Is your Starbucks barista all smiles? This big bucks bonus may be why

Is your Starbucks barista all smiles? It may have something to do with Starbucks putting its money where its lattes are.

The world’s largest coffee company is dangling big bonuses for friendly and speedy service in its cafes. 

From baristas to shift supervisors, hourly workers can earn an additional $1,200 a year if their store meets or exceeds customer service and other targets.

Starbucks is rolling out the initiative in July with the first payouts to begin in the fall – part of a charm offensive to boost sales by reconnecting with customers turned off by long waits and high prices.

Brian Niccol, who was recruited as CEO from Chipotle in 2024, wants baristas to put the serve back in service. His turnaround strategy calls for warmer interactions, faster orders and more inviting cafes. 

“Back to Starbucks” appears to be having an effect. Global sales at current locations rose 4% in the last quarter. Starbucks also issued a more bullish than expected outlook for 2026.

Starbucks is also expanding tipping by adding an option for customers to tip by credit and debit card when using the app to order online or pay at the register. Starting in August, workers will be paid weekly, instead of twice a month. The company said the changes could raise pay by 5% to 8% on average. 

According to Starbucks, baristas currently average $30 an hour in pay and benefits.Baristas at hundreds of cafes represented by the Starbucks Workers United union – about 5% of locations – will have to bargain separately for the bonuses and expanded tipping benefits, the company said.

Contract negotiations between Starbucks and the union have been at a standstill.