As a retail and consumer expert and self-proclaimed "picky shopper," I‘m always interested in the hiring practices of major brands, especially when it comes to younger workers. Starbucks is one of the most recognizable companies in the world, with over 30,000 locations globally and more than 15,000 in the United States alone. It‘s often seen as an attractive employer for teens seeking their first job, but what are Starbucks‘ actual policies on hiring young people? Can you really get a job there at 14, 15, 16 or 17 years old?
I did a deep dive into Starbucks‘ hiring practices, scouring their website, talking to current and former employees, and consulting with legal and labor experts. What I found was a complex picture shaped by federal, state and company rules. Let‘s break it down.
Understanding Child Labor Laws
Before we get into Starbucks‘ specific policies, it‘s important to understand the broader legal landscape around hiring minors. In the U.S., child labor is regulated at both the federal and state level. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets 14 as the minimum age for most non-agricultural employment, but places limits on the hours and types of jobs that 14 and 15-year-olds can perform. Here are the key restrictions for this age group:
- No work during school hours
- No more than 3 hours on a school day, including Fridays
- No more than 18 hours total in a school week
- No more than 8 hours on a non-school day
- No more than 40 hours in a non-school week
- Only work between 7am and 7pm (extended to 9pm from June 1 through Labor Day)
There are also limits on the types of jobs 14 and 15-year-olds can do. They‘re prohibited from operating most power-driven machinery, working in warehouses, or doing any job deemed hazardous by the Secretary of Labor.
The rules are looser for 16 and 17-year-olds. There are no federal limits on their work hours, though they are still barred from hazardous occupations. However, some states have additional restrictions on 16 and 17-year-olds‘ work hours and job duties. It‘s important for employers to check and comply with the rules in their state.
Starbucks‘ Hiring Age
So where does Starbucks fall in all this? According to the company‘s website, the minimum age to work as a barista is 16 years old in most U.S. locations. This is likely because the barista job involves some tasks, like operating an espresso machine, that 14 and 15-year-olds aren‘t legally allowed to do under FLSA rules.
There is one interesting exception – in Montana, Starbucks hires baristas as young as 14. This is because Montana‘s child labor laws are more permissive than federal rules. They allow 14 and 15-year-olds to work in various food service establishments, as long as they have a work permit and abide by limits on hours and hazardous duties. So if you‘re a younger teen in Big Sky Country dreaming of a green apron, you may be in luck!
For teens hoping to take on a supervisory role at Starbucks, like shift supervisor, the minimum age is 18. This is because supervisors have additional responsibilities like opening and closing the store, handling cash, and overseeing other employees. Federal and state laws place tighter restrictions on the jobs that minors under 18 can perform.
The State of Teen Employment
Starbucks‘ policies reflect broader trends in the U.S. labor market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the labor force participation rate for 16 to 19-year-olds was 36.2% in 2020, down from a peak of over 50% in 1979. In raw numbers, there were about 4.9 million employed teens in 2020, compared to nearly 8 million in 2000. The COVID-19 pandemic had a particularly harsh impact on teen workers. Industries that traditionally employ a lot of young people, like food service, retail and hospitality, were hit hard by shutdowns and layoffs. One BLS analysis found that the number of employed 16 to 19-year-olds fell by 31% between February and April 2020.
As the economy has recovered, teen employment is bouncing back, but still not to pre-pandemic levels. As of April 2023, the 16-19 labor force participation rate was 37.1%, and there were about 5.1 million employed teens. Sectors like leisure and hospitality have seen strong job growth, which is good news for young people.
However, competition for teen jobs can still be fierce, especially in the summer months when school is out. Teens today also have to navigate a rapidly changing economy, with many entry-level jobs at risk of automation. Some experts worry that the decline of the "teen job" could deprive young people of valuable work experience and skills.
Starbucks‘ Record
Despite the challenges facing teen workers, Starbucks has a pretty strong track record of hiring and supporting them. While the company doesn‘t share exact numbers, a 2015 report noted that Starbucks employed around 100,000 workers under age 24 in the U.S., and hired about 50,000 young people each year.
In 2015, Starbucks also launched a program called Starbucks Talents, which aimed to create 10,000 jobs for "opportunity youth" aged 16 to 24 who weren‘t employed or in school. The program provided job readiness training, internships and mentoring to help young people thrive at Starbucks and beyond. While the original program has ended, Starbucks continues to partner with nonprofits to connect youth to jobs and educational opportunities.
Starbucks is also known for offering generous benefits even to part-time workers, including health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, parental leave, and free college tuition through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan. For many young people, a job at Starbucks is more than just a paycheck – it‘s a pathway to stability and advancement.
The Pros and Cons of Teen Jobs
As a labor expert, I‘m often asked whether it‘s really a good idea for teens to work, especially during the school year. The research is mixed. Some studies suggest that moderate amounts of work (less than 20 hours per week) can have benefits for teens, like improved time management skills, higher self-esteem and lower rates of drug use and delinquency. Working teens also tend to have higher graduation rates and future earnings than their non-working peers.
However, working too many hours can have downsides. Teens who work more than 20 hours per week have been found to have lower grades, higher dropout rates and more stress and fatigue. They may have less time for homework, extracurriculars, family and friends. Some experts also worry that teens who work in low-wage, dead-end jobs may be less motivated to pursue higher education or training.
As with most things, moderation is key. Experts generally recommend that high school students work no more than 10-15 hours per week during the school year. Parents should keep an eye on their teen‘s grades, sleep and stress levels, and encourage them to speak up if a job feels unsafe or unmanageable. Choosing an employer that‘s supportive of young workers, like Starbucks strives to be, can also make a big difference.
Not Just for Teens?
While this article has focused on Starbucks as an employer of young people, it‘s worth noting that the company hires workers of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, Starbucks has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with initiatives to hire refugees, military spouses, older workers and people with disabilities.
So if you‘re an adult considering a career pivot, don‘t write off Starbucks just because of its teen-friendly reputation. With benefits like health insurance, retirement plans and free college, even a part-time barista job could be a stepping stone to a new path. And with many corporate and management positions available, there‘s room to grow beyond the green apron.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, Starbucks does hire 16 and 17-year-olds as baristas in most U.S. locations, and 14 and 15-year-olds in some states like Montana. Supervisory roles require workers to be at least 18. The company has a solid record of employing and supporting young people, though all teen workers should be mindful of balancing work with school and personal obligations.
As a parent, consumer and labor expert, I believe that a job at Starbucks can be a great opportunity for a responsible, motivated teenager. The company‘s benefits, growth opportunities and community impact make it a standout employer in the food service industry. However, as with any job, it‘s important to do your research, know your rights, and advocate for yourself.
Whether you‘re a teen seeking your first latte-slinging gig, or an adult looking for a new career path, I hope this deep dive into Starbucks‘ hiring practices has been eye-opening and informative. Now if you‘ll excuse me, I have a sudden craving for a Frappuccino.
