Barista Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Baristas in Melbourne earn a median salary of $60,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $53,500 and $75,026. That sits 37% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 28 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 39th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne
💰 Barista · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$53,500 – $75,026
Median: $60,000
Mid level $52,500 – $72,958
Overall $53k–$75k Mid $52k–$72k $50k $56k $61k $66k $72k $77k
⚠ Low confidence 28 listings · 05/07/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $53,500 Median  $60,000 $75,026  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Melbourne barista pay ($60,000) trails Sydney's ($64,220) even though Melbourne's coffee culture is the city's calling card. Against Melbourne's $95k all-roles median the role sits 37% low, the widest gap in this batch, which is what a full-time hospitality wage looks like next to a professional-services city median. With 28 listings this is a small sample, treat the numbers as directional.

Take Home Pay (based on median $60,000)

Weekly (net)
~$941
Monthly (net)
~$4,078
Annual (net)
~$48,933
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $66,900

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Barista in Melbourne?
Entry baristas in Melbourne start near the $53,500 band floor, essentially award-rate territory. What lifts pay is specialty-cafe or roastery work where latte-art skill, dialling in espresso, and speed on a busy machine command a premium over a quick-service counter. Supervisor duties (opening, cash-up, training juniors) are the concrete step toward the $75k top of the range.
Is $60,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
No, by Melbourne standards. At $60k the role earns 37% below the city median and nets about $48,900, which is difficult against Melbourne rents. This is standard for hospitality rather than a sign of underpayment, and the real earnings often come from moving into a venue or kitchen role: Head Chef here reaches $93,750.
How much does a Senior Barista make in Melbourne?
There is no senior barista band, so $75k is effectively the ceiling. Progression means changing role rather than title: cafe supervisor or venue manager, or crossing into the kitchen where Chef De Partie ($75,250) and Sous Chef ($82,500) pay more. The skill that unlocks it is taking on ordering, rostering, and cost control for the whole floor.

Other roles in Melbourne

Barista salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $60,000 —
Sydney $64,220 +7%

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.