So you’re wondering how old do you have to be to work at Starbucks? Whether you’re a teenager looking to land your first gig or a parent helping your kid navigate the job market, this is the real deal—and the answer matters more than you’d think. Starbucks hires young workers, but there are specific age requirements and rules you need to know about before you walk in with your resume.
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Minimum Age Requirement
The baseline answer: Starbucks hires workers as young as 14 years old in most locations. That’s right—if you’re a freshman in high school, you could potentially be slinging espresso shots and steaming milk. However, this isn’t a blanket rule everywhere. The company follows federal labor laws and respects state-specific regulations, which means your location matters big time.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets federal minimums, but states can—and do—impose stricter rules. Some states require workers to be 15 or 16, while others have no problem with 14-year-olds. Before you get excited about that first paycheck, check what your state actually allows. Starbucks corporate policy aligns with the most restrictive requirement in your area, so they won’t hire you if state law says no.
State and Local Laws Matter
This is where things get tricky. Different states have wildly different rules about teen employment. California, for example, has some of the strictest child labor laws in the nation. Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois also have tight restrictions. Meanwhile, states like Texas and Florida are more flexible. Your local city or county might have even more specific rules stacked on top of state requirements.
Here’s the real talk: you need to look up your specific state’s labor department website. Search for “[your state] child labor laws” or “teen employment age requirements.” Most states have a dedicated labor board that publishes this stuff online. Don’t assume—verify. Starbucks won’t hire you if it violates local law, and they definitely won’t risk getting fined for breaking child labor regulations. It’s not worth it to them, and it shouldn’t be worth it to you either.
If you’re serious about working at Starbucks, grab your parent or guardian and visit your state’s labor department website together. Print out the rules. Know them cold. When you apply, you’ll be ahead of the game.
What Positions Can Minors Work
Not every job at Starbucks is available to teenagers. Even if you meet the age requirement, there are restrictions on what you can do. Minors typically can work as baristas, cashiers, and food preparation staff. You’ll be making drinks, ringing up customers, and keeping the place clean. That’s the core stuff.
What you probably won’t be doing: operating certain equipment unsupervised, closing the store alone, or working overnight shifts. Some states prohibit minors from working with hot water or steam equipment without direct supervision. Others have rules about how many hours a minor can work during school weeks. These restrictions exist for safety reasons—burns and exhaustion are real concerns in a fast-paced coffee shop.
Starbucks is pretty good about following these rules. They know the liability game. Your manager will assign you tasks based on your age and state regulations. If you’re 14 in a strict state, expect to do lighter-duty work compared to a 16-year-old in a more flexible state. It’s not discrimination—it’s compliance.
Work Hour Restrictions for Teens
Here’s something that surprises a lot of teens: there are limits on how many hours you can work, especially during the school year. Federal law says minors under 16 can’t work more than 3 hours on school days or 8 hours on non-school days. Minors 16 and older have fewer restrictions, but states often impose their own caps.
During summer break, you might be able to work full-time hours (around 40 hours per week), but once school starts, the hammer comes down. Starbucks will schedule you accordingly. Don’t expect to work 30 hours a week in November if you’re 14—it won’t happen legally. This is actually a good thing. You need time for homework, sleep, and not burning out before you’re old enough to vote.
Some states also restrict when minors can work. You might not be allowed to work past 10 PM on school nights, or you might need to finish by 7 PM. Again, this varies wildly. Check your state’s rules. When you apply at Starbucks, they’ll ask about your availability, and you’ll need to be honest about school commitments. They’ll work with you—most Starbucks locations actually prefer hiring students because they understand scheduling limitations.
Application Process for Teens
The application process for teens is basically the same as for adults, but with a few extra steps. You’ll apply online through Starbucks’ careers website or in person at your local store. You’ll need to provide basic information: name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number (for tax purposes). You’ll also need to verify your age and eligibility to work in the United States.
If you’re under 18, Starbucks will likely require parental consent. Some states legally require it; others don’t, but Starbucks does it anyway as a best practice. Have your parent or guardian ready to sign documents if needed. Bring a government-issued ID (like a school ID or learner’s permit) to your interview to prove your age.
The interview itself is pretty straightforward. They’ll ask about your availability, why you want to work there, and how you handle customer service situations. Be honest about your schedule. Don’t say you can work 25 hours a week if you can’t. Starbucks would rather know upfront than deal with scheduling conflicts later. Show enthusiasm, smile, and demonstrate that you’re reliable. Even at 14, you can impress them.
Benefits and Pay Structure
Starbucks pays at least minimum wage, and in many states, they pay above it. As of 2024, Starbucks’ starting wage is around $15-16 per hour in most locations, though this varies by state and local minimum wage laws. If your state has a higher minimum wage, Starbucks matches it. You’ll also get tips, which can add 20-30% to your hourly earnings on a good shift.
