It starts with the green apron
The green apron is a symbol of our dedication to doing right by the people who make our success possible. For over 50 years, we’ve put our people first – offering competitive pay, best-in-class benefits, and opportunities for career and skills development. From the moment a Starbucks barista puts on their green apron, they join a community that values hard work and supports their journey to a better future — at Starbucks or wherever their path takes them next.
Announcing more ways to share in our success
We're introducing three new ways for partners to share in the success of Back to Starbucks as part of our ongoing commitment to invest in their career journey and building on our competitive pay and industry-leading benefits.
Together, this new program has the potential for partners to receive an extra 5-8% on average, on top of what they receive today.*
Back to Starbucks Partner Reward
Starting in July, baristas and shift supervisors can earn up to an additional $1,200 per year ($300 quarterly) when their coffeehouse meets key performance goals, recognizing teams that work together to deliver excellence.
More ways to tip
Customers feel the difference in our coffeehouses and want easier ways to say thank you. We're expanding tipping options so customers will soon be able to tip by credit card through Mobile Order & Pay or when using the app to Scan & Pay at the register.
Weekly pay
Based on partner feedback, beginning in August, all partners in the U.S. will move to a weekly pay cycle so they can get the money they earn, faster.
*The actual amount of tips received by a tip-eligible partner can vary substantially depending upon coffeehouse location, quality of service, customers served and other factors. Tips are a gratuity provided by customers at their discretion and are not guaranteed.
BACK TO STARBUCKS: investing in benefits, careers & support
At Starbucks, we’re getting back to what makes us special: a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather, and where we serve the finest coffee, handcrafted by our skilled baristas. Since launching our Back to Starbucks plan in September 2024, we’ve made bold investments to elevate the partner and customer experience—because when we invest in our people, everything gets better.
Building on what were already industry leading pay and benefits, we have:
- Doubled paid parental leave to up to 18 weeks
- Committed to filling 90% of retail leadership roles internally
- Redefined coffeehouse leader roles to better support partners and customers – including an investment in Assistant Store Manager (ASM) roles across the U.S. and Canada.
- Made a $500 million investment in additional hours and expanded rosters so that there are more partners working during our busiest shifts
- Introduced smart technology like Green Dot Assist and Smart Queue to make work easier and more efficient
This builds on our long-standing commitment to making Starbucks the best job in retail—with industry-leading pay and benefits valued at an average of $30/hour for hourly partners. This includes benefits like comprehensive healthcare, equity in the form of stock, and 100% tuition coverage through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, which are all available even when you work part-time at just 20 hours or more per week. Learn more.
These efforts are driving real results:
- Retail partner turnover is at a record low – nearly half the industry average
- 84% of baristas and coffeehouse leaders – more than 160,000 partners – participated in our most recent U.S. partner survey – our highest-ever response rate – with growing majorities across all roles recommending Starbucks as a great place to work.
- More partners are getting the hours they want, with nearly 85% receiving their preferred schedules.
- Shift completion rates are at all-time highs, and our improved scheduling app, Shift Marketplace, is helping partners pick up 30,000 shifts a week.
- Because of our focus on getting partners the hours they want, partner engagement on their schedule is at new highs and ‘schedule’ as a reason for leaving is down significantly.
Our turnaround is grounded in listening to partners and customers, scaling what works, and investing with discipline in our people, coffeehouses, innovation, and marketing. These efforts are already driving visible change and positioning us for long-term success.
Starbucks has always put people first
In 1988, we made headlines as the first major retailer to offer health benefits to both full- and part-time employees. Just three years later, then-CEO Howard Schultz introduced a groundbreaking stock program, turning employees into true partners.
Since 2022, we've invested over $3 billion to enhance the partner and store experience, including increased wages and benefits. Because when our partners feel supported, they create amazing experiences for our customers.
Today, Starbucks partners enjoy competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for career and skills development. This reflects our commitment to being a bridge to a better future for them. By investing in our partners, we're not just building a company, we're building a community.
We believe that to exceed customer expectations, we must first exceed those of our partners. It’s one of the ways we aspire to be a different kind of company.
