A bulk acoustic wave resonator includes a membrane layer, together with a substrate, forming a cavity, a lower electrode disposed on the membrane layer, a piezoelectric layer disposed on a flat surface of the lower electrode and an upper electrode covering a portion of the piezoelectric layer. An overall region at a side of the piezoelectric layer is exposed to the air. The side of the piezoelectric layer has a gradient of 65° to 90° with respect to a top surface of the lower electrode.