Costa Coffee has confirmed that Baristas working in its company-owned UK stores will receive £13.12 per hour from 1 April 2026, following a 4.1% pay increase.
The new pay rate applies to more than 16,000 hourly-paid team members across approximately 1,500 company-owned stores, placing Costa’s standard Barista wage above the 2026 National Living Wage.
However, these announced rates apply only to company-owned stores, while franchise-operated locations may offer different pay and employment terms.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new hourly rates, age-related pay, employee benefits and what the changes mean for current and prospective employees.
Key highlights:
- £13.12 per hour for Baristas from 1 April 2026.
- More than 16,000 employees will receive a 1% pay increase.
- No age-based pay bands in company-owned Costa Coffee stores.
- Central London Baristas will earn £14.12 per hour after the additional London allowance.
What Does Costa Coffee’s £13.12 Pay Mean?
Costa Coffee’s £13.12 hourly pay represents a company-wide wage increase designed to keep barista salaries competitive while recognising the contribution of frontline staff across its UK stores.
Why Costa increased wages?
Costa Coffee has announced a £7 million investment in employee pay, representing its seventh pay increase since 2021.
The aim is to continue offering competitive wages while recognising the contribution made by frontline team members.
The increase also comes alongside the annual rise in the UK’s statutory minimum pay rates, helping Costa remain competitive within the hospitality sector and support recruitment and staff retention.
Which employees receive the increase?
The new rates apply to more than 16,000 hourly-paid team members employed in company-owned Costa Coffee stores across the UK.
From 1 April 2026:
- Baristas will earn £13.12 per hour, up from £12.60.
- Barista Maestros will receive £13.75 per hour, replacing previous rates between £12.93 and £13.43.
- Store managers will also receive a 3% salary increase.
Costa has also confirmed that targeted performance bonuses will continue for high-performing store teams.
Does it apply across the UK?
The announced pay rates cover Costa Coffee’s company-owned stores throughout the UK. However, customers and job seekers should remember that not every Costa Coffee outlet is operated directly by the company.
Many locations operate under franchise agreements, allowing individual employers to determine their own pay and employment terms. As a result, advertised wages can vary between stores, even within the same town or city.
What Are Costa Coffee Pay Rates in 2026?
The latest pay announcement introduces updated hourly rates for several key roles while also recognising employees working in higher-cost locations.
Barista hourly pay
From 1 April 2026, baristas employed in Costa Coffee’s company-owned stores will earn £13.12 per hour, representing a 4.1% increase from the previous rate of £12.60.
Barista Maestro pay
Barista Maestros, who lead shifts and help train new team members, will receive £13.75 per hour. This replaces the previous pay range of £12.93 to £13.43 per hour.
Central London pay
Employees working in company-owned Central London stores will continue to receive an additional £1 per hour on top of the national rate.
As a result:
- Baristas will earn £14.12 per hour.
- Barista Maestros will earn £14.75 per hour.
Store Managers and other roles
Store managers will receive a 3% pay increase. While Costa has confirmed the percentage uplift, actual salaries vary depending on experience, responsibilities and store size.
| Job Role | Previous Pay | New Pay (April 2026) |
| Barista | £12.60 per hour | £13.12 per hour |
| Barista Maestro | £12.93–£13.43 per hour | £13.75 per hour |
| Central London Barista | £13.60 per hour | £14.12 per hour |
| Central London Barista Maestro | £13.93–£14.43 per hour | £14.75 per hour |
| Store Manager | Existing salary | 3% increase |
Does Costa Coffee Pay Different Rates by Age?
One of the most common questions is whether Costa Coffee pays younger employees less. For company-owned stores, the answer is straightforward.
Do 16-year-olds receive £13.12?
Costa has confirmed that its company-owned stores do not operate age-based pay bands.
This means eligible hourly-paid team members receive the same company pay rate regardless of age, provided they are employed in those stores.
Costa pay for 17-year-olds
The same policy applies to 17-year-old employees in company-owned stores. Their pay is not reduced simply because of their age.
Costa pay for 18-year-olds
An 18-year-old joining a company-owned Costa Coffee store after 1 April 2026 would generally receive the same published hourly rate for their role as other eligible team members.
Costa pay for 19-year-olds
Employees aged 19 working in company-operated stores are also covered by the same company pay policy, with role and location being more significant factors than age.
Employees aged 21 and over
From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over increases to £12.71 per hour, up from £12.21.
