How Old Do You Have to be to Work at Cold Stone Creamery?

Generally speaking, to get an entry-level part-time job at Cold Stone Creamery as a crew member, shift leader, or cake decorator, you must be at least 16 years old. 

However, most Cold Stone Creamery stores are owned and operated by independent franchisee operators. This means that the franchisees are independent employers who recruit, hire, train, and manage their own employees, set their own employment policies and procedures, and handle all matters of employment at their store. 

Some stores may have a hiring age as low as 14 with a work permit for crew members, but most have a hiring age of 16. You will have to speak to the owner or manager at the location you are interested in to find out their specific age requirements.

Teen Jobs at Cold Stone Creamery and Age Requirements

Crew member (Hourly)

The daily tasks of a Cold Stone Creamery crew member include making the world's greatest ice cream, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for every person who walks in the door, and keeping the store sparkling clean.

There is a team of employees behind the counter, so you’ll have to work well with others, and you should always be communicating in a positive manner with managers and co-workers. Crew members should be bright, outgoing, personable, and show a willingness to go the extra mile to provide the Ultimate Ice Cream Experience® for each and every customer.

Crew members are expected to take orders, scoop ice cream, reconcile cash transactions, and they also sing when they receive tips, which is company tradition.

As a rule, you must be at least 16 years old to work as a crew member at Cold Stone Creamery. 

Shift leader  (Hourly)

Cold Stone Creamery shift leaders are responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of the crew members. Responsibilities include: 

• Supervise team of retail sales workers
• Adjust daily schedule for shift personnel to ensure optimal efficiency
• Train and evaluate employees
• Track monthly results and trends for business forecasting
• Resolve escalated customer complaints
• Complete and assign tasks
• Complete and assign operational checklists

To work as a shift leader at Cold Stone Creamery, you must be at least 16 years old, have strong leadership skills, and have previous experience in customer service or retail.

Cake Decorator  (Hourly)

Cold Stone Creamery cake decorators are responsible for supporting the store during operating hours. This includes, but is not limited to, having the ability to manage the store, take care of cake orders, manage inventory, and deliver excellent customer service. Time management and excellent communication skills are a necessity. 

You are expected to provide world class customer service, frost and decorate ice cream cakes for refrigerated cases, create unique ice cream cakes, fill customer special orders, maintain standards for product freshness, assist in other duties as assigned, be good at multitasking, and keep work area clean and organized.

To work as a cake decorator at Cold Stone Creamery, you must be at least 16 years old. Previous cake making experience is preferred, but not required.

Can a 15 Year Old Work at Cold Stone Creamery?

Generally, the minimum age to work at Cold Stone Creamery is 16, but each store is independently owned and operated so 15-year-olds can work at some locations. We 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 Cold Stone Creamery? 

Yes! The minimum age to work at all Cold Stone Creamery locations is 16. We also have a page on our website specifically for 16-year-olds that you can view for more options.

How Much Does Cold Stone Creamery Pay Part-Time Workers?

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

Crew Member (Hourly)

As a crew member at Cold Stone Creamery, you will be making somewhere between minimum wage and $14 per hour. If you are coming in at entry-level without any prior experience, then you will most likely start out at minimum wage. Crew members can also earn tips.

The average hourly rate for a Cold Stone Creamery crew member is $9.

Shift Leader (Hourly)

The rate of pay for shift leaders is between $9 and $13 an hour. Cold Stone Creamery prefers experience for this position, so the rate is a little higher than entry-level.

The average hourly rate for a Cold Stone Creamery shift leader is $10.

Cake Decorator (Hourly)

The average hourly rate of pay for cake decorators is usually between $10 and $12. The rate for this position usually depends on experience.

The average hourly rate for a Cold Stone Creamery cake decorator  is $11.

How Much Experience Do You Need to Work at Cold Stone Creamery?

Cold Stone Creamery is an entry-level friendly company, so you can apply to be a crew member without any prior experience and get hired. However, if you do have some work experience, it could get you a higher hourly pay rate and move you faster into supervisory and management positions.

What Should You Wear to a Job Interview at Cold Stone Creamery?

Cold Stone Creamery is a fun environment, so when you show up for your interview, you will want to look nice, but not overdressed.  Consider something like a buttoned-down shirt with jeans and dress shoes. You do not want to show up too casual in a t-shirt and flip-flops, but there is no need to go too formal and wear a suit.

Cold Stone Creamery Interview Questions

The possible questions in a job interview are endless, and it always depends on the interviewer. But, there are some common questions that they do often ask. At a Cold Stone Creamery interview, you will talk with the manager or owner. Some locations conduct group interviews  Here are some questions that they have been known to ask.

Can you sing?

Why are they asking?  

The ‘Entertainment Factor’ at Cold Stone Creamery is meant to create a fun, festive atmosphere in stores and to set them apart from the competition. Crew members usually perform in stores, and ‘auditions’ may take place in addition to the interview process. That way, it’s known that entertaining is a brand standard. In fact, many Cold Stone Creamery crew members enjoy the singing so much they create their own songs!

What’s the ideal answer?

The interviewer wants to hear that you are outgoing and have no problem entertaining customers. You don’t have to have the perfect voice. But, you should be prepared to perform a few notes to show that you can be an entertainer when needed.

Why do you want to work at Cold Stone Creamery?

Why are they asking?  

Restaurants and retail stores rely on entry-level teen workers. They make an excellent first job for young people to get work experience, and there are a lot in the market to choose from. If they ask you this question, they want to know what makes Cold Stone Creamery stand out over other options like McDonalds, Dairy Queen, or Jimmy John’s.

What’s the ideal answer?

There is no wrong answer to this question. Whatever your reason is for applying at Cold Stone Creamery, tell them! Maybe you have a friend that works there, the store is close to home, or you love their ice cream. Whatever your reason is for applying at Cold Stone Creamery, just be specific and honest with your answer. And, it doesn’t hurt to know a little bit about the company by doing some research beforehand, and telling them what you like about the brand and company culture.

Can you work well as part of a team?

Why are they asking?  

If they ask you this, they are trying to find out how comfortable you are working in a team environment. There are no jobs in the creamery that require you to work all by yourself, so they want to make sure you work well with others.

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 if you have previous job experience. If Cold Stone Creamery would be your first job, then give examples of working with people in team sports or school activities. 

Benefits of Working at Cold Stone Creamery 

Most employees at Cold Stone Creamery get a discount, but the amount varies by location because all stores are independently owned and operated. Benefits for full-time workers also vary from store to store.

Benefits include:

• Flexible schedules

What it’s Like to Work at Cold Stone Creamery

How to Apply at Cold Stone Creamery