How to Become a Coffee Roaster in 2025: Learn All the Secrets and Start a Coffee Roasting Business

Ever been in a coffee shop experiencing that signature fresh-roasted-bean aroma, thinking to yourself, “I bet I could do this?” If you’re wondering how to become a coffee roaster, I’m your man! I have a decades-long history in coffee, starting as a barista and now roasting my premium espresso coffee beans.

There’s something very cool about transforming green coffee into roasted gold. But I’ll have you know that the coffee roasting business is no walk in the park. In fact, roasting coffee involves both science and art.

Today, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about starting a coffee roasting business. Whether you’re an amateur enthusiast or barista, want to start a coffee roasting company or already work in the specialty coffee industry, this post is for you.

How to Learn Coffee Roasting

Roasting coffee may seem complicated at first. But don’t worry – you won’t need a chemistry degree! All you need is a passion for coffee, the zeal to learn and dedication to see things through.

To start, I recommend reading beginner-friendly books like Scott Rao’s “The Coffee Roaster’s Companion.” These will provide a solid foundation without overwhelming you with technical hogwash. If books aren’t your thing, watch the tons of home-roasting YouTubers that break down all things coffee roasting.

But nothing beats hands-on experience. Without it, you won’t master how to become a coffee roaster. Start with something simple – maybe a popcorn popper or air fryer (don’t laugh; these and other home coffee roasters work well for small batches).

Your initial batches will likely be disasters – too dark, too light, wildly inconsistent – but don’t worry! Each mistake will teach you something about timing, temperature and how beans develop.

Once you’re comfortable roasting coffee at home, I recommend connecting with professional bodies like the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and Coffee Quality Institute (CQI). These organizations have courses to help you gain in-depth knowledge for a successful coffee roaster career. You may also join online coffee communities and local roasteries. These are perfect for exchanging notes and getting hands-on roasting experience.

​​Coffee Roasting Process Step-by-Step

Understanding the coffee roasting process is essential for any aspiring roaster. But, what is the coffee roasting process exactly?

The journey begins with the Drying Phase at 212-302 degrees Fahrenheit (100-150 degrees Celsius). Here, beans expand, losing 8-12% moisture, turn from green to yellow and emit grassy aromas. Notably, a longer drying results in coffee with a lower acidity.

Next comes the Browning Phase at 302-392 degrees Fahrenheit (150-200 degrees Celsius). Here, Maillard reactions transform beans from yellow to light brown. The beans also expand and lose weight as the sugars caramelize, developing the bean’s flavors.

At First Crack (385 degrees Fahrenheit/196 degrees Celsius), you’ll hear distinct popping. You’ll also notice sweet aromas as the beans enter light roast territory.

After this, the Development Stage kicks in. A shorter phase preserves more origin characteristics, while a longer one creates darker roasts with more flavor and body.

The Second Crack (435 degrees Fahrenheit/223 degrees Celsius) signals dark roast territory. Oils appear on the bean’s surface, more trapped gases release and the roast develops an intense, smoky flavor.

Lastly, comes the Cooling Phase. Roasters rapidly cool the beans to stop them from over-roasting, while preserving the batch’s distinct qualities.

Coffee Roasting Time: How Long Do You Need to Roast Your Beans

One of the most common questions about roasting coffee beans is, “How long should I roast coffee beans?” Honestly, this question has both a straightforward and complicated answer.

Most coffee roasts take 8-15 minutes from start to finish. But that’s like saying, “Cooking dinner takes 30 minutes” – it all depends on what you’re cooking and how!

So, what affects roasting time in particular?

Your equipment makes a huge difference. A commercial roaster needs 12-15 minutes and fluid bed roasters 7-10 minutes. Home roasters can take 5-7 minutes, while a cast iron skillet (and other traditional methods, for that matter) might take 15-20 minutes.

Batch size is also part of the equation. It’s Physics 101 – more beans need more time. That perfect 10-minute roast for a 4-ounce batch might need 13-14 minutes when tripled.

Bean density matters, too. Denser, high-grown Kenyan or Ethiopian varieties are literally heat sponges, taking longer to roast compared to less dense Brazilian or Indonesian beans.

Another factor is the desired coffee roast profile. It’s crucial when determining roast time and generally breaks down as follows:

You should also consider the Rate of Rise (RoR). A successful roast starts with faster temperature increases to warm the beans. It then transitions into a declining temperature increase mid-roast for even flavor development. Lastly, it gently approaches the first crack to prevent defects. This temperature journey, not just total time, is what creates your coffee’s distinctive character, yielding a good roast.

Coffee Roaster Jobs and Salaries

If you’re wondering about how to become a coffee roaster, the specialty coffee industry offers a surprising variety of career pathways. Let’s explore the different roles, salary expectations across regions and what it takes to succeed in each position.

Coffee Roaster

Coffee roasters transform green coffee into the aromatic black gold. Earnings range from $35,000-$60,000 annually. The Pacific Northwest, in particular, offers the highest salaries, up to $65,000.

To succeed in your coffee roaster career, you must master coffee chemistry and coffee roasting. You must also have strong sensory evaluation to help you check your roasts. Notably, professional roasters with Q-Grader credentials earn more in the coffee roasting industry.

