Chick-fil-A is one of the best fast-food restaurants to work at. After all, all locations close on Sundays, so you’ll have an extra day off to relax! So, how old do you have to be to work at Chick-fil-A?
Teenagers who work during the school year find it exceedingly difficult to land jobs. They can’t work during the day, and they have limited time to work throughout the week. To make matters more complicated, Chick-fil-A only operates one day during the weekend.
Naturally, most locations rarely hire people under 16 during the school year. Luckily though, you can land a job during vacation, so you’ll get to benefit from Chick-fil-A’s scholarship program!
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A is one of the most teen-friendly fast-food restaurants. They hire teenagers as young as 14 and 15. Though, you need to be 16 to apply to most positions.
To explain, some Chick-fil-A locations are open to hiring people younger than 14 for certain positions and during certain times of the year.
That’s because the U.S. Department of Labor limits the working hours of minors under 16 depending on the state, particularly during the school year.
Minors should also have a valid worker’s permit to work at Chick-fil-A. They can only get jobs with age-appropriate responsibilities.
- Does Chick-fil-A Hire 14-Year-Olds? Yes. Many Chick-fil-A locations hire 14-year-olds. However, there are limited positions for minors under 16 since they can’t work past nine P.M. in most states. They also can’t work for over three hours on school days.
- Does Chick-fil-A Hire 15-Year-Olds?Y es, Chick-fil-A hires 15-year-olds. The jobs for 15-year-olds at Chick-fil-A only include front-team jobs, but you’ll have no access to the kitchen area.
- Does Chick-fil-A Hire 16-Year-Olds? Chick-fil-A hires 16-year-olds for almost all positions that don’t require experience. Jobs for 16-year-olds at Chick-fil-A offer great professional opportunities as well as educational benefits.
- Does Chick-fil-A Hire 50-Year-Olds? Chick-fil-A hires 50-year-olds. There’s no maximum age limit for Chick-fil-A employees!
Other Chick-fil-A Hiring Requirements
Chick-fil-A is welcoming to teenagers. You don’t need to have prior experience or professional skills. That said, there are some essential personality traits that you must possess to thrive in the working environment of fast-food restaurants.
It’s crucial to understand that Chick-fil-A positions, whether full-time or part-time, are professional and serious jobs. So, you have to prepare yourself for that.
You should know how to navigate the interview process at Chick-fil-A. You might get asked specific fast food interview questions. Knowing what to expect can increase your chances of landing the job.
- Does Chick-fil-A Hire Without Experience? You don’t need any previous experience to work at Chick-fil-A. Instead, the restaurant will train you as necessary to serve guests. You’ll also have constant supervision when you first start working.
- Does Chick-fil-A Hire Without a High School Diploma? Yes. Chick-fil-A hires both employees who are working towards getting their high school diploma and older individuals who don’t have a diploma or GED.
Teen Jobs at Chick-fil-A
There are numerous jobs to choose from at Chick-fil-A. While 14 and 15-year-olds can only get paid minimum wage due to their limited time, older teenagers can get paid extra!
Still, you shouldn’t pick a job, even if it’s part-time, based on its pay. Instead, evaluate your skills and your passion to find the right job for you. After all, the job you get as a teenager might turn into a professional career in the future!
Here are the most popular jobs for teenagers at Chick-fil-A:
1. Front of House Team Member
Front team members at Chick-fil-A work on the floor, with the guests. The best part is that the job is non-hazardous, so they employ minors. You also don’t need any experience or a long training period.
You can work full-time or part-time as a front team member. Depending on the restaurant’s needs, you might work as a cashier, in customer service, in utilities, or juggle all the roles at once!
Requirements for Job
Age Requirements: 14 years old and up
Average Pay: $13.19 per hour
Front team members work directly with customers. They should have a friendly personality and provide great customer service. Fast-food diners can be fussy! So, you must be incredibly patient and know how to solve problems.