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Alyssa & Kristen
Sisters find steady ground and growth at Starbucks. "I came because I needed healthcare. I stayed because the mission matched who I already was." - Alyssa
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Chantel
7-year Starbucks Partner Future biochemistry grad
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Colleen
Starbucks healthcare benefits ‘literally saved our family’
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Heather
How maximizing Starbucks benefits helps my family stay debt-free
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Michelle
I love helping Starbucks partners build financial security
Raising the bar: Competitive Pay & Benefits for our baristas
Competitive wages are the cornerstone of Starbucks benefits. In the U.S., our hourly retail partners earn an average of over $19 per hour.
We also offer industry-leading benefits to both part-time and full-time U.S. partners, including hourly partners in our coffeehouses. When you factor in benefits, our comprehensive compensation package averages $30 per hour. Plus, eligible partners employed directly by Starbucks can earn equity through Bean Stock grants.
We offer one of the best pay and benefits packages in the industry to meet our partners’ unique needs.
Career Aspirations Within Reach
Our goal is to hire 90% of retail leadership roles internally within the next three years, investing in our partners’ future with meaningful opportunities to advance and develop, with great benefits along the way.
And the addition of a full-time assistant store manager role in the majority of U.S. company-operated stores by the end of 2026 will provide additional leadership support during more operating hours and lead to internal career growth opportunities. With a focus on internal development, training and mentorship we’re creating more meaningful career opportunities for our partners.
We’re creating more meaningful career opportunities for our partners.
By The Numbers
Making Starbucks the Best Job in Retail
Our parental leave benefits are unmatched. While most retailers require working an average of 30 hours or more per week to qualify, Partners become eligible at 20 hours.
Celebrating Starbucks partners who are expanding their futures with 100% tuition coverage
More than 1,100 Starbucks partners are graduating from Arizona State University (ASU) this Spring through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP), marking nearly 20,000 graduates to-date.
The Bean Stock program has been more than just a financial benefit; it has empowered me to be financially successful and create a lasting legacy for my growing family. I’m grateful for this opportunity, which has helped me pave the way for future generations in my family and given us a place to call our own."
Emerald, store manager, CA
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: Career Growth at Starbucks
Our partners have big dreams, and we want to help them achieve those goals, both at Starbucks and beyond. That’s why we’re committed to hiring 90% of our retail leadership roles from within, together with resources, training and benefits to help partners grow from day one.
Starbucks is delivering the most valuable college benefit in retail. Through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, eligible partners can work part-time while earning a bachelor’s degree online with 100% tuition coverage—opening doors to brighter futures without the burden of student debt.
Training & Mentorship
New partners receive essential training in their first month, with more training at 90 and 190 days.
Starbucks College Achievement Plan
U.S. partners can get 100% tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree at Arizona State University (ASU).
Coffee Master Program
For those with a passion for coffee – Starbucks does it like no other.
I owe a lot to coffee and the Coffee Master program, which lit a spark in me and got me excited for new possibilities which contributed a lot to my journey. From Barista to Shift Supervisor and now an Assistant Manager, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for that very first sip with my barista trainer who was a Coffee Master."
Kat Q., assistant store manager, VA
A Culture of Joy and Belonging – at Work, and in Our Communities
Starbucks has a network of 14 partner networks or affinity groups that help create a culture of joy and belonging. Our goal is to ensure consistency and inclusivity in hiring, partner engagement, and leadership training.
This sense of belonging extends to our communities.
Volunteer Activities
Every day, our partners around the world engage in civic activities, volunteer work, community events, and donations to strengthen our neighborhoods.
Starbucks Community Champions
Our Starbucks Community Champion courses help anyone interested in making a difference develop an action plan for good.
Recognition
We also celebrate our partners' talents and impact through our Everyday Uplift! platform, where they can share and receive awards like Community Champion and Partner of the Quarter.
Being a member of Partner Networks means having a platform to connect with partners, either through shared interests or as allies. It serves as an easy avenue to meet partners from various locations, fostering meaningful bonds that I deeply value. Almost a year ago I became involved in Partner Networks and I regret not starting years sooner. I’ve grown so much and am grateful for the impact networks have had on me."
Mona M., store manager, NJ
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The 2026 championship journey features evolving challenges, including latte art and service excellence, with finalists advancing to Seattle for a National Coffee Day showdown.
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From music, sports, fashion and film to holiday rituals and everyday moments of inspiration, Starbucks has evolved alongside culture – and helped shape it.
