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Coffee Sampling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oversee green coffee sample processes, including obtaining, receiving samples, sample roasting, cupping, and scoring using Cropster software. * Operate, maintain, and calibrate lab equipment such as ...

Oversee green coffee sample processes, including obtaining, receiving samples, sample roasting, cupping, and scoring using Cropster software. * Operate, maintain, and calibrate lab equipment such as ...

Lab QC Manager

Rancho Cucamonga, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Oversee green coffee sample processes, including obtaining, receiving samples, sample roasting, cupping, and scoring using Cropster software. * Operate, maintain, and calibrate lab equipment such as ...

Inventory Control Associate II

Conway, AR ยท On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Partners with Quality Assurance team on the collection of green coffee samples for testing which includes moisture and temperature. * Communicates with Roasting and Grinding/QA team with staging of ...

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Coffee Sampling information

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$12

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How much do coffee sampling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for coffee sampling 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 Sampler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coffee Sampler, you need a keen palate for flavor evaluation, strong sensory analysis skills, and a foundational understanding of coffee production and grading. Familiarity with cupping protocols, tasting forms, and industry certifications such as Q Grader are often required. Attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to work independently are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate quality assessment, consistent product standards, and effective feedback within the coffee supply chain.

What is coffee sampling?

Coffee sampling is the process of tasting and evaluating different coffee beans to assess their quality, flavor profile, and suitability for roasting or brewing. This process is commonly used by coffee producers, roasters, and buyers to determine the attributes of a coffee batch before making purchasing or blending decisions. Coffee sampling helps ensure consistency, discover unique flavors, and maintain high standards in the coffee industry.

What is the difference between Coffee Sampling vs Coffee Tasting Specialist?

AspectCoffee SamplingCoffee Tasting Specialist
CredentialsKnowledge of coffee varieties, sensory skillsSame as Coffee Sampling, often with additional sensory training
Work EnvironmentSampling events, coffee shops, roasteriesSpecialized tasting rooms, quality control labs
Industry UsageUsed by coffee companies for product testingUsed for quality assessment and product development
Search IntentCompare roles in coffee evaluationFind professionals for coffee quality assessment

Both roles involve evaluating coffee, but Coffee Sampling typically refers to initial tasting and product testing, while Coffee Tasting Specialist often involves detailed sensory analysis and quality control. The roles overlap in skills and environment, but the specialist may have more advanced training and focus on quality standards.

What are some typical challenges faced in a coffee sampling role, and how can they be overcome?

In a coffee sampling role, a common challenge is maintaining a consistent and objective palate when tasting multiple coffee varieties throughout the day. This requires careful palate cleansing between samples and a disciplined approach to tasting. Additionally, accurately documenting flavor notes and feedback can be demanding, especially in a fast-paced environment. Collaboration with roasting teams and baristas is also essential to ensure that feedback leads to meaningful improvements. Staying organized and communicating clearly with team members helps overcome these challenges and ensures high-quality results.
More about Coffee Sampling jobs
Infographic showing various Coffee Sampling job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,434 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Lab QC Manager

Klatch Coffee

Rancho Cucamonga, CA โ€ข On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Primary Responsibilities
Lab Management & Quality Control
  • Oversee green coffee sample processes, including obtaining, receiving samples, sample roasting, cupping, and scoring using Cropster software.
  • Operate, maintain, and calibrate lab equipment such as sample roasters, moisture meters, ColorTrac devices, water activity meters, brewers, and grinders.
  • Place purchase orders and approve invoices for green coffee and lab-related expenses.
  • Set up and Conduct regular coffee cupping and tasting sessions to evaluate flavor, aroma, and overall quality, ensuring products meet established QC standards.
  • Maintain detailed and up-to-date inventories of all coffee lots, tracking quantities and other relevant data.
  • Regularly update and maintain accurate records of time and temperature profiles for roasting.
  • Oversee logistics of releasing and transportation of coffee between warehouses
  • Communicate with production, Customer Service, Marketing on the status of inventory substitution , replacements and lots running out
Certifications & Compliance
  • Manage and maintain Organic Certification documentation (Google Drive and printed manuals).
  • Assist with SQF certification as part of the FSMS team and act as FSMS alternate
  • Perform traceability audits
  • Ensure all vendors comply with FSMS requirements.

Communicate with importers to obtain and verify certifications such as SQF, Organic, Fair Trade (FTO), and Rainforest Alliance.
Production Support
  • Create and maintain roasting profiles and blend recipes for production
  • Random Quality check on production roasts
  • Work with roasters to minimise failed goals in Cropster
  • Support production tasks, including order processing, shipping, and receiving when necessary
  • Serve as a backup production roaster when needed.
  • Forecast coffee demand for large orders and implement inventory management strategies.
Marketing & Collaboration
  • Provide marketing with accurate and relevant information about coffee lots, including origin, certifications, and flavor profiles.
  • Work with the team to create brewing and espresso extraction profiles and cupping notes.
Qualifications
  • Strong passion for coffee with a desire to learn and grow.
  • Strong multitasking and organizational skills.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Proficiency in Cropster, Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Drive, and Adobe.
  • Strong math skills essential for roasting and operational tasks.
  • Attention to detail with neat handwriting.
  • Team player attitude with a willingness to contribute across departments.
  • May involve international travel.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Pay: Depending on experience
  • Schedule: 8-hour shifts, Monday through Friday.

Salary Description
20.00 per hour to 30.00 per hour doe