Brand spotlight

Does Starbucks Hire 16-Year-Olds?

Many company-owned Starbucks locations hire 16-year-olds, though age policies vary by municipality and licensing agreements. The stores that thrive on hospitality love teen baristas who arrive with a polished resume, availability grid, and willingness to learn beverage routines quickly. Starbucks managers receive dozens of applications every week, so teens who demonstrate initiative, visit during non-peak hours, follow up politely, and present their job kit stand out immediately.

Before you submit an online application, review store listings carefully. When you apply to a company-operated cafe, note whether it sits inside a grocery store, college campus, or busy downtown corridor, because each environment has different pace expectations. Use your resume to highlight times you handled responsibility under pressure, such as student council events, sports tournaments, or community fundraisers, and mention how you balance school with part-time work. Managers appreciate candidates who communicate clearly, take feedback gracefully, and show up prepared for early morning or closing shifts.

Expect the hiring manager to ask about customer service, teamwork, and schedule flexibility. Practice stories that feature the Starbucks mission of inspiring and nurturing the human spirit. Explain how you greet customers, solve minor conflicts, and remember complex drink orders. If you have never worked with espresso equipment, emphasize that you are ready to train, take notes, and use checklists to stay consistent. Bringing your availability grid to the interview proves you understand both your school commitments and the store's busiest times.

After the interview, send a short thank-you note outlining what you learned about the store and reiterating your availability. If you do not hear back within five business days, stop in or call during a slower block to check on your application. Starbucks managers frequently extend offers to teens who stay positive, demonstrate genuine interest in coffee culture, and show they can represent the brand with warmth.

Apply online

Create a Starbucks Careers account and search for barista roles within a reasonable commute. Filter for locations labeled company-operated so you understand the hiring policy, then read each posting to confirm 16-year-olds are eligible.
Prepare your application materials before you click apply. Convert your resume to PDF, compile references, and draft a short cover message that highlights after-school availability, weekend flexibility, and your eagerness to learn beverage routines.
Complete the application carefully. Use professional language in open-ended answers, describe a time you provided outstanding service, and specify your earliest start date. Double-check store preferences regarding availability; many locations expect evening and weekend coverage.
Track your application status in the Starbucks portal. Set reminders to follow up after two business days. When you call or visit, mention the requisition number, thank the manager for reviewing your materials, and ask about next steps.

Walk-in application tips

Visit between the morning and afternoon rush, usually 2 to 4 p.m. Wear neat, logo-free clothing in Starbucks tones like black, white, or earth colors, tie back long hair, and bring your resume plus availability grid in a folder.
Introduce yourself to the shift supervisor or store manager. Smile, maintain eye contact, and explain that you submitted an online application. Share one reason you admire the store, such as how they greet regulars or handle mobile orders smoothly.
Ask thoughtful questions about the role, including training timelines, shift expectations, and how the team handles peak periods. Listen carefully, take notes, and mention any relevant experiences, such as school fundraisers or cafe volunteer work.
Offer to provide references or a copy of your teen job kit on the spot. Thank the manager for their time, and ask when you should follow up. Leave behind your folder so they can review your materials after the rush.

Resume bullets you can copy

Resume bullet 1

Delivers friendly service under pressure and communicates wait times clearly when lines grow.

Resume bullet 2

Balances AP coursework with extracurricular commitments; available after school, most weekends, and early holiday mornings.

Resume bullet 3

Handles cash responsibly at school events; reconciles totals accurately and supports quick cleanup so venues reopen swiftly.

Resume bullet 4

Collaborates with teammates to plan fundraisers, delegate tasks, and ensure every guest receives a personal thank-you.

Finish your packet

Pair these bullets with a polished resume and an availability grid. Managers at Starbucks hire faster when teens walk in prepared.

Open resume builder Plan availability

Frequently asked questions

Do all Starbucks locations hire at 16?Show

Most company-owned Starbucks stores hire at 16, but some licensed cafes inside supermarkets, airports, or hotels set their own policies and require applicants to be 17 or 18. Always check the job posting or call the store before applying.

Should I mention I have no coffee experience?Show

Yes. Starbucks expects to train new baristas from scratch. Focus on your learning mindset by talking about how you take notes, practice recipes, and follow sanitation checklists. Emphasize transferable skills like customer service, teamwork, and punctuality.

What questions will the interviewer ask?Show

Prepare for prompts about handling difficult customers, juggling school commitments, and collaborating with a fast-paced team. They may ask you to describe a time you made someone's day better. Use the STAR method to keep answers clear.

How soon will Starbucks schedule training?Show

Once the hiring manager extends an offer, they often schedule onboarding within a week. Complete background forms quickly, review Barista Basics modules, and ask about dress code so you arrive prepared for Day 1.

What should I highlight in my thank-you note?Show

Mention a specific conversation detail, restate your availability, and reinforce your excitement to join the team. Keep the message brief, appreciative, and error-free.