What Starbucks Jobs Involve and Who Can Work There
Starbucks hires for several different roles, most commonly barista, shift supervisor, and store manager. A barista makes and serves drinks, takes orders, and handles the register. A shift supervisor oversees the store during their shift, trains staff, and handles money and inventory. Store managers run the whole location, hire and schedule people, and manage budgets. The company also hires for corporate roles, but most people start in a store.
You do not need prior experience to work as a barista. Starbucks trains new hires on how to make drinks and use their systems. You do need to be at least 16 years old in most states (some states require 18 for certain shifts). You need a valid Social Security number to pass a background check, which Starbucks runs on all new hires. If you have a criminal record, Starbucks will still consider you — they do not automatically reject people with records, but they do review them.
Starbucks is a union workplace in some locations and non-union in others. If you work at a unionized store, you will be part of the union automatically. If you work at a non-union store, you cannot join the union through Starbucks, though union organizing does happen at individual locations.
Key Takeaways
- Most Starbucks positions do not require prior experience, but you must be at least 16 and pass a background check.
- The hiring process usually takes one to two weeks from application to start date, though this varies by location.
- You can apply online through the Starbucks careers website or in person at a store, and both methods reach the same hiring manager.
- Pay starts at the local minimum wage or higher depending on your state and the store's location, and Starbucks offers health insurance to part-time workers who work at least 20 hours per week.
- Shift supervisors and store managers require prior Starbucks experience or retail management experience, and the company promotes from within when possible.
How to Find and Apply for Starbucks Jobs
You can apply through the Starbucks careers website at careers.starbucks.com, or you can walk into a store and ask to speak with a manager about open positions. Both methods work. The online application asks for your name, contact information, work history, and availability. You will need to say which store or stores you want to work at. The application itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
If you apply in person, bring a resume or be ready to tell the manager about your work history. Managers often interview people on the spot or ask them to come back at a slower time. In-person applications sometimes move faster because the manager meets you immediately, but online applications also work well — the manager will call or email you if they want to interview you.
After you submit an application, a manager from that store will review it. If they want to interview you, they will call or email within a few days to a week. The interview is usually short — 15 to 30 minutes — and happens either in the store or over the phone. They will ask about your availability, why you want to work there, and how you handle customer service situations.
What Starbucks Looks for in New Hires
Starbucks prioritizes customer service skills and reliability. They want people who show up on time, communicate well with customers and coworkers, and stay calm during busy periods. You do not need to know how to make coffee — they teach that. You do need to show that you can learn quickly and work as part of a team.
During the interview, managers often ask about times you solved a problem, handled a difficult customer, or worked with a team. They want to hear specific examples, not general statements. If you have never worked before, you can talk about school group projects, volunteer work, or how you handle responsibilities at home.
Availability matters more than experience. Starbucks needs people who can work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. If you can only work certain hours, say that clearly in your application and interview. Managers will tell you whether those hours match what they need.
Pay, Benefits, and What to Expect in Your First Weeks
Starting pay at Starbucks varies by state and location. In states with higher minimum wages, like California and New York, starting pay is higher than the federal minimum. In other states, Starbucks often pays slightly above minimum wage even where they are not required to. You can ask the manager what the starting rate is before you interview.
Starbucks offers health insurance to part-time workers who work at least 20 hours per week. Full-time workers (30 hours or more per week) receive health, dental, and vision coverage. The company also offers a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and a tuition reimbursement program called the College Achievement Plan, which covers tuition at Arizona State University's online programs.
Your first week involves training on the register, the point-of-sale system, and basic drink recipes. You will shadow experienced baristas and practice making drinks. Most new hires work shorter shifts during training. After two to four weeks, you should be able to work independently, though you will still ask questions and get help from supervisors.
Background Check and What Disqualifies You
Starbucks runs a background check on all new hires. The check includes criminal history, employment history verification, and a Social Security number match. You will need to authorize the check when you are offered a job. The background check usually takes three to five business days.
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. Starbucks reviews each case individually. They look at how recent the offense was, what type of offense it was, and whether it relates to the job. For example, a conviction for theft might be viewed differently than a conviction for a traffic violation. If you have a record, be honest about it when asked — lying on the application is grounds for not being hired or being fired later.
You will be disqualified if you do not have a valid Social Security number, if you cannot pass the employment history verification (meaning your previous employers cannot confirm you worked there), or if you are under 16 in most states.
Advancement from Barista to Supervisor and Manager
Starbucks promotes from within. To become a shift supervisor, you typically need six months to a year of barista experience at Starbucks, though this varies by location and how much the store needs supervisors. Supervisors earn more than baristas — the amount varies by location but is usually $1 to $3 per hour more. Supervisors also get more hours and more consistent scheduling.
To become a store manager, you usually need at least one year of supervisor experience or prior retail management experience. Store managers earn a salary rather than an hourly wage. The salary varies widely by location and store volume, but ranges from roughly $40,000 to $60,000 per year in most markets.
If you want to move up, tell your manager. They can put you in line for supervisor training when a position opens. Supervisors and managers also attend company training programs. Starbucks has an internal job board where you can see open positions at other stores if you want to transfer or move into management elsewhere.
Common Reasons People Do Not Get Hired or Get Fired
The most common reason people do not get hired is poor availability. If you say you can only work weekends or evenings, and the store needs morning coverage, they will not hire you. Be realistic about your schedule in your application.
People also do not get hired if they do not show up for the interview or if they are late to the interview. Starbucks sees punctuality as a sign of reliability. If you cannot make the interview time, call the store and ask to reschedule.
After you are hired, the most common reasons people are fired are not showing up for shifts without calling, being late repeatedly, or not following food safety rules. Starbucks takes food safety seriously — if you do not wash your hands properly or handle food correctly, you can be fired. If you need to miss a shift, call the store as soon as you know, ideally at least two hours before your shift starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have worked at Starbucks before to become a supervisor?
No, but most supervisors are promoted from barista positions at Starbucks. If you have retail management or supervisory experience elsewhere, you may be able to start as a supervisor, but this is less common. Ask the hiring manager whether they have supervisor openings and what experience they require.
What happens if I fail the background check?
Starbucks will tell you that you did not pass and usually will not hire you. You have the right to know what came up on the check and to dispute it if it is wrong. If you believe the background check contains errors, contact the background check company directly — Starbucks will give you their information.
Can I work at multiple Starbucks locations?
Yes. You can transfer between stores or work at more than one location if both managers agree. Some people pick up shifts at nearby stores to get more hours. Talk to your manager about whether this is possible in your area.
How long does it take from application to first day of work?
Usually one to two weeks. This includes the time for the manager to review your application, interview you, run the background check, and schedule your training. If the store is very busy or short-staffed, it can happen faster. If the store is not hiring urgently, it can take longer.
What if I have never worked before?
Starbucks hires people with no work experience. In your interview, focus on times you showed responsibility, learned something new, or worked with others — school projects, volunteer work, or family responsibilities all count. Be honest that you have not worked before and show that you are ready to learn.