Short answer: Starbucks offers up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave for birth parents (and up to 12 weeks for non-birth parents) among eligible U.S. hourly store partners — more than doubled from the prior policy in March 2025. Eligibility starts at an average of 20 hours per week, like most Starbucks benefits.
Last verified: October 2026.
How Much Leave Do Partners Get?
The policy distinguishes between birth and non-birth parents:
– Birth parents: up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave, plus 6-8 weeks of additional paid medical leave depending on the delivery method.
– Non-birth parents (fathers, adoptive parents, same-sex partners, foster parents): up to 12 weeks of paid leave.
Leave covers welcoming a new child by birth, adoption, or foster placement, paid at 100% of the partner’s average pay. This puts Starbucks among the most generous U.S. retail employers for parental leave. See our benefits overview.
Who Qualifies?
Like Starbucks’ other major benefits — health coverage, College Achievement Plan tuition, Bean Stock — parental leave eligibility starts at an average of 20 hours per week. Both full-time and part-time partners meeting the hours threshold can qualify.
How to Apply
Parental leave is administered through Starbucks’ benefits and leave-management systems. Talk to your store manager as early as possible when planning leave, and check partner benefits resources for the current request process and any required documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many weeks of parental leave does Starbucks give?
Up to 18 weeks fully paid for birth parents, and up to 12 weeks for non-birth parents (fathers, adoptive and foster parents) — for eligible hourly partners averaging 20+ hours per week.
Do part-time Starbucks employees get parental leave?
Yes, if they meet the benefits eligibility threshold (averaging 20+ hours per week). The policy explicitly covers U.S. store partners, not just salaried staff.
Does Starbucks parental leave cover adoption?
Yes — the policy covers birth, adoption, and foster placement.
Is Starbucks parental leave paid in full?
Yes. Parental leave is paid at 100% of the partner’s average pay, per the company’s announcement. Birth parents may also receive additional paid medical leave (6-8 weeks) depending on the delivery method.
