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

To get an entry-level part-time job at KFC as a Customer Service Team Member or Cook you must be at least 16 years old.  To get a shift supervisor or management position, you must be at least 18 years old.

Working at KFC is a great job for beginners to get some experience with people skills and cash handling. Plus, there are many opportunities for advancement if you are interested in a fast-food career.

Some KFC locations are company-owned, while others are independently operated. So, the hiring requirements and job descriptions may vary depending on location.

Teen Jobs at KFC and Age Requirements

Team Member - Customer Service  (Hourly)

As a customer service team member at KFC, you will be responsible for serving each guest quickly and efficiently with a positive attitude. Your duties will include filling orders, suggestive selling, receiving payment, counting change, and you will also be responsible for all of the cash in your drawer.

You need to have excellent communication skills, be willing to work as part of a team, be able to lift up to 50 pounds, and enjoy a fast-paced environment.

In addition to working the register, you will also need to keep the dining room clean. And, if the restaurant has a buffet, you will need to help keep it stocked and clean.

You must be at least 16 years old to work as a customer service team member at KFC.

Team Member - Cook  (Hourly)

Being a cook at KFC means you will be making their world-famous chicken, and you will work with the kitchen team to make sure orders are accurate and up to company standards.

You will be working in a fast-paced environment, and you will master the art of making their secret recipe through company training.

To work as a cook at KFC, you must be at least 16 years old.

Shift Supervisor  (Hourly)

Being a shift supervisor at KFC means you are responsible for guest experience and making sure the restaurant is successful. You will support the General Manager with team development and hitting goals, and this position is the gateway to management positions within the company.

To work as a shift supervisor at KFC, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license as well as reliable transportation.

Can a 15 Year Old Work at KFC?

The minimum age to work at KFC is 16, so 15-year-olds can work there. 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 KFC?

Yes. The minimum age to work at KFC  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 KFC Pay Part-Time Workers?

The hourly earnings for employees at KFC 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.

Team Member - Customer Service (Hourly)

As a customer service team member at KFC, you will be making somewhere between minimum wage and $12 per hour. If you are coming in at entry-level without any prior experience, then you will most likely start out at minimum wage.

The average hourly rate for a KFC customer service team member is $8.

Team Member - Cook (Hourly)

The rate of pay for cooks is between minimum wage and $12 an hour. This position is entry-level, so you will most likely start at minimum wage. However, if you do have some previous kitchen experience, you can possibly negotiate a higher wage.

The average hourly rate for a KFC cook is $8.

Shift Supervisor (Hourly)

The rate of pay for shift supervisors is between $9 and $13 an hour. This position is the first step to management, so there is an opportunity for raises and advancement.

The average hourly rate for a KFC shift supervisor  is $10.

How Much Experience Do You Need to Work at KFC?

KFC is an entry-level friendly company, so you can apply to be a team 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 KFC?

KFC is a quick-service chicken restaurant, 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.

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

Are you reliable to come in to work when scheduled?

Why are they asking?  

KFC does a lot of entry-level hiring, which means they hire a lot of teenagers. Unfortunately, some in the age group do not take their part-time jobs seriously, and don’t always show up for scheduled shifts. If they are asking you this question, it means they have had problems in the past hiring reliable workers, and they want to make sure that you are serious about showing up for your shifts if they offer you a job.

What’s the ideal answer?

The interviewer wants to hear that you have no problem showing up for your scheduled shifts. Obviously, family emergencies do sometimes happen or you can get sick. Calling out of work every once in a while is just fine because life happens. But, you want to tell them that you are a reliable worker and will show up when scheduled.

Why do you want to work at KFC?

Why are they asking?  

Fast food restaurants 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 KFC stand out over other options like McDonalds, Burger King, or Jimmy John’s.

What’s the ideal answer?

There is no wrong answer to this question. Whatever your reason is for applying at KFC, tell them! Maybe you have a friend that works there, you love their chicken, or the location is close to home. Whatever your reason is for applying at KFC, just be specific and honest with your answer.

Have you ever worked in a fast-paced environment?

Why are they asking?  

If a manager asks you this question, they want to know what they can expect from you when it comes to your work productivity and to see if you fit in with the pace of a fast-food environment. If you are a slow, methodical worker, fast food might not be the best fit.

What’s the ideal answer?

You want to let them know that you work well in a fast-paced environment, and give them examples from a previous job or school activity. Say that you can get a lot accomplished in a short amount of time, and you would much rather stay busy instead of being bored.

Benefits of Working at KFC

Everyone who works at KFC gets a discount on meals. However, other benefits are limited to full-time workers only.

Benefits include:

• Paid time off and paid sick days
• Performance Bonuses
• Vacation
• 401K, Stock Options, and Pension Plan
• Medical and Vision Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Military Leave

What it’s Like to Work at KFC

How to Apply at KFC