Starbucks will add a shot of motivation for its hourly workers when it rolls out a new incentive program, with rewards based on each store’s performance, in July. Baristas and shift supervisors will have the opportunity to earn up to $300 per quarter when their coffeehouses meet and exceed certain sales, operational and customer service targets.
Additionally, Starbucks will expand opportunities for associates to receive tips across more of its touch points, including Mobile Order & Pay and when using Scan & Pay at the POS. Starbucks estimated that these changes could add 5% to 8% to eligible associates’ pay. The retailer also will move to a weekly pay schedule for all employees, providing faster access to earnings.
In August 2025 Starbucks raised salaried workers’ pay by 2%, covering store managers, manufacturing and distribution workers. The retailer said that its store-level turnover is nearly half the industry’s average, and that 85% of these associates are now getting the schedules and hours that they prefer, with shift completion rates at all-time highs.
Even so, Starbucks has had an often fractious relationship with its associates, particularly those seeking to organize unions, and that has continued through late 2025. Labor actions by the Starbucks Workers United union keyed to the 2025 Starbucks Red Cup Day on Nov. 13 gained support from political leaders and other unions throughout Q4.
