Starbucks barista positions are an entry point into a global brand with clear training paths, competitive local pay, and benefits.
The application is online, and you can apply to more than one store.
Below is a concise, step-by-step guide with verified details, plus current examples of hourly pay ranges.
What is the Barista Position at Starbucks
Baristas handcraft beverages, connect with customers, and help keep the store welcoming and efficient.
Starbucks describes baristas as “the heart” of the stores—focused on moments of connection, beverage quality, and a clean, safe environment.
The retail careers materials also note a structured onboarding plan with training in the first month and additional training at 90 and 190 days.
Pay: What You Can Expect (Examples From Recent Postings)
Starbucks’ pay is set locally and varies by state, city, and store.
- New York, NY (Midtown Manhattan): starting hourly $17.75–$20.15.
- Hesperia, CA (Inland Empire): starting hourly $20.25–$22.99.
- Pasco, WA (Tri-Cities): starting hourly $16.80–$19.07.
- Stafford, TX (Houston metro): starting hourly $15.25–$17.31.
Use these as directional guides. Always check the exact range listed on each job ad for your target store and date.
Starbucks Barista Job Benefits
Starbucks refers to employees as “partners” and highlights benefits for eligible part-time and full-time partners.
This includes stock (Bean Stock), 401(k) match, savings programs, mental health resources, paid time off, and partner discounts.
A major education benefit is the Starbucks College Achievement Plan with 100% upfront tuition coverage.
Many job postings also note a 30% in-store discount on food, beverages, and merchandise for partners.
How to Apply for Starbucks Barista Positions
Starbucks uses an online portal for U.S. hiring. You can search jobs, create a profile, set job alerts, and track application status.
The company confirms you can do multiple Starbucks barista job applications and that applications for retail hourly roles are refreshed every 90 days.
- Go to the careers site and open the retail section. Review the barista overview to confirm day-to-day responsibilities and the training timeline. This helps you tailor your resume and availability.
- Create a candidate profile. You’ll use this profile to apply quickly to additional postings and to set up job alerts for specific roles and locations.
- Search “Barista” and filter by location. Each posting shows store address, schedule expectations, and pay range where required by state or city law. Capture the requisition you’re targeting.
- Submit your application. Include updated contact info and recent experience. Align your resume with themes in the posting and highlight measurable accomplishments.
- Set job alerts and re-apply if needed. Retail hourly postings refresh approximately every 90 days. Turn on alerts so you get notified at the start of each cycle.
- Watch for the confirmation email. You should receive an email once your application is submitted.
- Prepare for a behavioral interview. Research the company’s culture and mission, visit a store to observe operations, and prepare specific examples that match the role competencies.
- Request accommodations if needed. Starbucks provides channels for candidates needing reasonable accommodations during the process.
What Hiring Managers Look For
Common themes in Starbucks barista positions include the ability to learn quickly and follow written and verbal instructions.
Keeping composure in a fast-paced environment, handling cash accurately, and supporting store safety and cleanliness are basic skills needed.
Read each job ad carefully and mirror the language in your resume where your experience truly matches.
Reliability, teamwork, and customer service skills are consistently emphasized.
Where to prepare for the position?
Take Starbucks Global Academy courses are open to anyone and include inclusive-service content like “To Be Welcoming.”
Enroll in Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) training with Barista Skills Foundation to learn dialing in a grinder.
Get a Food Handler certificate (e.g., ServSafe). The online course typically takes ~60–90 minutes; the certificate is widely recognized.
One-week quick plan
- Day 1–2: Read the retail role page; map requirements to your experience. Take 2–3 Starbucks Global Academy modules.
- Day 3: Complete ServSafe Food Handler (or your local equivalent). Print/save the cert.
- Day 4–5: Study SCA barista foundations topics; practice grinder/espresso/milk theory and cleaning routines.
- Day 6: Script and rehearse 4 STAR stories tied to Starbucks values.
- Day 7: Visit a store, observe a peak hour, note workflow and customer interactions, and refine your answers accordingly (no special access needed).
Timeline and Follow-Up
There isn’t a universal timeline; it varies by store needs.
Recruiters and store managers review applicants and reach out to those who appear to match the role.
If a store isn’t hiring now, set alerts and try nearby locations.
You can check your application status in your candidate profile and update your availability if it changes.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Tailor your resume. Focus your objective on the core skills the posting calls out (customer connection, beverage quality, pace, teamwork).
Flexible, reliable availability is a common differentiator in retail hiring. Confirm your exact hours and any constraints.
Visit a store, note the flow during peak hours, and be ready to discuss what you observed and how you’d contribute.
Prepare behavioral examples. Use brief stories to illustrate how you handled fast pace, accuracy, or a customer concern.
After You’re Hired: Training and Growth
New partners receive structured training early on and additional checkpoints at 90 and 190 days.
Many store managers began as baristas, and internal progression into shift supervisor and beyond is common.
If career growth is your goal, communicate it to your manager early, and review internal openings and learning resources available to partners.
Quick Answers
Can I apply to more than one store? Yes—apply to multiple openings and set alerts for locations you’re targeting.
How will I know you got my application? You’ll receive a confirmation email after submission.
Where can I read the full benefits? Review the benefits overview on the careers site and the education program details for ASU tuition coverage.
Bottom Line
Applying for Starbucks barista positions requires creating a profile, targeting stores near you, and submitting a tailored application.
Salaries are posted at the store level and vary by location, with recent examples ranging from about $15–$23 per hour in the U.S.
Review the official careers pages and specific postings for the latest pay, benefits, and requirements, then prepare for a customer-focused, fast-paced interview.
