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Q Grader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Barista

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

$18.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

Del Mar, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Barista

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Lead Position

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$18.25/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Keyholder Lead

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is ...

Professional certifications related to coffee quality and sensory evaluation, such as Q Grader, SCA Sensory Skills, or SCA Roasting, are highly preferred. * Experience in quality management within a ...

Grain Grader At Mennel, we believe in doing right and bringing our best to our people who are ... Q Statement, and sanitation guidelines as set forth by the company as listed in Corporate Health ...

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Q Grader information

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How much do q grader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for q grader in the United States is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Q grader?

A Q Grader is a certified professional who evaluates coffee quality based on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards. They assess coffee through sensory analysis, identifying flavors, defects, and overall cup quality. Q Graders help ensure consistency in the coffee supply chain by grading beans for producers, buyers, and roasters. Their expertise is crucial in maintaining quality control and improving coffee offerings worldwide.

What does a Q grader do?

A typical day for a Q Grader involves conducting coffee cuppings, assessing green and roasted coffee samples, and documenting detailed tasting notes and scores according to SCA protocols. Q Graders often collaborate closely with roasters, green coffee buyers, producers, and quality assurance teams to provide feedback and make informed sourcing or blending decisions. The work can be both hands-on and collaborative, requiring frequent communication and alignment with broader quality standards or customer expectations. Many Q Graders also participate in training sessions, calibration workshops, or support educational efforts within their organizations to uphold high-quality coffee standards. This dynamic role is central to ensuring product excellence and building trust across the supply chain.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a Q grader?

To thrive as a Q Grader, you need an exceptional palate for identifying and evaluating coffee flavors, aromas, and defects, supported by formal training and successful completion of the Q Grader certification exam. Mastery of cupping protocols, sensory evaluation tools, and quality scoring systems established by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is essential. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to provide objective, constructive feedback set outstanding Q Graders apart. These skills are vital because Q Graders ensure coffee quality standards, guide purchasing decisions, and maintain consistency in the specialty coffee industry.

How do you become a Q Grader?

To become a Q Grader, candidates must complete a rigorous training program and pass a series of written and practical exams administered by the Coffee Quality Institute. The process includes demonstrating sensory skills, knowledge of coffee grading standards, and experience in cupping and quality assessment.

How much do Q graders make?

Q graders typically earn between $15,000 and $30,000 annually, depending on experience, certification level, and location. They often work in coffee-producing regions or specialty coffee environments, with some earning higher wages through freelance or consulting work.
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What cities are hiring for Q Grader jobs?

Cities with the most Q Grader job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Q Grader jobs?

The most popular types of Q Grader jobs are:

What states have the most Q Grader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Q Grader jobs include:

Infographic showing various Q Grader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,535 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Barista

La Jolla, CA • On-site

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
Food Services and Drinking Places • 11 - 50 employees

$17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance

SERVING THE CITY WE LOVE
Coffee, people, and positive community involvement is what we focus on at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters.
Customer Service Duties & Responsibilities Include
• Greet and interact with all customers providing everyone with an excellent experience in our stores.
• Maintain a positive demeanor in a busy environment where multi-tasking, cleaning, and effective communication are requirements.
• Prepare batch brew and pour over coffee according to our standards of quality.
• Maintain coffee knowledge on current offerings and confidently and accurately communicate product information to customers.
• Taste coffee each shift worked to improve product knowledge.
• Properly handle and maintain all coffee brewing equipment.
• Follow cash register policies and procedures including handling cash.
• Communicate with team members and management to solve problems and improve service.
Please follow these steps to apply to all Bird Rock Coffee Roasters jobs
  1. Log on to and click the "show me all jobs" link.
  2. Click on your desired role/location that you are interested in working at. If you are open to working at multiple cafe locations, please note to the hiring manager any of our other 6 locations you are willing to work at.
  3. Follow the instructions to upload your resume and complete your user profile in our hiring database.
  4. You will be contacted back shortly with a quick assessment to be filled out, then an interview will be set up as the final step before onboarding and training.
  5. You can also find a link to our hiring database at under the "About" tab and following the "Join our team" link.

See you soon and thank you for your time!!
Compensation: $17.75 per hour
JOIN TEAM BIRD ROCK COFFEE!
We are looking for exceptional, inspirational and motivated team members.
Recognized as Roaster of the Year in 2012-a national once-in-a-lifetime award given by Roast Magazine-Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is proud to have put Direct Sourced, Single Origin, exceptional coffee on the map in San Diego. A regular contributor to the international coffee industry, a consistent winner of , and the , the recipient of a , and with a Q-Grader certified Director of Coffee on site, Bird Rock's staff is sought after throughout the world for their coffee expertise. Going beyond the perfect latte, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has a top-quality roasting program on site, a pour-over bar featuring some of the best, seasonal varietals, monthly staff cuppings, and a deep dive into the selection process and all things coffee. Bird Rock Coffee Roasters goes beyond the confines of the fair trade structure and engages in , and is proud to serve the best coffee, prepared with the utmost respect to those who grew it.
THE COMMUNITY
At Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, we believe in giving back-to the farmers and to our own community. We're actively involved in almost every community event in Bird Rock because it's important to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Bird Rock Coffee Roasters takes pride in showcasing the talents of local artists and performers of the Bird Rock Community. To participate or inquire about displaying your artwork in Bird Rock Coffee Roasters' Coffee Bar, please Bird Rock Coffee Roasters.