What Is a Barista at Starbucks (Duties, Compensation, Working Environment, and Hours + More FAQs)

Nothing is as satisfying as going to your local Starbucks store and getting a perfect cup of coffee. If you have ever wondered who is behind the perfect beverages, then it is important to answer the question; what is a barista at Starbucks? 

At Starbucks, baristas are the face of the company. They are experts in handcrafting perfect and delicious drinks and are a vital part of the customers’ experiences and days. If you have visited Starbucks stores, you will agree with me that baristas create memories and connect personally with the customer. I would say that they work effectively to create a welcoming environment for me as a customer, as they proudly wear the green apron.

What are the requirements to be a Starbucks barista?

Being a Starbucks barista involves creating the Starbucks Experience for the buyers through expertly crafted beverages and excellent services. The requirements to be a Starbucks barista include:

• Having excellent communication skills
• Being a “people person” and loves meeting others and creating experiences for them.
• Ability to maintain an organized and clean workspace
• Understand the art of creating an outstanding customer service experience
• Ability to keep calm and cool in an energetic and fast-paced work environment
• Taking pride in your responsibilities and being focused on providing quality
• Being comfortable with duties such as store safety and cash-handling
• Being open to learning new things, such as the latest recipes
• Ability to build relationships, learn quickly, work as part of a team, understand and carry out instructions accurately, and have strong interpersonal skills

What does a Starbucks barista do (duties and responsibilities)?

Baristas are a vital part of Starbucks because they bring the company’s mission and values to life. Starbucks baristas perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Preparing beverages and food to standard recipes and customizing orders as per the customer’s request to include changes such as ingredient quantity and temperature
• Maintaining consistent and regular attendance and punctuality
• Working flexible hours that may include evenings, nights, early mornings, and/or holidays
• Performing different tasks as instructed within the store during shifts
• Engaging with and understanding the customers, including responding to their queries and need with pleasant communication
• Meeting the store operating standards and policies, including cash handling, offering quality food and beverages, and store security and safety
• Serve the customers efficiently and quickly and respond to questions, complaints, and concerns politely
• Properly handle and maintain all the store equipment

How much does a Starbucks barista get paid?

Starbucks baristas enjoy competitive wages as well as different employment benefits and perks. Starbucks barista pay typically averages between $15 to $23 per hour, depending on location and experience.

Starbucks barista working hours

Starbucks baristas working hours depend on the employees’ preferences at the time of applying for the job. Thus, during the interview, the applicant discusses with the company’s representatives topics such as working hours and availability.

The working schedules are set three weeks in advance by the store management. The schedule is based on your availability as well as the store’s staffing needs.

Unless in cases where the Starbucks you are working at is understaffed or very busy, you should always be in a position to get the shifts or hours you request.

If you choose to be a part-time employee, you will work 25 hours a week or less. If you choose the full-time option, you will work 30-40 hours weekly.

Often, Starbucks employees are students searching for part-time employment to fit their tight class schedules or teenagers working for their first time. Shifts at Starbucks are flexible enough to accommodate the needs of such groups.

Starbucks barista working environment

Starbucks is a remarkable company to work for as a barista. Baristas at Starbucks have the chance to connect with their colleagues, customers, and the company’s communities and make a positive impact daily. The company believes in teamwork and the celebration of shared success.

Additionally, Starbucks creates an environment of warmth and belonging for all baristas. The unique experience that each barista brings to the team is highly valued.

Starbucks barista employee benefits & perks

Starbucks avails to all eligible partners a comprehensive benefits package and perks. Benefits include;

Health coverage

The health coverage has several plans to choose from, including; medical, vision, and dental plans, life insurance, accident, and disability coverage.

Stocks and savings

Starbuck’s 401(k) retirement plan consists of a generous company match. The company offers its partners discounted company stocks and participation in Bean stock, an equity reward program.

Paid time off

Both salaried and non-salaried partners qualify for paid vacation days as well as family and partner sick time. Salaried partners are eligible for two personal days annually. All partners are also paid during the seven paid holidays the company observes.

Parental leave

Partners welcoming a child are eligible for time off as well as pay replacement. The company also provides its partners a $ 10,000 Family Expansion Reimbursement for every adoption, Intrauterine Insemination, or surrogacy.

Education

Starbucks gives its partners the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Commuter benefit

Starbucks offers its partners easy ways of paying for their work-related commuter expenses.

Partner assistance

The Starbucks Caring Unites Partners (CUP) avails necessary funds to partners going through a financial crisis.

Perks at Starbucks include; coffee and tea markout, in-store discount, recognition programs, partner networks, affiliate discounts, care@work by care.com, Spotify premium subscription, elite athlete program, matching gifts program, and on-site gym, daycare, and dry cleaning.

Final Thoughts

We all love a perfectly handcrafted and delicious beverage for Starbucks. If you have ever wondered about the people behind this important task, then you now understand that it is the baristas. Starbucks baristas are viewed as the face of the company, and they create experiences that provide a welcoming environment to the customers. They are true to Starbucks mission and values of inspiring and nurturing the human spirit one cup, one individual, and one neighborhood at a time.

FAQ Section

Is it hard being a Starbucks barista?

Being a Starbucks barista takes practice and time to learn, but it is not hard once you get the hang of things.

Do Starbucks baristas get free drinks?

Baristas are eligible to receive a free box of tea or a pound of coffee weekly, as one of the perks of being a Starbucks partner.

How long is barista training at Starbucks?

The barista training length may vary from store to store, but typically it lasts approximately two weeks.

Do you get paid for training Starbucks?

Yes, you do get paid for your training hours.