So you want to work at Panda Express? Maybe you’re a teenager looking for your first job, or just someone who loves orange chicken and wants the employee discount.

Either way, you’re probably wondering: “How old do I need to be to work there?”

The short answer is 16 years old for basic positions, but the full story has more flavor to it than that. Let’s break it down like a fortune cookie.

How Old Do You Need to Be to Work at Panda Express?

For most entry-level jobs at Panda Express, you need to be at least 16 years old. That’s the standard minimum age for front-of-house positions like working the counter or serving customers.

But if you want to work in the kitchen whipping up that famous orange chicken? You’ll likely need to be at least 18 years old because of safety regulations and food handling laws.

Why the age difference? Well, kitchen work involves hot woks, sharp knives, and heavy equipment – not exactly the safest environment for younger teens. Plus, many states have labor laws that restrict what kinds of tasks minors can perform in restaurants.

Age Requirements by Position

Let’s get specific about which jobs you can apply for based on your age:

If You’re 16-17 Years Old

You can typically work as:

• Counter help (taking orders and serving food)
• Service team member (keeping the dining area clean)
• Cashier (handling money and customer transactions)

Some locations might need your parents’ permission if you’re under 18, so be prepared for that awkward conversation where you explain that yes, you really do want to work at the mall.

If You’re 18+ Years Old

The kitchen doors open to you! You can apply for:

• Cook positions (making the food)
• Kitchen staff (food prep and cooking)
• Shift leader roles (if you have some experience)

If You’re 21+ Years Old

Some Panda Express locations save certain roles for those 21 and up, particularly:

• Management positions
• Specialized cooking roles

The Hiring Process at Panda Express

So you meet the age requirement – what’s next?

The hiring process at Panda Express can be more involved than you might expect from a fast food place. They’re pretty serious about building their “Panda Family.”

If you’re 16-17 years old, you might go through up to three interviews. Yes, three! They want to make sure you’re ready for the responsibility and that you have proper parental consent if needed.

If you’re 18 or older, the process is usually faster with fewer interviews, but still thorough.

Benefits of Working at Panda Express (At Any Age)

Once you’re in, there are some pretty sweet perks to working at Panda Express:

• Flexible scheduling (perfect if you’re still in school)
• Competitive pay (better than many fast food joints)
• Employee discounts (hello, cheap lunch!)
• Growth opportunities (they love to promote from within)

Panda Express has a reputation for treating employees well compared to other fast food chains, with many locations offering benefits like paid time off and health insurance even for part-time workers.

Why These Age Requirements Exist

These aren’t random rules – they’re based on federal and state labor laws that govern youth employment.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) restricts:

• The number of hours minors can work
• The times of day they can work
• The types of equipment they can operate

Plus, many food service positions require Food Handler certifications, which are typically only available to those 18 and older.

International Locations Have Different Rules

Planning to work at a Panda Express in Canada or elsewhere? The age requirements might be different.

For instance, in Canada, their terms state users must be at least 13 years old to use their services, but actual employment typically requires following local labor laws – which generally means being at least 16 or 18 depending on the province.

Is Panda Express a Good First Job?

If you’re a teenager looking for your first gig, Panda Express can be a solid choice. Many employees report that it’s a positive work environment with good training.

The company genuinely seems to care about developing employees’ skills – they even have their own University of Panda for employee development. Not bad for a mall food court job, right?

So there you have it – the complete breakdown of how old you need to be to work at Panda Express. Whether you’re 16 and looking for your first job or older and seeking a stable career in food service, there’s probably a place for you in the Panda family.

Just remember to bring your ID to the interview. And maybe an appetite for orange chicken.