I’ve always wondered if the motivation for wearing a bathing suit while pulling espresso shots resided in the paycheck. Wondered, that is, until I saw this Craigslist ad for a bikini barista position in Everett, the very city where five bikini baristas were charged with prostitution back in 2009.

Here’s what the ad says:
"Looking for a bikini barista in the Everett area. $9.00 per hour. Must have experience and great customer service. Needed all different days, including weekends. Please email me your resume along with pictures and phone number to get in contact with you."

So…$9 an hour. Compare that to the average wage of a Starbucks barista: $8.64, according to Glassdoor.com. (That drops to $8.33 if you filter for less than one year of experience). For 36 cents less you get to work while clothed? Given our chilly climate that seems like something of a no-brainer.

Ah, but there is the matter of the tip jar to consider.

PS: Yes, I know that one bikini barista wage does not add up to representative sample. It’s still, um, revealing.