How Old Do You Have to be to Work at Chipotle?

When it comes to getting an entry-level job at Chipotle as a restaurant team member or shift leader, the minimum age requirement is 16.

Chipotle has created a better place to eat and work. You’ll be part of a team that is working to cultivate nourished communities where wholesome food is enjoyed every day. To achieve this mission, Chipotle provides exceptional training and a clear career path – over 80% of the managers are promoted from the Crew.

Unlike some other places, they actually cook in their restaurants—by hand. Team members start with raw ingredients and make delicious food of exceptional quality everyday.

Teen Jobs at Chipotle and Age Requirements

Crew Members & Shift Leaders- (Hourly)

Chipotle team members and shift leaders are trained in every area of the restaurant, from the cash register to the kitchen. You can get hired at entry-level or with previous experience, and they provide the training you need to feel confident working at any station - grill, cashier, prep, salsa, and expo.

Chipotle takes pride in exceptional customer service and it's up to each team member to create the friendly atmosphere that the customers expect and enjoy. So, whether you have experience as a dishwasher, cashier, server, host, bartender, cook, prep cook, FOH/BOH or no experience at all, they are always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join their team.

What they are looking for:

• Someone with a friendly, enthusiastic attitude
• Someone that loves to help and serve others (both customers and team members)
• Someone ready to learn how to cook (a lot)

To work as a team member at Chipotle, you must be at least 16 years old.

Can a 15 Year Old Work at Chipotle?

The minimum age to work at Chipotle is 16, so 15-year-olds can’t work there. We do have a page on our website specifically for 15-year-olds that you can view for more options.

Can a 16 Year Old Work at Chipotle?

The minimum age to work at Chipotle is 16, so 16-year-olds can work here. We also have a page on our website specifically for 16-year-olds that you can view for more options.

How Much Does Chipotle Pay Part-Time Workers?

The hourly earnings for employees at Chipotle vary because of state and city minimum wage laws. But, we can give you a general idea of what the hourly pay is for each position.

Team Member (Hourly)

As a team member at Chipotle, you will be making somewhere between minimum wage and $15 per hour. If you are coming in at entry-level without any prior experience, then you will most likely start out around minimum wage.

The average hourly rate for a Chipotle team member is $10.

Shift Leader (Hourly)

The rate of pay for shift leaders is between minimum wage and $15 an hour. This position is for those who have previous work experience, so you can negotiate a higher hourly rate than a team member.

The average hourly rate for a Chipotle shift leader is $11.

How Much Experience Do You Need to Work at Chipotle?

Chipotle is an entry-level friendly company, so you can apply without any prior experience and get hired as a team member in the front or back of the house. However, if you have some work experience, it could get you a higher hourly pay rate and move you faster into supervisory and management positions. The majority of Chipotle managers are hired from the crew.

What Should You Wear to a Job Interview at Chipotle?

Chipotle is a popular fast-food chain, so when you show up for your interview, you will want to look nice and be dressed in business casual attire.  Consider something like a buttoned-down shirt with nice slacks and dress shoes. You do not want to show up too casual in a t-shirt and jeans.

Chipotle Interview Questions

At a Chipotle interview, you will talk with at least one manager.  Here are some questions that they have been known to ask.

Are you good with people?

Why are they asking?  

Chipotle has a very specific brand and culture based on connecting with their customers, providing amazing customer service, and serving delicious, fresh food.

If they ask you this, they are trying to find out how comfortable you are working in a team environment and giving excellent customer service, and if your methods lineup with company values.

What’s the ideal answer?

Honesty is the best policy. Let them know how good you are with people and be prepared to give examples of excellent customer service if you have previous job experience. If Chipotle would be your first job, then give examples of working with people in team sports or school activities.

Are you more of a leader or a follower?

Why are they asking?  

They are asking this question to find out more about your personality and work skills. Remember, every company values some leadership qualities but also wants people who will follow directives. Try to maintain a balance between the two.

What’s the ideal answer?

When an interviewer asks if you a leader or a follower, it might be tempting just to respond that you are a leader, since taking on responsibility sounds like something they would want. But, that’s not always the case.

The interviewer is trying to see if you are versatile and are willing to assume different roles based on what the restaurant needs. As you are answering this question, it is important to talk about past experiences that show you have qualities of both a leader and a follower.

Why do you want to work at Chipotle?

Why are they asking?  

If a manager asks you this question, they are trying to get you to sell yourself, but they are also trying to find out how much you know about the company. Part of your job at Chipotle will be giving amazing customer service, and that requires strong verbal communication skills.

When they ask you this question, they are wanting to find out how well you can communicate, while being positive and professional. They also want to know if you can sell yourself. If you can do that, you can sell their products.

What’s the ideal answer?

Know your strengths. If you get asked this question, tell them how you will benefit their business. They want to hear that you have above average verbal communication skills, have a friendly and upbeat demeanor, and can help customers with their orders quickly and accurately.

Tell them that you are a reliable worker who will show up to work on time for every scheduled shift. And, if you want a career with the company, definitely let them know because there are a lot of opportunities for advancement.

Benefits of Working at Chipotle

Everyone who works at Chipotle gets a free meal each shift. And, many of the benefits are available for both full-time and part-time workers.

Benefits include:

• Paid time off and paid sick days
• Vacation
• Performance Bonus
• 401K, pension, and retirement plan
• Stock options & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Up to $5,250 in Tuition Assistance and $5,185 in federal grants - plus college credit hours - through their education assistance program
• Employee Discount Program
• Paid parental leave
• Annual crew bonus (if you average more than 32 hours per week)

What it’s Like to Work at Chipotle

How to Apply at Chipotle

If you are interested in working at Chipotle, the best place to find up-to-date job listings is on websites like Indeed and Glassdoor. Furthermore, you can find available positions on the company website. You can also apply in-person at the specific location you want to work at.