Starbucks offers up to $360,000 for private jet pilot

The Seattle-based coffee chain is offering a salary of at least US$207,000 for the position of captain. The average airline pilot earns US$280,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A Starbucks coffee shop in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of Starbucks

Starbucks seeks a candidate with 5,000 total flight hours and five years of experience in a corporate flight department.

The preferred candidate should be qualified to operate the latest Gulfstream private jets.

Beyond technical expertise, the listing emphasizes the captain’s role as a "Starbucks ambassador both at home and abroad."

The position also involves tasks like assisting with passengers’ luggage and ensuring security when away from the home base, along with the ability to travel extensively.

"Captains work closely with other crew members, dispatch, maintenance, and line personnel, in the planning and execution of flight operations and fulfilling the air transportation needs for Starbucks Aviation," the listing states.

Starbucks made headlines last year when it appointed Brian Niccol as CEO and allowed him to remain in California and commute 1,000 miles to Seattle.

The offer letter specified that Niccol could use Starbucks’ corporate aircraft for his commute. He could also use the service for personal travel up to a value of US$250,000 annually.