Costa Coffee hikes pay for 16,000 UK staff

This marks the seventh pay raise for store staff since 2021.

Costa Coffee will raise pay for over 16,000 staff across its 1,500 UK company-owned stores from 1 April 2026.

This marks the seventh pay increase for store employees since 2021.

The £7m adjustment will see baristas' hourly rates rise to £13.12 from £12.60.

Senior Barista Maestros, who lead teams and train staff, will earn £13.75 per hour, up from a previous range of £12.93–£13.43.

Store managers will receive an overall 3% pay increase.

Employees in Central London will receive an additional £1 per hour above the national rate, bringing baristas' pay to £14.12 and barista maestros' pay to £14.75 per hour.

“Hard work should be rewarded, which is why from April, our increase to the National Living Wage will benefit 2.4 million people, with full-time workers on the National Living Wage being £900 a year better off,” said Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer.