baristas sit inside that code, so the numbers describe the broader counter-service group rather than a barista-only series. Tips are not included in these wage figures and can add a meaningful amount depending on the shop.
What moves a barista's pay
Within any state, specialty cafes and high-cost cities tend to pay above the state median, and experience plus latte-art and bar skills push it further. A strong resume helps you land the better-paying rooms. Build one free with the barista resume builder, and see the full national picture in the Barista Pay Report 2026.
Find or post barista jobs
Looking for work in Colorado, or hiring? The Barista Life job board is where openings and candidates meet.
FAQ
How much do baristas make in Colorado? The median is about $17.44 an hour and the mean is about $17.74, per BLS OEWS (May 2025, code 35-3023). Tips are on top of that.
Is that more or less than the national average? Colorado's median of $17.44 is above the national median of $15.00, a difference of about $2.44 an hour.
Do these numbers include tips? No. BLS wage figures exclude tips, which can add a significant amount depending on the cafe and its tipping culture.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 35-3023. bls.gov. Last reviewed 2026-07-09.
Working behind the bar? Build a sharper application with the barista resume builder, browse open barista jobs, and see real numbers in the 2026 barista pay report.