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Coffee Roaster Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

PJ's Coffee

Barista

Davenport, IA · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

... Coffee of New Orleans in 1978 and demonstrated that better beans, superior roasting techniques, and pure passion for the art of coffeemaking mattered. In 2008, the company was purchased by New ...

HyVee

Coffee Barista

Pleasant Hill, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $16.75/hr

Coffee Shop Barista Department: Coffee Shop FLSA: Hourly Revision Date: 07/2026 About Hy-Vee At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a ...

New

Freedom Enterprises

Scooters Coffee Barista

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.25/hr

Company Description Freedom Enterprises is a franchisee of one of the fastest growing coffee chains in the country. Scooter's Coffee provides world class coffee & a world class experience. Looking ...

HyVee

Coffee Shop Barista

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

Coffee Shop Barista Department: Coffee Shop FLSA: Hourly Revision Date: 07/2026 About Hy-Vee At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a ...

Hy-Vee, Inc.

Coffee Shop Barista

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

Coffee Shop Barista Department: Coffee Shop FLSA: Hourly Revision Date: 07/2026 About Hy-Vee At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a ...

HyVee

Coffee Shop Barista

Spencer, IA

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

Coffee Shop Barista Department: Coffee Shop FLSA: Hourly Revision Date: 07/2026 About Hy-Vee At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a ...

New

HyVee

Coffee Shop Barista

Coralville, IA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Coffee Shop Barista Department: Coffee Shop FLSA: Hourly Revision Date: 07/2026 About Hy-Vee At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a ...

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All JobsCoffee Roaster JobsCoffee Roaster Jobs in Iowa

Coffee Roaster information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$19

$26

How much do coffee roaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for coffee roaster in Iowa is $19.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $20.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do coffee roasters get paid?

Coffee roasters typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the operation. Skilled roasters with certifications or specialized knowledge may earn higher wages, especially in larger or specialty coffee companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a coffee roaster, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coffee Roaster, you need a solid understanding of coffee bean varieties, roasting techniques, and quality control, often gained through hands-on experience or specialized training. Familiarity with commercial roasting machines, cupping protocols, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, sensory acuity, and strong communication skills help in maintaining consistency and collaborating with team members. These skills ensure the production of high-quality coffee, efficient operations, and satisfaction for both customers and business partners.

What is the difference between Coffee Roaster vs Barista?

AspectCoffee RoasterBarista
CredentialsBasic coffee knowledge, sometimes certifications in roastingCustomer service skills, barista training, coffee brewing certifications
Work EnvironmentRoasting facilities, production areasCoffee shops, cafes, retail environments
Industry UsageManufacturing, coffee productionCustomer-facing, retail coffee service

While both roles involve working with coffee, a Coffee Roaster focuses on the roasting process in production settings, developing flavor profiles and managing roasting equipment. A Barista, on the other hand, prepares coffee beverages for customers in retail environments, emphasizing brewing techniques and customer service. Both roles require coffee knowledge but serve different parts of the coffee industry.

What does a coffee roaster do?

A coffee roaster is responsible for transforming green coffee beans into roasted coffee products by carefully applying heat in a roasting machine. They monitor and control roasting time, temperature, and airflow to achieve desired flavor profiles and aromas. Coffee roasters also evaluate roasted beans for quality, consistency, and taste, often working closely with suppliers and customers to select and develop unique blends. This role requires knowledge of roasting processes, bean origins, and cupping techniques to produce high-quality coffee.

Do coffee roasters make money?

Coffee roasters can earn varying incomes depending on their experience, location, and scale of operation. Skilled roasters working in specialty coffee shops or owning their own roasting business often have higher earning potential, especially with additional skills like quality control and equipment maintenance. Entry-level positions typically offer lower wages, but experienced professionals can make a competitive income in the industry.

What are some common challenges faced by coffee roasters in maintaining bean quality and consistency?

Coffee roasters often encounter challenges such as sourcing beans of consistent quality, adapting to seasonal variations, and fine-tuning roasting profiles to achieve the desired flavor. Maintaining consistency across different batches is critical, as factors like humidity, bean density, and even equipment maintenance can impact the final product. Collaboration with quality control teams and staying up-to-date with industry best practices are essential to address these challenges and ensure a high-quality cup for customers.