Quality Control Specialist

Quality control specialists are the guardians of coffee flavor. They ensure consistency and excellence across batches.

These professionals need highly developed palates and systematic approaches to flavor evaluation. As such, they cup hundreds of samples weekly, maintain detailed records and communicate findings to clients.

To this end, many quality control specialists hold Q-Grader certifications. A particular perk of this position is that it offers a delicate balance of technical knowledge and sensory skills. This is ideal for those who love the analytical side of coffee. National salaries range from $45,000-$65,000, with the pay remaining consistent nationwide.

Green Coffee Buyer

Green coffee buyers straddle agriculture, international relations and sensory evaluation. These professionals build relationships with farmers and cooperatives in order to source premium beans. As such, most have a deep understanding of coffee production.

Most buyers work in coffee industry hubs like Seattle, Portland, Oakland and New York. The average salary ranges from $55,000-$90,000 annually. Crucially, this isn’t an entry-level position. It requires at least five years of industry experience and lots and in-depth ethical sourcing, roasting and cupping knowledge.

Director of Coffee

At the executive level, Directors of Coffee oversee all coffee-related operations. They shape their company’s coffee program and manage relationships with producers and importers. They also guide product development and serve as the public face of their company.

This top-tier role combines deep coffee expertise with business strategy. It requires at least 7-10 years of industry experience. As such, they earn a pretty penny, between $70,000 and $120,000. Oh, and positions at major companies can command up to $140,000 annually.

Specialty Coffee Shop Owner

Last but not least, there’s coffee shop ownership. This pathway offers higher income but comes with greater risk and investment. Owners typically earn profits of $40,000-$150,000 annually. Earnings depend on the location, business model and operational efficiency.

Starting a cafe-roaster typically requires $200,000-$500,000 in capital investment. The most successful owners have prior experience in the coffee industry. Not to mention a strong entrepreneurial spirit! 

Unlike other coffee careers, specialty coffee shop ownership needs you to wear many hats. You’ll not only be a marketer and manager, but also the maintenance person – especially in the early years.

How to Start a Coffee Roasting Business

Starting your own coffee roasting business can be incredibly rewarding. I’ve seen many entrepreneurs (myself included) turn their love for the perfect cup into thriving businesses. But it’s not all roses and sunshine. This business requires careful planning and investment.

You’ll first have to source commercial roasting equipment and beans. Without these two, there is no business. Seek coffee producers or importers who offer smaller quantities as you scale. In particular, Fair Trade and direct-trade coffee connections ensure sustainability and quality.

You should develop a clear mission statement and business plan with targeted marketing. Decide whether you’ll focus on wholesale accounts (e.g., local cafes and grocery stores) or direct-to-consumer online and in-person sales. Each requires different marketing approaches and yields different margins.

Also, establish robust quality control systems. This means establishing regular cupping protocols and shelf-life testing. To this end, accurate documentation systems will help you to maintain the consistency customers expect.

Importantly, invest in professional development through the CQI and SCA. You should also approach experienced roasters, for coffee roasting industry mentorships. Many would be more than happy to help! Finally, remember to practice on sample roasters and attend trade shows religiously. It’s a cost-effective way to learn.

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Coffee Roasting Business?

Expect high startup costs when starting a roasting business – roughly $25,000-$150,000 in capital. This initial cost largely depends on your scale and approach. 

Here’s where that money typically goes:

Is Coffee Roasting Profitable?

When thinking about becoming a coffee roaster, a key consideration is figuring out your profit margin. Like any business, success will depend on your business model, scaling strategy and market approach.

Still, coffee roasting has attractive profit margins. Consider this: green beans cost $4-$8 per pound, depending on quality, origin and purchasing relationships. In contrast, roasted specialty coffee retails for $15-$35 per pound. On paper, this creates potential gross margins of 60-75%. Not bad!

However, those impressive margins can quickly get trimmed by operational expenses. Some of these include:

Despite this, many coffee roasters achieve sustainable profitability within a few years. The most successful, such as third-wave coffee roasters Intelligentsia, Counter Culture and Coffee Collective, have a clear brand identity and target audience loyalty. They also boast strong relationships with their producers, efficient production schedules and impeccable quality control systems.

How to Set Up Your Coffee Roaster Shop 

When establishing your coffee venture, location is key. While you don’t need high-traffic retail space, you do need good ventilation, adequate power (220V) and delivery access. You also need enough storage for your beans and packaging operations.

Above all, configure your space with a heat-resistant roasting area. Keep the workflow logical and include a separate cooling station and packaging area. Also, ensure your storage area is away from humidity and direct sunlight. Finally, include a cupping lab for quality control and R&D.

I must also mention the legal aspects of this business. Before you start roasting, secure your business license, food handler permits, local health department approval and fire department inspection. Don’t forget to include comprehensive business insurance. This should cover your products, equipment and liabilities, such as general liability and workers comp.

Final Thoughts: How to Get Into Coffee Roasting

I hope this post has given you valuable insights about how to become a coffee roaster! Although this business is profitable, it’s far from a get-rich-quick scheme. Thriving roasters combine a passion for quality with sound business acumen.

Above all, coffee roasting requires patience. That, and building meaningful connections throughout the coffee supply chain. Until next time, happy roasting!

How to be a Coffee Roaster FAQ