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.
Starbucks is more than a job. We have a financial stake in the company… not only a responsibility for its success, but we reap the benefits of that success. So, when we talk about shareholder value, we’re talking about each other… the people you work with every day, the people you laugh with every day.”
Benjamin, store manager, SC
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 $18 per hour, with barista wages ranging from $15.25 to $26 per hour.
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 also offer industry-leading benefits to both part-time and full-time U.S. partners, including hourly partners in our stores.
We offer one of the best pay and benefits packages in the industry to meet our partners’ unique needs.
Message from Brian: 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. In Spring 2025, we plan to more than double our U.S. parental leave benefit to up to 18 weeks of paid leave.
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: Training & Development Opportunities
Our partners have big dreams, and we want to help them achieve those goals, both at Starbucks and beyond. Whether they aim to grow within the company or pursue other passions, we’re here to support partners with great training and development opportunities.
We’re committed to filling 90% of our retail leadership roles (shift supervisor on up) from within, with an array of resources, training and benefits to help partners grow from day one.
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
By The Numbers
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Congrats, grads! Starbucks College Achievement Plan celebrates 10 years
Introduced in June 2014, the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) is a first-of-its-kind partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) that creates opportunity for all eligible U.S. partners to earn their first-time bachelor’s degree through ASU’s top-ranked online degree program with 100% upfront tuition coverage.
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More stories
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In early February, our leadership team visited the Middle East in celebration of our growth in the region and continued commitment.
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About 5,000 partners have visited farms around the world to learn to story of coffee from the ground up.
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During her nearly 20 years on the board of Starbucks, Mellody Hobson has been a respected leader, mentor and passionate advocate.