Here’s the cool part: even as a teenager, you’re eligible for some Starbucks benefits. You get a free pound of coffee or tea every week, a 30% employee discount on food and beverages, and access to their tuition reimbursement program (if you’re interested in furthering your education). You’ll also be eligible for health insurance if you work enough hours, though the threshold is typically 20+ hours per week.
The pay structure is straightforward: hourly wage plus tips. Tips are split among all baristas and cashiers on a given shift, so you’re not earning tips individually—it’s pooled and distributed. This actually works in your favor because busy shifts mean bigger tip pools. You’ll get paid every two weeks via direct deposit. Your paycheck will have taxes withheld, so don’t be surprised when you see that federal income tax and Social Security deductions.
Safety and Training Requirements
Before you make your first drink, Starbucks puts you through training. This isn’t optional, and it’s actually pretty thorough. You’ll learn about food safety, customer service, cash handling, and equipment operation. For teens, the training includes specific safety protocols around hot equipment and machinery.
You’ll spend several shifts shadowing experienced baristas before you’re let loose on the espresso machine. This is good—you need to know how to safely operate equipment that can cause serious burns. Starbucks takes this seriously. They don’t want lawsuits, and more importantly, they don’t want you getting hurt. Your manager will make sure you’re competent before giving you independent responsibility.
There’s also ongoing training on company policies, customer interaction, and product knowledge. You’ll learn the difference between a macchiato and a cappuccino, how to handle difficult customers, and what to do if something goes wrong. This training is actually valuable experience that looks good on future resumes. You’re learning real-world skills, not just flipping burgers.
Getting Hired as a Teen
So you’ve checked the age requirements, verified your state’s labor laws, and you’re ready to apply. Here’s how to actually land the job. First, apply online or in person. In-person applications often work better because you can make a good impression immediately. Dress nicely, be friendly, and show genuine interest in the job.
When you interview, emphasize reliability and availability. Managers know teenagers have school, homework, and other commitments. They’re not expecting you to work 40 hours a week. What they want is someone who shows up on time, follows instructions, and doesn’t flake out. If you can demonstrate that you’re responsible and eager to learn, you’ve got a solid shot.
Highlight any relevant experience. Worked a cash register at a grocery store? Volunteered? Helped at a family business? These things matter. If this is your first job, that’s fine too—just emphasize your work ethic and willingness to learn. Starbucks hires tons of first-time workers. They know how to train people from scratch.
Follow up after your interview if you don’t hear back within a few days. A polite email or phone call shows you’re genuinely interested. Don’t be pushy, but let them know you’re still interested in the position. Most hiring decisions happen within a week, so if you haven’t heard anything after two weeks, it’s probably time to move on and apply elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 13-year-old work at Starbucks?
In most cases, no. Federal law sets 14 as the minimum age for most non-agricultural jobs, and Starbucks follows this. Some states allow 13-year-olds to work in limited capacity, but Starbucks typically doesn’t hire below 14. Check your state’s specific rules, but don’t count on it.
Do I need a work permit to work at Starbucks?
This depends on your state. Many states require minors to obtain a work permit before employment. Your school’s guidance office or your state’s labor department can tell you if you need one. If required, get it before applying. Starbucks will ask for it during onboarding if it’s necessary in your area.
Can I work at Starbucks during school year?
Yes, absolutely. Starbucks regularly hires students and works around school schedules. You’ll typically work evenings, weekends, and available hours during the week. Be upfront about your availability during your interview. They expect students to have limited hours during the school year.
What’s the dress code for teen employees?
Starbucks has a standard dress code: black pants or jeans, closed-toe shoes, and a Starbucks-provided shirt or apron. You’ll wear a name tag. It’s professional but casual. The company provides your apron and name tag, so you only need to worry about the pants and shoes.
Do I need prior experience to work at Starbucks?
No. Starbucks hires plenty of people with zero experience. They provide comprehensive training. If you’re personable, reliable, and willing to learn, you can get hired. Experience helps, but it’s not required, especially for first-time workers.
Can I get promoted as a teenager?
Technically yes, but it’s rare. Most teen employees stay in barista or cashier roles. However, if you work there long-term and demonstrate leadership, you could potentially move into a shift supervisor role. This is more common if you continue working there after turning 18.
What if my state has strict labor laws?
Starbucks will follow your state’s rules, period. If your state says 16 instead of 14, or if there are restrictions on hours or equipment, Starbucks will enforce those. This might limit your earning potential or the shifts available, but it also protects you. These laws exist for good reasons.
How do I find my state’s labor laws?
Search “[your state] department of labor” or “[your state] child labor laws.” Most states have a dedicated website with downloadable PDFs explaining everything. You can also call your state’s labor office directly. They’re surprisingly helpful and will answer specific questions about your situation.
