How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Starbucks?

The smell of fresh coffee filled the air as you watched the baristas at your local Starbucks. You had always dreamed of working there, ever since you first tried a caramel macchiato two years ago. But one question kept bothering you: How old do you have to be to work at Starbucks? The answer is you must be at least 16 years old. But what about younger teens, does Starbucks hire at 15? What are the responsibilities and benefits of joining? And how do you apply? If you’re not sure, let’s find out.

Minimum Age Requirements

The minimum age requirement to work at Starbucks in most U.S. states is 16 years old. However, certain states allow 15-year-olds to work with specific age restrictions and labor law regulations. 

For younger teens, such as 14- or 15-year-olds, jobs at Starbucks may be limited to non-hazardous roles, and the number of hours worked might be restricted. Be sure to check with your local store or labor department for state-specific age guidelines.

State-Specific Starbucks Hiring Age

Starbucks adheres to state labor laws to determine its minimum hiring age, which is typically 16. In certain states, exceptions are made for younger teens with specific restrictions.

State	Minimum Hiring Age	Special Considerations
California	16	Work permits required for minors
Texas	16	Limited work hours for teens
Florida	16	Work permits for 14-15 year-olds
Ohio	16	Specific work restrictions
Georgia	16	Limited hours for young workers
Illinois	16	Work permits mandatory
Michigan	16	Permits for those under 18
Virginia	16	Limited work hours for teens
Colorado	14	Restricted working conditions
Washington	16	Work permits for under-18s
Oregon	16	Work permits required
Maryland	16	Limited work hours
Indiana	16	Work permits needed
North Carolina	16	Work permits mandatory
Arizona	14	Limited hours allowed
Oklahoma	16	Work permits for minors
Louisiana	16	Labor law hour limits
Massachusetts	16	Restricted hours for 14-15
New Jersey	16	Work permits mandatory
New York	16	Restricted work hours
Utah	16	Work permits mandatory
Montana	14	Restricted school week hours

Job Roles and Age Requirements

Now that we’ve covered what age Starbucks hires, let’s look at the age requirements and roles available to younger employees and what you can expect in each position.

Barista Positions

• Minimum Age: 16 years old (14+ if you live in Montana)
• Average Pay: $15/hour
• Responsibilities:
  • Preparing coffee and beverages
  • Handling cash transactions
  • Providing excellent customer service
  • Maintaining store cleanliness

Shift Supervisor Roles

• Minimum Age: 18 years old
• Average Pay: $17/hour
• Additional Requirements:
  • Prior Starbucks experience
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Ability to manage store operations

Assistant Manager Positions

• Minimum Age: 18 years old
• Average Pay: $15/hour
• Requirements:
  • Minimum 2 years of retail experience
  • Advanced management skills
  • Ability to support store performance

Labor Laws and Restrictions for Minors

Starbucks follows the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state laws when hiring minors. Here’s a quick overview:

• Minimum Wage: The federal minimum wage under the FLSA is $7.25/hour, though some states pay more.
• Overtime Pay: If employees work over 40 hours a week, they receive additional pay.
• Teen Work Rules:
  • 14-15-year-olds have limits on work hours and job types.
  • 16-17-year-olds can work more hours but cannot perform hazardous tasks.
• Recordkeeping: Employers must track work hours and pay, as well as post employees’ rights under the FLSA.
• Additional Rules: States like California and New York have additional requirements, including work permits for teens.

Is There an Upper Age Limit at Starbucks?

Starbucks has no upper age limit for employment and welcomes individuals of all ages. The company values the diverse skills and experiences employees from different age groups bring, including:

• Teenagers
• College students
• Career changers
• Military spouses
• Opportunity youth

Starbucks offers opportunities for everyone, creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Why Join Starbucks?

Starbucks is a great place for young employees, offering a range of benefits:

Health and Financial Support

• Health coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Financial support with 401(k), stock options, and savings assistance
• Paid time off for sick leave, vacation, and holidays
• Parental leave with paid time off for new parents and adoption

Education and Career Growth

• Tuition coverage and student loan assistance
• Career growth opportunities within Starbucks
• Commuting help through payroll-deducted transit passes

Additional Perks

• Free coffee
• Uniform provided
• Competitive pay and incentives
• Discounts and Spotify Premium subscription

Application Process for Teens at Starbucks

Here’s a simple guide to applying for different job as a teen:

1. Go to the Starbucks Careers website.
2. Create an account to submit your job application.
3. Fill out the application form.
4. Get ready for an interview.
5. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and strong customer service skills during the interview.

FAQs

Does Starbucks hire at 15?

Yes, Starbucks hires 15-year-olds in certain states, such as Montana, where flexible labor laws permit them to work in roles like baristas, often with specific restrictions on hours and duties.