Thinking about joining one of the UK’s biggest coffee chains?
This guide explains how to get a job at Costa Coffee, from finding openings to completing the application and interview.
It also covers current salaries, benefits, and progression, so you can judge whether Costa Coffee is a good place to work.
Where to Find Job Vacancies at Costa Coffee
Start with the official Costa careers portal. Use the Search & Apply tool to browse roles across the UK and internationally.
New roles appear frequently, and you can filter by location, hours, and contract type.
You’ll also see job vacancies at Costa Coffee on reputable portals such as the UK government’s “Find a job” service and major job boards.
Corporate, digital, and head-office roles often appear on professional networking sites as well.
- Search and shortlist roles. Filter for location, contract hours, and role level (Barista, Barista Maestro, Store Manager).
- Create an applicant account. Upload a concise CV and complete required fields (contact info, work history, availability). Apprenticeships or early-career routes may use partner systems—follow the instructions on the vacancy page.
- Complete the initial chat interview. Many UK store roles begin with a short online Sapia chat (mobile-friendly). You’ll answer scenario-based questions that assess customer service, teamwork, and reliability.
- Attend a store interview and checks. If you progress, expect a brief, practical interview and standard right-to-work checks. Some stores may include a short trial or skills demonstration.
Keep answers specific and concise in the chat stage, then prepare examples of handling busy periods, keeping standards high, and resolving customer issues for the in-person interview.
Roles and Key Responsibilities
Baristas prepare hot and cold drinks to Costa standards, serve customers, handle cash/card payments, restock, clean, and maintain hygiene and safety.
A barista maestro leads shifts, coaches new team members, maintains stock and store presentation, and handles basic admin.
Store Managers oversee operations, recruitment, scheduling, cost control, compliance, and local initiatives; they develop and coach the team.
Progression typically follows Barista → Barista Maestro → Store Manager, supported by on-the-job training and structured modules.
Pay and Salaries (UK, company-owned stores)
Costa announced a national pay uplift effective 1 April 2025 for staff in company-owned UK stores.
- Barista starting rate: £12.60 per hour, with higher rates in some locations.
- Barista Maestro (Team Leader): At least £12.93 per hour, typically rising to £13.43 after role-specific training. Many adverts show a local range (for example, £12.93–£13.93, then £13.43–£14.43 post-training).
- Central London premium: often +£1.00 per hour on top of the base rate for company-owned stores.
- Store Manager: roles are commonly advertised at around £30,000 per year, with ranges depending on store size, region, and experience.
These rates apply to company-owned stores. Franchise stores set their own terms and may advertise different pay and benefits.
Always check the exact advert for the specific store.
If you’re outside the UK, review local Costa career pages and job boards for country-specific pay and employment terms.
Benefits and What to Expect
Pension with employer match (often up to a competitive percentage). Share scheme opportunities (linked to the parent company).
In-store discounts (commonly 50%) and free drinks on shift. Financial support options and wellbeing resources.
Training and progression routes from entry level to management.
Packages vary by role and location. Read each vacancy’s “Benefits” section carefully and confirm during the interview.
How to Get a Job at Costa Coffee: Practical Tips
Get clear timelines for training steps from Barista to Barista Maestro and beyond.
Tailor your CV to service
Emphasize customer interaction, cash handling, teamwork, cleanliness, and time-pressure performance.
If you have food safety knowledge or certificates, include them.
Prepare for the Sapia chat
Have three brief examples ready (e.g., helping a frustrated customer, coordinating during a rush, and keeping standards while short-staffed).
Write clearly, avoid slang, and check grammar before submitting.
Show flexibility
Stores operate early mornings, weekends, and holidays. Stating broader availability can help your application.
Learn the menu basics
Understanding common drink builds and customizations (decaf, syrups, milk options) signals genuine interest.
Know the pay bands
Referencing current hourly rates and progression bands shows you’ve done your homework and helps you evaluate offers.
Especially when comparing company-owned vs franchise roles.
Ask about training and progression
Clarify how quickly baristas can train up to Barista Maestro and what performance metrics are used to move into leadership.
Is Costa Coffee a Good Place to Work?
Employee feedback on large hospitality chains is usually mixed but informative.
Pros
- Clear training paths for new starters, even without prior experience as a barista.
- Free drinks on shift and staff discounts.
- Progression opportunities to Team Leader and Store Manager with structured training.
- Busy stores can be sociable and build strong teamwork.
Trade-offs
- A fast pace and high footfall can be demanding, especially during peak times and commuting hours.
- Shift patterns (early starts, weekends, holidays) may not suit everyone.
- Entry-level pay is competitive for high-street hospitality but may be lower than in non-hospitality sectors.
To decide, read several recent reviews, compare the benefits in your local adverts, and ask specific questions at the interview.
A job at Costa Coffee could be as rewarding as challenging.
Application Timeline and Next Steps
Create alerts and apply early. Roles in busy areas fill quickly.
Respond promptly to the chat interview invite and complete it within the suggested window.
Prepare for in-store interviews. Dress neatly, arrive early, and bring proof of right to work. Be ready to discuss customer scenarios and cleanliness standards.
Clarify details before accepting an offer; base hourly rate, any location premium, guaranteed contract hours, overtime arrangements, break policy, and training dates.
Conclusion
To decide on a job at Costa Coffee, confirm whether the role is company-owned or franchise; terms can differ.
Verify the exact hourly rate for your location and the uplift after training if you’re applying for Barista Maestro.
Ask about discounts, pension match, share schemes, and any financial support fund. Get clear timelines for training steps.
