How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Chick-fil-A?
So you want to work at Chick-fil-A but you’re still in high school?
Maybe you’re looking for your first job, trying to save up for that car, or just want some extra spending money. Whatever your reason, one of the first questions you probably have is: “Am I even old enough to work there?”
Let’s break down exactly how old you need to be to start saying “my pleasure” and serving up those delicious chicken sandwiches.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Work at Chick-fil-A?
The short answer? It depends on where you live, but generally between 14 and 16 years old.
Chick-fil-A is actually one of the more teen-friendly fast food places out there. While some restaurants won’t look at you until you’re 16, many Chick-fil-A locations will hire workers as young as 14 years old – especially if you have a work permit from your school.
But before you get too excited, remember that the specific age requirement varies by location because:
- Each state has different labor laws
- Each Chick-fil-A is independently owned and operated
- Some franchise owners set their own (higher) age requirements
Age Requirements Breakdown by Location
Ages 14-15: In many states, you can start working at Chick-fil-A at 14 or 15 years old. For example, many locations in Oklahoma hire at 14 with a work permit. This is the youngest age you’ll find at any Chick-fil-A.
Age 16+: Some Chick-fil-A locations have a firm “16 and up” policy. For instance, the Rainbow & Lake Mead location in Nevada explicitly states they don’t hire anyone under 16.
The only way to know for sure? Call your local restaurant and ask directly. Each franchise owner makes their own hiring decisions, so what’s true for one location might not be true for another even in the same city.
What Jobs Can Teens Do at Chick-fil-A?
If you’re on the younger side (14-15), you’ll most likely be hired for front-of-house positions like:
- Dining room attendant
- Cashier
- Hospitality team member
There are some legal restrictions on what tasks younger teens can perform. For example, if you’re under 16, you might not be allowed to:
- Operate certain kitchen equipment
- Work late hours (especially on school nights)
- Work more than a certain number of hours per week
These restrictions exist to protect young workers and make sure you can still focus on school. Safety first!
How to Apply for a Chick-fil-A Job as a Teen
Ready to apply? Here’s what you’ll need:
- Work permit (if under 16 in most states)
- School schedule (to help with your availability)
- Valid ID (school ID works in many cases)
- Social security number
You can apply online through the Chick-fil-A website or in person at your local restaurant. Sometimes walking in and asking to speak to a manager can give you an advantage – it shows initiative!
The Truth About Working at Chick-fil-A as a Teen
Working at Chick-fil-A as a teenager can be a great experience. They’re known for:
- Sundays off (every single week!)
- Flexible scheduling around school
- Scholarship opportunities for college
- Advancement possibilities even for young workers
But it’s not all chicken and waffle fries. The job can be fast-paced, you’ll need to maintain that famous Chick-fil-A politeness even with difficult customers, and you might find yourself working some weekend and evening shifts.
That said, many teens find that Chick-fil-A provides excellent training and is a solid place to develop customer service skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.
In Summary
- Minimum age: 14-16 years old, depending on location
- Youngest allowed: 14 (with work permit in many states)
- Most common minimum age: 16
- Best way to confirm: Call your local Chick-fil-A directly
Remember, even if you’re old enough on paper, you still need to impress in your application and interview. Chick-fil-A looks for people who are friendly, reliable, and hardworking – regardless of age!
So if you’re ready to join the team that made “my pleasure” famous, now you know if you’re old enough to apply. Good luck!
