Short answer: yes. Starbucks hires year-round across its U.S. stores. The company reported 16,933 U.S. locations as of June 2026, and individual stores post openings as staffing needs arise. Competition is real, though: Starbucks says it receives more than 1 million U.S. barista applications per year. Use the official Starbucks careers portal to search by city or ZIP code — that’s the only way to see what’s actually open near you right now.
Last verified: October 2026.
How Many Stores Does Starbucks Have?
Starbucks reported 16,933 U.S. stores at the end of its fiscal third quarter (June 28, 2026), part of 41,304 stores worldwide. Note: in September 2026 the company announced plans to close roughly 250 underperforming North American locations as part of a restructuring — a small fraction of its footprint, but worth knowing that not every location is growing. See our guide to the Starbucks store closures of 2026 for what this means for employees and applicants — the short version: transfers where possible, severance otherwise, and hiring continues at other stores.
When Does Starbucks Hire the Most?
Starbucks hires throughout the year, but like most retailers, hiring tends to pick up at predictable times:
– Holiday season (October-December): Many stores add seasonal staff for the rush. Seasonal roles can sometimes lead to permanent positions, but that’s never guaranteed.
– Summer (May-August): Stores often hire to cover vacations and warm-weather demand.
– Back-to-school (August-September): Locations near colleges frequently staff up as students return.
The slowest stretch is typically January-February, after holiday staffing winds down. These are observed retail patterns, not an official Starbucks hiring calendar.
How to Find Starbucks Jobs Near You
1. Go to the official Starbucks careers portal: careers.starbucks.com.
2. Enter your city or ZIP code.
3. Filter by role: Barista, Shift Supervisor, Store Manager.
4. Create a candidate profile and submit your application.
5. Turn on job alerts so you’re notified when new positions open near you.
Important: company-operated Starbucks stores hire through careers.starbucks.com. Licensed locations — the Starbucks counter inside Target, grocery stores, airports, and campuses — are run by those businesses, so you apply through their hiring systems, not Starbucks. See licensed vs. company-operated explained.
What Positions Is Starbucks Hiring For?
– Barista — entry-level; 16 is the widely reported minimum age, though Starbucks doesn’t officially publish one. See our age requirement guide.
– Shift Supervisor — leadership role, reportedly 18+ in practice; postings emphasize retail experience.
– Assistant Store Manager / Store Manager — management experience preferred; Starbucks frequently promotes from within.
– Corporate & distribution — listed separately on the careers portal.
How Long Does It Take to Get Hired?
Starbucks publishes no official hiring timeline. Applicants commonly report 1-3 weeks from application to offer, but it varies widely by store — some move in days when they’re urgently hiring, others take a month or more. See our hiring process timeline guide.
Tips That Actually Help
– Apply to 3-5 stores, not just one. Hiring decisions are made at the store level.
– Be specific about availability. Managers staff around real shift gaps — “weekends and evenings” is more useful than “flexible.”
– Follow up in person a few days after applying, during off-peak hours. It shows initiative and puts a face to the application.
– Highlight customer service experience — even from school, volunteering, or other retail jobs. Our application guide and resume tips can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Starbucks hire with no experience?
Yes. Most baristas are hired without prior coffee or retail experience — Starbucks trains new hires on beverages and customer service.
Does Starbucks hire 16-year-olds?
16 is the widely reported standard minimum for barista roles in most states, but Starbucks doesn’t officially publish a minimum age. Details in our age requirement guide.
Is Starbucks a good place to work?
It depends on what you value. Commonly cited upsides: benefits available to part-time partners working 20+ hours/week, tuition coverage through the College Achievement Plan, and internal promotion paths. Common complaints: fast-paced shifts and variable scheduling. Check our benefits guide for what’s verified.
Do I apply on careers.starbucks.com for a Target Starbucks?
No. Starbucks counters inside Target are licensed locations — you apply through Target’s hiring system, not Starbucks.