Costa Coffee Introduces New £13.12 Hourly Pay Rate across UK Shops
April 26 - 2026
Coffee Geography Magazine
Costa Coffee has rolled out a significant pay increase across all its company-owned UK stores, with baristas now earning £13.12 per hour following a £7 million investment announced earlier this year.
The change, which took effect in April, affects more than 16,000 hourly-paid employees nationwide. Baristas have seen their hourly rate rise from £12.60 to £13.12, while team leaders and coffee trainers — known as Barista Maestros — now earn £13.75 per hour, up from a previous range of £12.93 to £13.43. The increase marks the seventh pay rise the British coffee chain has implemented since 2021.
Employees working in Central London receive an additional £1 per hour on top of the national rates, bringing barista pay in the capital to £14.12 and Barista Maestro pay to £14.75 per hour.
Unlike some retailers, Costa Coffee confirmed that it does not operate age banding, meaning all eligible hourly-paid staff receive the increased rates regardless of age. Employees may also receive performance-based bonuses tied to high-performing store teams.
Nick Orrin, Costa Coffee's UK&I Managing Director
Nick Orrin, Costa Coffee's UK&I Managing Director, said: "Our talented Baristas and team members are the heart of Costa Coffee, with every drink shaped by their expertise, skill and passion.
"This latest pay uplift reflects our ongoing commitment to recognize, reward and invest in the people who deliver great coffee experiences and daily rituals for our customers across the UK."
The company noted that the investment forms part of its ongoing commitment to team members, ensuring sustainable and competitive pay rates.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves welcomed the move, stating: "It's fantastic to hear that Costa Coffee are recognizing and supporting their hard-working staff with this pay increase.
"Hard work should be rewarded, which is why from April, our increase to the National Living Wage will benefit 2.4 million people, with full-time workers on the National Living Wage being £900 a year better off."
Costa Coffee was founded in 1971 by brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa and has grown into one of the nation's favorite coffee shop chains, operating thousands of stores across the UK. The company regularly releases seasonal food and drink offerings and runs promotions for its products.