How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Taco Bell?

If you want to make some money as a teenager, working in fast-food restaurants is the way to go.

Not only will you make some extra cash, but you’ll also learn some valuable skills. Since Taco Bell is one of the top franchises in the United States, you might find some open positions there.

So, how old do you have to be to work at Taco Bell? Usually, minors who are 16 and older can work in the food industry.

However, some 14 and 15-year-olds might get the chance to work at Taco Bell.

This mainly depends on the Taco Bell locations and the restaurant’s needs. If you have some free time during vacation, you should try your luck at applying!

How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Taco Bell?

According to Federal child labor laws, minors from the ages of 16 and up can work in the food industry for unlimited hours. So, you have to be at least 16 years old to work at Taco Bell.

The reason is that working in restaurants, particularly kitchens, might be dangerous for minors under 16. There are also strict regulations on the working hours of students, depending on the state.

In most states, minors can’t work past nine P.M. They can’t work for over three hours during the school year either. Naturally, fast-food restaurants will prefer candidates with a more flexible schedule.

Still, some Taco Bell locations are more lenient towards 14 and 15-year-olds. You might be able to get a job there as long as it’s a non-hazardous role and you have a valid worker’s permit.

• Does Taco Bell Hire 14-Year-Olds? You have to be 16 or older to work at Taco Bell. Yet, if the Taco Bell location you’re applying to is short-staffed and you have free time during vacation, you might get hired if you’re under 16.
• Does Taco Bell Hire 15-Year-Olds? Usually, Taco Bell prefers candidates over the age of 15 as they can offer more time. Though, you should try your luck during summer vacation. Luckily, there are other jobs for 15-year-olds that are more suitable.
• Does Taco Bell Hire 16-Year-Olds? Yes. Taco Bell has numerous great jobs for 16-year-olds that don’t require any experience. Working at Taco Bell can even help you make your way into college!
• Does Taco Bell Hire 50-Year-Olds? While Taco Bell has a minimum age requirement for employees, there isn’t a maximum age limit. You can work at Taco Bell if you’re 50 or older!

Other Taco Bell Hiring Requirements

Taco Bell offers great opportunities for teenagers. The reason is that the chain restaurant has plenty of entry-level jobs that require no experience or certifications.

That said, you need to have a personality that matches the role. For example, you can’t work in customer service if you’re an introvert!

Knowing all the hiring requirements of Taco Bell and all the fast food interview questions you might face at the interview will also help you land the job.

• Does Taco Bell Hire Without Experience? Taco Bell has plenty of entry-level jobs that don’t need any experience. You’ll be a good fit as a Taco Bell team member if you have a friendly and hard-working personality.
• Does Taco Bell Hire Without a High School Diploma? Taco Bell is open to hiring students and individuals who don’t have a high school diploma. Still, some managerial positions require a high school diploma or GED.

Teen Jobs at Taco Bell

Working at Taco Bell is undoubtedly great for teenagers. You can earn some money and have free time to study!

It’s important to consider your skills when applying for Taco Bell jobs, though! While there are a lot of entry-level positions, not all of them might be right for you.

Here are the best teen jobs at Taco Bell:

1. Front Team Member

Front team members work directly with the customers. This job is non-hazardous and requires no experience. This means you might get accepted if you’re 14 or 15, depending on the Taco Bell location.

You can work as a front team member either full-time or part-time. This flexible schedule will give you time to study and attend school!

Requirements for Job

Age Requirements: at least 16 years old

Average Pay: $12.04 per hour

As a Taco Bell front crew member, your main duty is to provide a pleasant experience to customers. This includes greeting them, processing transactions, and assisting them with any questions or complaints.

If you have the following skills, a front team member position might be suitable for you:

• Friendly personality
• Excellent communication skills
• Basic math knowledge
• Multitasking skills

2. Back Team Member

If you’re an introvert, you might be better as a back team member. Back team members operate different stations in the kitchen. So, they need to be older than 16.

Some back team members also double as front team members, depending on the restaurant’s needs.

Requirements for Job

Age Requirements: at least 16 years old

Average Pay: $16.18 per hour

Back team members are responsible for preparing Taco Bell’s signature Mexican food. They must adhere to the sanitary and safety regulations of Taco Bell. Since fast food restaurants have a hectic environment, back team members must have great team working and time management skills.

To become a back team member, you should have the following skills:

• Ability to work in a team
• Physical stamina
• Multitasking skills
• Time management skills

3. Shift Lead

You might think managerial experience is crucial to becoming a Taco Bell shift lead, but all you need to do is prove yourself by working as either a front or back team member. You don’t even need a high school diploma!

The reason the shift lead position is ideal for teenagers is that it allows them to learn some management skills. This way, you can kickstart your professional career in management!

Requirements for Job

Age Requirements: at least 18 years old

Average Pay: $15.53 per hour

As a shift lead, you must be the jack of all trades. You should know how to operate the restaurant alone if need be! You’re also the link between management and all service staff, so you have to ensure the staff adheres to all Taco Bell regulations.

You should have the following skills to become a successful shift lead:

• Strong leadership skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Great math knowledge
• Physical stamina
• Ability to work in a team

Is Taco Bell a Good First Job?

If you’re looking for an entry-level job, Taco Bell is a great choice. For starters, you’ll get a decent wage that can cover your college expenses, or even help you treat yourself.

Many people believe service jobs to be pointless when it comes to advancing their careers. However, an excellent resume for high school students should include service jobs!

As a Taco Bell employee, you’ll get training in customer service. This can help you land a sales role later on!

Taco Bell offers incredible support for students. Some Taco Bell employees might get the chance to go to college for free through the Taco Bell Foundation scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some common questions you might have about working at Taco Bell.

Alternative Companies to Consider

Though Taco Bell is a great place to work, here are some similar companies that offer jobs for teenagers:

• Burger King Age Requirements: There are over 7,000 Burger King locations across the United States. The best part is that this restaurant is constantly hiring new talent!
• Sonic Age Requirements: Sonic is available in 44 states! This fast-food restaurant is all about growth and development, so they have perfect job opportunities for teenagers.
• KFC Age Requirements: KFC has a similar work environment to Taco Bell. In fact, both chain restaurants are part of the same group, Yum!

Wrapping Up

How old do you have to be to work at Taco Bell?

Typically, you should be at least 16 years old to work in the food and service industry. This includes working at Taco Bell.

Though, you can get an exception if you have a worker’s permit and apply during vacation. Depending on the Taco Bell location and the manager, you might be able to get a non-hazardous job as a front team member.