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.
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.
Meet Chantel
7-year Starbucks Partner
Future biochemistry grad
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 stores. 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.
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.
How Starbucks is building the most valuable college benefit in retail
More than 1,100 Starbucks partners are graduating from Arizona State University (ASU) today through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP).
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 building 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. We've also made great strides in increasing representation and maintaining gender and race pay equity in the U.S. 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
More stories
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“The third place is not something we need to reinvent — it’s who we are,” Schultz said.
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Narrowed down from 84,000 baristas, Nobuki earns the title of Starbucks Global Barista Champion.
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Congrats to Nobuki, Sumayyah, Takahiro and Chico who were named as the finalists out of the 12 baristas who competed over the past two days!