What is a coffee roaster?

As a coffee roaster, you roast dried coffee beans for sale to retail stores, coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants. Your responsibilities include acquiring coffee beans from around the world and roasting them to obtain different taste profiles. Your job duties may include negotiating with coffee bean wholesalers or coffee farmers, roasting coffee beans, experimenting with roast levels, aroma, grind, and flavors. You can find coffee roaster jobs with specialty coffee roasting businesses as well as with big name coffee brands.

More about Coffee Roaster jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Coffee Roaster jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Coffee Roaster jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Coffee Roaster jobs in Iowa?

For Coffee Roaster jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Coffee Roaster jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Coffee Roaster jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Coffee Roaster jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Coffee Roaster job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Coffee Roaster jobs in IA?

For Coffee Roaster jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Coffee Roaster jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coffee Roaster job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,857 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Barista

PJ's Coffee

Davenport, IA • On-site

$10 - $12/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Shift AvailabilityCurrently seeking Part Time day and night shift baristas.
Benefits/Perks
  • Ongoing Management and leadership training opportunities
  • Employee retail and shift discounts
  • Prize opportunities through national contests
  • Local, regional, and national awards and recognition

About PJ's Coffee
Phyllis Jordan, a pioneer in the coffee industry, founded PJ's Coffee of New Orleans in 1978 and demonstrated that better beans, superior roasting techniques, and pure passion for the art of coffeemaking mattered. In 2008, the company was purchased by New Orleans natives and brothers, Paul, Steven, and Scott Ballard. PJ's Coffee serves a wide variety of hot, iced, and frozen coffee beverages using only the top 1% of Arabica beans, as well as organic tea and fresh breakfast pastries. PJ's Original Cold Brew™ Ice Coffee is brewed daily using a special cold-drip process that protects the flavor and strength of the beans while producing a coffee that is two-thirds less acidic - a process and technique developed by its founder and used for more than 40 years at all PJ's locations. Bags of whole bean coffee and single-serve cups of PJ's Coffee are available for sale in-store and online. With more than 145 operating stores, including four international locations, PJ's Coffee continues to grow in the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit pjscoffee.com or follow PJ's Coffee on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Job Summary
The barista is responsible for being the master craftsman of all beverage and food items offered by PJ's Coffee. They are responsible for developing a positive environment for both customers and fellow staff members, all while providing consistently fast, efficient, and friendly service to all. The barista is responsible for the reputation and integrity of the PJ's brand and of the specific store in which they are employed. The barista must exude impeccable customer service qualities, product knowledge, and education, encouraging safe work practices, and a demonstrated commitment to the core values and principles of PJ's Coffee. More importantly, a person in this role must be dedicated to the success of their growth within the company and enter the company with the intent to grow and move into larger roles.
Responsibilities
  • Present a positive image of PJ's customers and coworkers
  • Proactively suggest new beverages, drink enhancements, snacks, and pastries, to improve the overall experience and knowledge of customers.
  • Prepare all beverages and food to meet PJ's Coffee specifications and customer satisfaction.
  • Ensure that the store offers excellent customer service as it pertains to the operation of the staff and the physical upkeep of the store.
  • Follow cash handling procedures accurately
  • Ensure the interior and exterior of a store meet sanitary, safety, and aesthetic requirements by maintaining daily shift checklists and par levels.
  • Alert management to operational needs, equipment failure, and necessary improvements that are needed
  • Enforce and abide by company policies, procedures, and safety rules
  • Attend training sessions designed to increase coffee knowledge and work skills and apply that knowledge to operations

Qualifications
  • Barista experience is Ok, but not required! You will be trained in the PJ's ways of serving the best cup of coffee in town!
  • Outgoing and engaging personality
  • Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, team environment
  • Ability to communicate through different communication channels, including email, phone, project management software, and conference calls (if necessary)

Compensation: $10.00 - $12.00 per hour
PJ's Coffee is expanding quickly throughout the United States! We are very happy to launch our first Quad Cities location beginning in July of 2023!

Apply