Costa Coffee’s announced £13.12 hourly rate for company-owned store baristas sits above this legal minimum, reinforcing its position as a competitive employer within the UK hospitality sector.
It’s worth noting that some salary websites publish wider pay ranges because they combine employee-reported information collected over several years and may include franchise-operated stores.
Therefore, official company announcements and community-reported figures should be viewed as different sources of information rather than direct equivalents.
Real-Life Example
Imagine an 18-year-old joining a company-owned Costa Coffee store as a Barista after 1 April 2026.
Because Costa does not operate age-based pay bands in its company-owned stores, they would receive the standard hourly rate for the role.
Based on £13.12 per hour:
- Weekly earnings (37.5 hours): Approximately £492
- Monthly earnings: Around £2,130 before deductions
- Annual earnings: Approximately £25,580 before tax and other deductions
Actual earnings may vary depending on contracted hours, overtime and location.
Additional Benefits Costa Coffee Employees Receive
Alongside higher wages, Costa Coffee continues to offer a range of employee benefits that add value beyond hourly pay.
These include:
- 50% discount on in-store purchases.
- Complimentary coffee while working a shift.
- BOGOF share incentive plans.
- Performance-related bonus opportunities for high-performing store teams.
- Training and development programmes.
- Internal career progression into supervisory and management roles.
Costa says the latest £7 million investment reflects its ongoing commitment to rewarding employees while ensuring team members continue to receive sustainable and competitive pay.
Commenting on the announcement, Nick Orrin, UK & Ireland 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.”
He added:
“This latest pay uplift reflects our ongoing commitment to recognise, reward and invest in the people who deliver great coffee experiences and daily rituals for our customers across the UK.”
What Costa Coffee Jobs Are Available in 2026?
Costa Coffee continues to recruit for a wide range of positions as it expands its UK estate.
Popular roles
Common vacancies include Baristas, Barista Maestros, Assistant Managers and Store Managers across company-owned and franchise-operated stores.
Skills employers look for
Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate strong customer service skills, teamwork, communication, reliability and a willingness to learn. Previous hospitality experience can be helpful but is not always essential.
How to apply?
Vacancies are usually advertised through Costa Coffee’s careers website, recruitment platforms and individual franchise employers.
Candidates should always check whether the vacancy relates to a company-owned or franchise-operated store, as employment terms can differ.
Company-owned vs franchise recruitment
Although Costa publishes pay announcements for its company-owned stores, franchise businesses recruit independently and may offer different wages, benefits and working arrangements.
Conclusion
Costa Coffee’s latest pay announcement reinforces its commitment to rewarding employees with competitive wages and additional workplace benefits.
The new £13.12 hourly rate for Baristas, together with increased pay for Barista Maestros and London-based employees, places the company above the National Living Wage for eligible workers.
For anyone considering a career with Costa Coffee, it’s worth checking whether a vacancy is with a company-owned or franchise-operated store, as pay and benefits may differ.
Reviewing the latest job advertisement before applying remains the best way to confirm current employment terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Costa Coffee really pay £13.12 per hour?
Yes. From 1 April 2026, Baristas working in Costa Coffee’s company-owned UK stores receive £13.12 per hour.
How much does Costa pay 16-year-olds?
Costa has confirmed it does not use age-based pay bands in company-owned stores, although individual franchise operators may have different arrangements.
How much does Costa pay 17-year-olds?
Eligible employees working in company-owned stores receive the published company rate for their role rather than an age-based rate.
How much does Costa pay 18-year-olds?
An 18-year-old Barista joining a company-owned store after 1 April 2026 would generally receive £13.12 per hour.
How much does Costa pay 19-year-olds?
Employees aged 19 are covered by the same company pay policy in company-owned stores.
Is Costa Coffee pay above minimum wage?
Yes. The announced Barista rate of £13.12 per hour is above the 2026 National Living Wage of £12.71 for workers aged 21 and over.
Do franchise Costa stores pay the same?
Not necessarily. Franchise operators can determine their own pay and employment conditions.
Does Costa Coffee pay weekly or monthly?
Payment schedules can vary depending on the employer and employment contract. Applicants should confirm this during recruitment.
What benefits do Costa employees receive?
Benefits include staff discounts, complimentary coffee while on shift, share incentive plans, bonus opportunities and career development.
How can I apply for a Costa Coffee job?
Applications can be submitted through Costa Coffee’s careers portal or directly with individual franchise employers, depending on the vacancy.
Leave a Reply