Barista - Starbucks Coffee Company in Arlington, Virginia

About Starbucks Coffee Company

Starbucks Coffee Company is the premier coffeehouse chain worldwide, renowned for crafting the world's finest coffee one meaningful moment at a time. With thousands of stores across the globe, Starbucks creates warm, welcoming spaces where customers connect over exceptional beverages and food. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to inspiring and nurturing the human spirit, one cup at a time. In Arlington, Virginia, at Store# 09317 in The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, we embody this ethos daily, serving the vibrant community with passion and precision.

Founded in 1971 in Seattle, Starbucks has grown into a global icon, sourcing ethically grown coffee and partnering with farmers to ensure sustainability. Our baristas are the face of the brand, turning every interaction into a moment that matters. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or new to the craft, joining Starbucks means becoming part of a legacy that values people, communities, and innovation.

Role Overview

As a Barista at Starbucks in Arlington, Virginia, you'll thrive in a fast-paced retail environment, creating connections through every cup. No previous experience is required, making this an ideal entry point into the coffee industry. You'll craft beverages like lattes, cappuccinos, and refreshers to exact standards or custom preferences, while brightening customers' days with warm smiles and personalized service. This role offers flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, perfect for those seeking dynamic work-life balance.

Baristas at Starbucks are empowered to grow, with opportunities for developmental experiences that build skills in customer service, food preparation, and team collaboration. Located in the bustling Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, this store sees high foot traffic from shoppers, professionals, and locals, ensuring every shift is engaging and rewarding.

Key Responsibilities

Baristas play a pivotal role in delivering the Starbucks experience. Key responsibilities include:

• Engaging with customers through clear, pleasant communication to discover and respond to their needs.
• Preparing high-quality food and beverages according to recipes, including customizations like temperature adjustments or ingredient substitutions.
• Maintaining store standards for safety, security, cash handling, and product quality.
• Performing diverse tasks such as stocking, cleaning, and supporting team operations during each shift.
• Building relationships with regulars by remembering favorite orders and creating meaningful moments.

These duties ensure a seamless, welcoming experience that keeps customers returning.

Qualifications & Requirements

Starbucks seeks enthusiastic individuals ready to shine. Basic qualifications include:

• Maintaining regular and consistent attendance and punctuality, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Availability for flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Ability to meet store operating policies, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities encompass quick learning, following oral and written instructions, strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, and relationship building. If you love people, pride yourself on quality work, and excel in fast-paced settings, you're a great fit. Starbucks is an equal opportunity employer, committed to accessibility and accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

Benefits & Perks

Starbucks invests in partners with industry-leading benefits. As a Barista, you and your family gain access to comprehensive medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and paid parental leave. Enjoy paid vacation accruing up to 40 hours annually (more in select states), sick time, and holiday pay.

Financial perks include a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, discounted company stock via S.I.P., Starbucks equity through Bean Stock, incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Education benefits shine with 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree via Arizona State University's online program, plus student loan management and DACA reimbursement. Additional perks: free coffee markouts, Spotify Premium, backup care, and family expansion reimbursement. Visit starbucksbenefits.com for full details.

Career Growth at Starbucks

Starbucks is committed to your growth journey. Baristas often advance to shift supervisor, assistant store manager, and beyond, with training programs fostering leadership. Our developmental experiences build skills transferable across retail, hospitality, and beyond. Many partners leverage the Starbucks College Achievement Plan to earn degrees while working, opening doors to corporate roles or entrepreneurship.

Why Join Starbucks

Joining Starbucks as a Barista in Arlington means more than a job—it's a community. Work in a supportive team environment where your contributions create joy. Enjoy premium benefits like Bean Stock equity, 100% tuition coverage (ASU Online), Spotify Premium, free coffee markouts, and 401(k) match from day one. Be part of a brand that values diversity, sustainability, and innovation. In Pentagon City, connect with diverse customers while growing personally and professionally.

Role FAQs

Is experience required?

No, we provide training for all new partners.

What shifts are available?

Flexible hours including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

What benefits do Baristas get?

Health insurance, 401(k) match, tuition coverage, Bean Stock, free drinks, Spotify Premium, and more.

How do I apply?

Apply online via Starbucks careers portal. We're an equal opportunity employer.

This role offers estimated salary of $32,000-$42,000 USD yearly based on location and experience. Individual pay depends on factors like geography and qualifications. Starbucks complies with all state laws on leave and benefits.