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Coffee Cupping Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Production Roaster

Hillsborough, NC · On-site

$35K - $42K/yr

Develop coffee knowledge through cupping, coffee events, and other opportunities. Warehouse Logistics and Production * Collaborate with roasting and production team to ensure roasting is on schedule.

Production Roaster

Hillsborough, NC · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Develop coffee knowledge through cupping, coffee events, and other opportunities. Warehouse Logistics and Production * Collaborate with roasting and production team to ensure roasting is on schedule.

Highwire Coffee Roasters was established in Oakland In 2011. Since the beginning, Highwire has ... Ensure quality control through daily cupping of production roasts with roastery staff * Maintain ...

Highwire Coffee Roasters was established in Oakland In 2011. Since the beginning, Highwire has ... Ensure quality control through daily cupping of production roasts with roastery staff * Maintain ...

Retrieve production samples (after deemed acceptable) of each blend and forward to Cupping Lab for sensory analysis * Log blend change samples and quality issues for ISO purposes * Ensure physical ...

Retrieve production samples (after deemed acceptable) of each blend and forward to Cupping Lab for sensory analysis * Log blend change samples and quality issues for ISO purposes * Ensure physical ...

Retrieve production samples (after deemed acceptable) of each blend and forward to Cupping Lab for sensory analysis * Log blend change samples and quality issues for ISO purposes * Ensure physical ...

Retrieve production samples (after deemed acceptable) of each blend and forward to Cupping Lab for sensory analysis * Log blend change samples and quality issues for ISO purposes * Ensure physical ...

Retrieve production samples (after deemed acceptable) of each blend and forward to Cupping Lab for sensory analysis * Log blend change samples and quality issues for ISO purposes * Ensure physical ...

Identifies and describe cup characteristics of roasted coffee using standard cupping procedures * Move/transport product to necessary locations. * Operate all equipment in Roasting Department.

Identifies and describe cup characteristics of roasted coffee using standard cupping procedures * Move/transport product to necessary locations. * Operate all equipment in Roasting Department.

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Coffee Cupping information

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How much do coffee cupping jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for coffee cupping in the United States is $20.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Coffee Cupping Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coffee Cupping Specialist, you need a deep understanding of coffee flavors, sensory evaluation techniques, and usually some formal training or certification in coffee tasting, such as SCA Coffee Skills or Q Grader certification. Familiarity with cupping protocols, scoring systems, and tools like cupping spoons, scales, and grinders is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a refined palate are key soft skills that set top professionals apart. These abilities ensure accurate coffee quality assessment, consistent product standards, and clear feedback for growers and roasters.

What is the difference between Coffee Cupping vs Coffee Roaster?

AspectCoffee CuppingCoffee Roaster
CredentialsNone required, but sensory training helpfulRoasting certifications or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentSpecialized tasting room or cupping labRoasting facility or coffee production plant
Industry UsageUsed for quality assessment and flavor profilingResponsible for roasting beans to develop flavor
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for sensory skills and industry rolesFocuses on production and flavor development

While Coffee Cupping involves evaluating coffee beans' aroma and flavor through tasting, Coffee Roaster focuses on roasting beans to enhance flavor profiles. Both roles are essential in the coffee industry but serve different functions—one for quality assessment and the other for production.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in coffee cupping, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in coffee cupping often encounter challenges such as palate fatigue, maintaining objectivity, and ensuring consistency across multiple tasting sessions. To address these issues, regular palate training, following standardized cupping protocols, and using calibrated reference samples can be helpful. Additionally, working in teams allows for cross-verification of results, which improves accuracy and reduces bias. Staying hydrated and taking breaks between sessions can also help preserve tasting acuity throughout the day.

What is coffee cupping?

Coffee cupping is a standardized method used by coffee professionals to evaluate the aroma and flavor profile of coffee beans. During cupping, ground coffee is steeped in hot water, and participants smell the aroma and taste the brewed coffee to assess qualities like acidity, body, sweetness, and aftertaste. This process helps roasters, buyers, and producers determine the quality of a coffee and compare different beans. Coffee cupping is essential in the coffee industry for quality control, product development, and sourcing decisions.
Infographic showing various Coffee Cupping job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,434 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description


Gregorys Coffee Assistant Store Leader

We are looking for highly motivated and energetic individuals who share our passion for specialty coffee and hospitality.
AsAssistant Store Leader, you will be empowered to take a hands-on approach to learning how to lead a team and drive thebusiness with direct support from your District Leader.

Key Responsibilities:
As an Assistant Store Leader, you will be a brand ambassador and beacon of culture for both your team and yourcustomers. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the below key areas.

People Development
You will:
Create a warm and inclusive environment for your team and your customers
Work alongside your team to prepare specialty coffee and espresso beverages, including latte art (we'll teachyou!)
Train new team members while validating their ability to confidently uphold brand standards
Provide ongoing education and development for all team members, to ensure excellent standards for coffee, food,and customer service are consistently upheld
Adhere to local and state labor laws

Operations Standards
You will:
Oversee the store's coffee & beverage program by conducting quality checks and providing continuous teameducation to ensure brand standards are consistently executed
Oversee the store's food program-including fresh baked pastries, hot sandwiches, and grab & go-by conductingquality checks and providing continuous team education to ensure brand standards are consistently executed
Oversee the store's food safety and cleanliness protocols, ensuring compliance with the Department of Health
Oversee all cash handling policies, including making deposits
Role model excellent customer service to build a community of Gregulars within your store

Financial Performance
With support from your District Leader, you will:
Learn to manage inventory metrics (COGS) (weekly basis)
Learn to manage labor metrics and to write strategic schedules
Make regular bank deposits according to company policy
Learn to manage turnover metrics by creating a positive employee experience
Learn to grow the business by creating store action plans to build sales and customer foot traffic
Learn to create and execute store action plans to continuously improve while solving problems

The Gregorys Coffee culture includes but is not limited to:
Team building exercises and leadership development
Latte Art "Throw Downs" (spirited competitions)
Movie nights
Cuppers Challenge (a "cupping" challenge-not sure what a cupping is? We'll teach you!)
Internal growth opportunities and mentorship