Chick-fil-A generally starts hiring at age 14 or 15 , though it varies by location and state labor laws. Most restaurants set the minimum at 16 , but some welcome younger teens with work permits for entry-level roles.

Hiring Age Breakdown

Here's the scoop on Chick-fil-A's age policies, pulled from recent guides and employee forums—perfect for teens eyeing that first paycheck.

Age Group| Typical Availability| Key Requirements| Notes 137
---|---|---|---
14-15| Limited positions (e.g., front counter, bagging)| Work permit often needed; restricted hours (e.g., 3 hrs/day during school)| Depends on state—rarer in places like KY, more common elsewhere. Some stores hire small groups of 15-year-olds.
16+| Full range (kitchen, drive-thru, cashier)| Flexible schedule, customer service skills, basic math| Standard minimum for most U.S. locations; no prior experience required.
18+| All roles, including leadership| Same as above, plus stamina for busy shifts| Unrestricted hours; salaries around $12–$15/hr as of late 2023–2025 data.

Pro Tip : Always check your local store—policies adapt to laws like those in New York limiting minors to safe, short shifts.

Why Teens Love It (Real Stories)

Imagine wrapping up school, then flipping nuggets at Chick-fil-A: quick cash, free meals, and skills that shine on college apps. Forums buzz with tales like a 15-year-old in one state landing a gig after acing a friendly interview, or 14-year-olds thriving in low-pressure roles.

"Some hire at 14 with limited hours. All depends on the location!" – Reddit worker

One ex-employee shared: Hired at 15, hours were tight but built epic multitasking chops—now they're in management elsewhere. Trending chats confirm it's a teen hotspot, especially post-2025 labor tweaks allowing more flexibility.

State Variations & Next Steps

Labor laws rule: Federal FLSA okays 14-year-olds in retail, but states tweak it. California? Often 16+. Texas? More 14-15 spots. Apply online via Chick- fil-A's site, highlight your enthusiasm, and snag that permit if under 16.

TL;DR : Chick-fil-A hires from 14 at select spots (permit needed), 16 widely —confirm locally for 2026 rules.

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