Short answer: Yes — Starbucks stores regularly add seasonal staff for the holiday rush, and many seasonal baristas are kept on after the holidays. One important note: we could not find any official Starbucks announcement of a 2026 seasonal hiring drive. Seasonal hiring appears to run through normal job postings, so the way to find openings is to check the official careers portal for your area — not to wait for an announcement.
Last verified: October 2026.
When Does Starbucks Hire Seasonal Workers?
Like most retailers, Starbucks staffing follows a predictable seasonal rhythm:
- October–November: the main holiday hiring push, ahead of the late-November through December rush.
- December: some stores still hire to cover peak weeks, but most seasonal hiring is done by then.
- January: hours typically drop after the holidays; seasonal roles often end here.
These are observed retail patterns, not an official Starbucks hiring calendar. If you want holiday work, apply in October — waiting until December usually means the roles are filled.
What Seasonal Roles Does Starbucks Hire For?
Seasonal openings are overwhelmingly barista roles — the same entry-level position, hired on a temporary basis for the rush. Some stores also add seasonal shift coverage at the supervisor level, but that’s less common. The job itself is the same work described in our barista job description guide.
Do Seasonal Starbucks Jobs Become Permanent?
Sometimes — but it’s never guaranteed. Stores that hired strong seasonal baristas often keep them on when regular staffing needs open up in the new year. What helps your odds:
- Strong attendance through the holiday peak (managers notice who shows up in December)
- Open availability, especially weekends and early mornings
- Telling your manager directly that you want to stay on
Treat the seasonal role as a working interview: the partners who get kept are the ones managers already trust on the floor.
Seasonal Pay and Hours: What to Expect
Seasonal baristas are paid the same hourly rates as regular baristas at their store — there’s no separate “seasonal wage.” Expect:
- Hourly pay at your store’s standard barista rate (see our barista pay section)
- Weekly pay — Starbucks moved U.S. partners to weekly pay in August 2026 (see how weekly pay works)
- Variable hours — holiday weeks can mean plenty of shifts; January hours typically shrink
- Holiday pay rules apply per Starbucks policy — see our holiday pay guide
Note: benefits that require an average of 20 hours per week (health coverage, tuition) are generally out of reach for short seasonal stints — those are designed for ongoing partners. See our benefits overview.
How to Find Starbucks Seasonal Openings Near You
- Go to the official Starbucks careers portal: careers.starbucks.com.
- Enter your city or ZIP code and search “barista.”
- Look for postings mentioning seasonal, holiday, or temporary — wording varies by store.
- Apply to 3–5 stores, not just one — hiring decisions are made at the store level.
- Follow up in person a few days after applying, during off-peak hours.
More tactics in our is Starbucks hiring guide and application guide. Minimum age is typically 16 for barista roles — see our age requirement guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Starbucks announce seasonal hiring for 2026?
We could not find any official Starbucks announcement of a 2026 seasonal hiring drive. Seasonal hiring appears to happen through standard job postings at the store level — check the careers portal for current openings rather than waiting for an announcement.
Does Starbucks hire for Christmas specifically?
Yes, the October–November hiring push is aimed at covering the Christmas and holiday rush. Apply in October for the best shot.
Can seasonal Starbucks employees get rehired later?
Yes. Former seasonal partners can reapply like anyone else, and a strong seasonal stint is one of the best references you can have with a Starbucks hiring manager. Leaving on good terms matters most.
Do seasonal workers get the same training?
Yes — seasonal baristas go through the same paid training as regular hires. You’re an hourly partner from day one.