Some essential skills of front-of-house team members include:
- Ability to multitask
- Friendly personality
- Excellent communication skills
- Basic math knowledge
- Physical stamina as you’ll need to stand for multiple hours
2. Back of House Team Member
Similar to front team members, back-of-house team members have various responsibilities in the kitchen area. Since this position involves handling food and working near flames, you should be over 16 to apply.
Back team members can either manage the dishwashing station, work in the kitchen, or assemble food and drink. Some back team members might also work the front if needed!
Requirements for Job
Age Requirements: at least 16 years old
Average Pay: $13.38 per hour
Back team members must adhere to food safety regulations. They should have impeccable hygiene. All back team members must know how to work as a team, as the kitchen environment can be pretty hectic.
You should have the following skills to work as a back-of-house team member:
- Great interpersonal skills
- Impressive time management
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong sense of stewardship
- Physical stamina as you might need to lift heavy items
3. Drive-Thru Operator
You don’t need any experience to become a drive-thru operator. If you have a friendly tone and can handle customers, you’ve got the job!
You don’t even have to meet customers face-to-face. The job doesn’t require you to perform multiple roles either. Instead, your main and only duty is to operate the drive-thru. It’s a straightforward job!
Requirements for Job
Age Requirements: at least 16 years old
Average Pay: $15 per hour
The role of a drive-thru operator might seem simple, but you’ll be working with customers 24/7. So, you should be patient, friendly, and engaging. You’ll also need to operate the register and double-check orders!
To be a drive-thru operator you should have the following skills:
- Excellent communication skills
- Friendly personality
- Extreme attention to detail
- Basic math knowledge
- Flexible schedule
Is Chick-fil-A a Good First Job?
Chick-fil-A is one of the best places where you can work as a teenager. Not only will you earn some extra money to help you through college, but you’ll also gain invaluable experience by working in the service industry.
Making a resume for first job can be daunting. Luckily, this isn’t the case when applying for Chick-fil-A. That’s because you don’t need previous experience to apply.
Chick-fil-A has a unique business model. Most locations of the fast-food restaurant usually close at 10 P.M. So, you’ll be home at a reasonable hour and your parents won’t have to worry!
The restaurant also closes on Sundays! This way, you’ll have free time to enjoy the weekend with your family or catch up with studying.
As if that wasn’t enough, the scholarship program that Chick-fil-A offers is unlike any other. Chick-fil-A team members have the opportunity to apply for the Remarkable Futures Scholarship and further their education!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to all the common questions candidates might have about working at Chick-fil-A:
What is the dress code at Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A has a strict dress code. You should only wear their approved uniform. This consists of the signature red polo, gray or black slacks, non-slip shoes, and a black belt.
Your name tag must be visible at all hours. You must hide any tattoos you might have, remove all piercings except earrings, and keep your hair natural.
Does the Chick-fil-A age requirement vary by state?
Yes. Each Chick-fil-A location has an age requirement depending on their needs and the job description. Typically, employees at Chick-fil-A should be 16 and older.
Still, applying for multiple jobs at Chick-fil-A when you’re younger might increase your chances of getting accepted, especially during summer break.
Alternative Companies to Consider
Chick-fil-A can be pretty strict with their employees. Moreover, you might not be able to land a job there if you’re under 16 during the school year.
Though working at Chick-fil-A is a great opportunity, here are some similar companies you can consider:
- Subway Age Requirement: Subway can be more lenient with employees regarding schedules and the dress code. There are also thousands of locations and job opportunities across the country!
- Starbucks Age Requirements: If you prefer working with drinks only, you should consider Starbucks. With over 15,000 locations, you’ll definitely find one near you.
- Taco Bell Age Requirements: Taco Bell is one of the largest franchises in the U.S. This chain restaurant is constantly hiring new employees, including teenagers!
Wrapping Up
How old do you have to be to work at Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A is a family-oriented restaurant with a nurturing environment. So, they’re open to giving teenagers as young as 14 enriching experiences as well as educational benefits.
You should have a flexible work schedule to work at Chick-fil-A. This means that 14 and 15-year-old teenagers can only work during vacation.
As for people aged 16 and older, you can work there throughout the year. You only need to specify that you’re not available for the day shift.
