Starbucks to increase barista pay, allow visible tattoos

Starbucks says it will raise its baristas’ pay — and allow visible tattoos to boot — as it seeks to retain talent and address hardship among its legions of staffers.

In a message to employees, Chief Operating Officer Troy Alstead said the company will increase starting-pay rates in the U.S. in January. That month all baristas and shift supervisors will also receive a raise, and experienced partners will be eligible for a "lump sum increase" to reward tenure.

Baristas will be able to display more flair by showing tattoos, or sporting colored ties and neck scarves, as well as black denim. "We want to build a company where self-expression, empowerment and inclusion are nurtured," Alstead said. The company didn’t disclose pay rates, which vary by market. A Starbucks employee recently told the Seattle Times he started at $9.50 an hour. Job reviews website Glassdoor indicates that average barista hourly wage is $9.32 an hour.