Want to work at Sonic? Let’s talk about the age requirements, job roles, and what it’s actually like to work there — no corporate fluff, just the straight facts.

Sonic typically requires employees to be at least 16 years old for most positions. This includes the basic team member roles like carhop (the people who bring food to your car), crew member, and drive-thru positions.

Age Requirements at Sonic Drive-In

The minimum age to work at Sonic is 16 years old for most entry-level positions.

Why 16? That’s when federal labor laws start giving teenagers more flexibility with work hours and the types of tasks they can do. Some states have their own rules that might be even stricter.

In rare cases, some locations might hire at 15 years old for very limited positions, but don’t count on it. That’s the exception, not the rule.

If you want to work with certain kitchen equipment or handle more complex tasks, you’ll probably need to be 17 or 18 because of safety regulations and child labor laws.

Jobs You Can Get at 16

So you’re 16 and want to work at Sonic. What can you actually do there?

Team Member/Crew Member

• Taking customer orders
• Making those famous drinks and slushes
• Packaging food orders
• Cleaning (yes, there’s always cleaning)
• Basic food prep that doesn’t involve dangerous equipment

Carhop

This is probably the most iconic Sonic job – the person who brings food out to your car. Some carhops even skate the food out to you on roller skates!

If skating sounds fun, you should know that:

• You’ll need additional training
• Not all locations require skating
• You’ll probably make more in tips when you skate (people love the nostalgia factor)

The Application Process

Ready to apply? Here’s how it typically works:

1. Apply online or in-person – Fill out a basic application with your contact info, availability, and any previous work experience (don’t worry if this is your first job).

2. Interview – Usually pretty casual, focusing on your availability, why you want to work there, and maybe some basic “what would you do if…” scenarios.

3. Background check – Standard procedure for most jobs these days.

4. Orientation and training – You’ll learn Sonic’s systems, how to use their POS system, and food safety basics.

According to Sonic’s employee handbook, the training process takes about 1-2 weeks before you’re working independently.

What It’s Actually Like to Work There

I’ve talked to enough people who’ve worked at Sonic to give you the real deal:

• Fast-paced environment – During rush times, it gets BUSY. Like, really busy.
• Temperature challenges – In summer, it gets hot. In winter, it gets cold. Especially for carhops who work outside.
• Flexible scheduling – One of the biggest perks is that Sonic is generally good about working around school schedules, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data on teen employment.
• Team atmosphere – You’ll be working closely with others, so it helps if you’re decent at communication.

Pay and Benefits

Starting pay at Sonic is typically around $10-15 per hour depending on your location, plus:

• Free or discounted food during shifts (a big deal when you’re 16!)
• Tips for carhops (can significantly boost your hourly rate)
• Opportunities to move up to shift lead or manager roles over time

According to employment reports, carhops who deliver excellent service can add $5-10 per hour in tips during busy shifts.

Practical Considerations for Teen Workers

Some things to keep in mind if you’re under 18:

• Hour restrictions – During school weeks, you’ll likely be limited to 18-20 hours total
• Late night limits – Most states restrict how late teens can work on school nights
• Uniform requirements – You’ll need to wear their shirt, hat, and non-slip shoes
• Transportation – Make sure you have reliable transportation to/from work, especially if you’re working evening shifts

Research from the Youth Development Institute suggests that food service jobs like Sonic can provide excellent first-job experience and skill development.

Is Working at Sonic Worth It?

For a first job as a teenager, Sonic offers:

• Flexible scheduling for students
• Social interaction with customers and coworkers
• Fast-paced environment that teaches you to work efficiently
• Customer service experience that looks good on future applications

The biggest complaints from former teen employees? Standing for long periods, dealing with occasional rude customers, and the sometimes hectic pace during rush hours.

So there you have it — the minimum age to work at Sonic is 16, with some positions requiring you to be older. If you’re looking for a first job with flexible hours, decent pay, and a social environment, it might be worth applying. Just be ready to hustle during those busy summer evenings!