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Barista salary in Chicago, IL, 2026
How much does a Barista make in Chicago, IL?
Average base salary
$18.79
- Hour
- Year
16%
above national averageAverage $18.79
Low $16.20
High $24.54
The average salary for a barista is $18.79 per hour in Chicago, IL and $20.00 tips per day.572 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 10, 2026).
What Does a Barista Do?
A barista specializes in making a variety of coffee and espresso beverages. They usually work in a cafe, coffee shop or bookstore where they take customer orders, complete transactions and serve drinks. The barista may also prepare and serve a few small meals and pastry options. Other barista duties may include:
- Welcoming patrons to the shop
- Building a relationship with regular customers and remembering their orders
- Explaining the cafe’s special menu items as necessary
- Recommending beverage options if requested
- Following recipes and presentation guides to make beverages
- Preparing plates or takeaway containers of pastry and food items
- Cleaning and maintaining the commercial coffee machine, steamer and blender
- Following health and safety policies
- Removing dishes from the table as patrons finish their drinks
- Preparing checks and taking payment from patrons
Highest paying companies for Barista in Chicago, IL
Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.Omelet House
$79,622per year
Chartwells Higher Education
$57,500per year
First Hospitality
$55,120per year
EDGEWOOD PROPERTIES
$54,080per year
Comparion Insurance Agency
$53,664per year
ASM Global
$53,602per year
