You can usually start working at Chick-fil-A around age 16 , but in some locations you can be hired as young as 14–15 for limited roles and hours, depending on state labor laws and the specific franchise’s policy. Most restaurants still prefer or require 16+, so it’s important to check with the exact store where you want to apply.

What Age Can You Work at Chick-fil-A? (Quick Scoop)

General Hiring Age (2024–2026 context)

Most Chick-fil-A locations in the U.S. set their standard minimum hiring age at 16 years old for team-member positions like working the counter, drive- thru, or standard kitchen roles. Some newer guides and job pages still describe 16 as the “typical” or “standard” minimum age even as of 2024–2025.

However, things aren’t identical everywhere:

  • Some restaurants will consider 14–15-year-olds for certain entry-level or support tasks, especially with a work permit and hour limits.
  • A few areas or roles may require 17 or 18 because of local labor laws or safety rules (for example, certain equipment or late-night shifts).
  • In states with stricter youth labor laws, the store might only hire at 16+ or 18+ , even if other states allow younger teens.

So the “headline”:

In many places: 16 is standard. In some: 14–15 is possible, but restricted.

How It Varies by Location

Chick-fil-A locations are independently owned franchises, which means each owner can set age expectations within the boundaries of state and federal law.

Key points:

  • State labor law first, store policy second. States decide the legal minimum working age, allowed tasks, and hour limits; the operator then chooses whether to hire younger teens at all.
  • Some stores advertise “Now hiring 14–15 ” but restrict those roles to lower-risk duties and shorter shifts, especially when school is in session.
  • Many job descriptions simply say “Must be at least 16 ,” which is still the most common setup.

Because of this, two Chick-fil-A stores in the same state could have different minimum ages as long as both obey the law.

If You’re 14–15

You might still have options, but they’ll be more limited and tightly controlled.

Typical realities for 14–15-year-olds:

  • You usually need a work permit or written permission, depending on your state.
  • Your hours are capped: fewer hours on school days, earlier curfew times, and sometimes no late-evening shifts.
  • You’re more likely to do simpler, non-hazardous tasks : basic prep, restocking, dining room cleanup, or support roles instead of full grill or fry station.

Some guides mention roles specifically open to 14–15-year-olds, especially lighter back-of-house support or prep roles, as a way to get early work experience.

Example: A 15-year-old with a school work permit might be scheduled only a few short shifts per week, ending early in the evening and avoiding more hazardous equipment.

If You’re 16 or Older

At 16+ , you’re in the range that most Chick-fil-A restaurants are actively targeting.

Being 16 or older usually means:

  • You can apply for standard team member jobs (front counter, drive-thru, kitchen).
  • You’ll have more schedule flexibility and potential for more hours, although school is still a factor if you’re in high school.
  • You may be allowed to work with more kitchen equipment and handle more responsibility than 14–15-year-olds.

Some locations also highlight soft skills (friendliness, teamwork, handling a fast pace) as key for 16+ applicants, not just age.

Legal & Practical Limits for Minors

Even if a Chick-fil-A wants to hire you young, they’re bound by labor laws.

For minors (especially under 16):

  • Hour limits: Many states restrict how many hours you can work on school days, the total weekly hours, and the latest time you can clock out.
  • Job restrictions: You may not be allowed near certain machines, very hot surfaces, or heavy equipment.
  • Paperwork: Work permits, parental consent, and school approval are often required for 14–15-year-olds.

Because Chick-fil-A markets itself as a family-friendly and youth-friendly employer, a lot of stores lean into hiring motivated teens—but they still comply with those limits.

What Online Forums and Workers Say

Public forums and worker communities show that reality on the ground can differ store to store:

  • Some employees report being hired at 14 or 15 , usually with tight restrictions on hours and tasks.
  • Other workers say their store won’t even consider anyone under 16 , regardless of permits.
  • A few mention that promotions and bigger responsibilities can still start young if you perform well and the store allows it.

These experiences confirm it’s very location-dependent, even though 16 is the most “advertised” minimum.

In forum-style discussions, you’ll often see replies like: “My store hires at 14, but hours are super limited” versus “Mine is strict 16+ only.”

How to Find the Exact Age for Your Store

If you’re trying to figure out “What age can I work at Chick-fil-A where I live?”, here’s a simple approach:

  1. Check the job listing online.
    • Many Chick-fil-A locations list “Minimum age: 16” or similar in the posting details.
  1. Call or visit the store.
    • Politely ask: “What is your minimum age to apply, and do you hire 14–15-year-olds with a work permit?”
  1. Look up your state’s youth labor laws.
    • See if 14–15-year-olds are allowed to work in restaurants and what hour limits exist; this will tell you what’s legally possible before you ask.

This is the only way to get a precise, up-to-date answer for your specific city and store.

Quick FAQ

Q: Can I work at Chick-fil-A at 14?

  • In some locations, yes—usually with a work permit, limited hours, and restricted duties.
  • In others, the store may require 16+, no exceptions.

Q: Is 16 always enough?

  • In most places, being 16 makes you eligible for standard entry-level roles, but you still need to meet the store’s other expectations (availability, attitude, etc.).

Q: Does any Chick-fil-A require 18?

  • Some areas or roles may be 18+ due to local law or safety issues, even though this is less common than 16+.

Bottom Line

  • Typical answer: You can work at Chick-fil-A starting at 16 in most locations.
  • Sometimes possible: 14–15 with a permit, lighter duties, and limited hours, depending on your state laws and local restaurant policy.
  • Action step: Check your state’s youth labor rules and then ask your specific Chick-fil-A what their minimum age and position options are.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.