For teenagers seeking their first job experience, Burger King presents an array of entry-level employment opportunities. As one of the world’s largest fast-food chains, Burger King offers diverse roles catering to various age groups and skill levels within its restaurants.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the different positions available for teenagers at Burger King, shedding light on crucial aspects such as minimum age requirements, average pay scales, job responsibilities, and potential benefits. Additionally, it offers valuable insights into the company’s hiring process, equipping prospective applicants with the necessary knowledge to navigate the application journey successfully.
By exploring the pros and cons of working at Burger King, this article empowers teenagers to make informed decisions about whether pursuing a career with this renowned fast-food establishment aligns with their goals and aspirations. Let us board on an informative journey through the world of employment opportunities at Burger King.
What Age does Burger King Hire?
Burger King’s minimum hiring age can vary slightly by location, but the fast-food chain typically requires employees to be at least 16 years old. However, there are some reports that certain franchises may be cautious to bring on workers under 18 due to more restrictive labor laws surrounding younger employees.
Regardless of the minimum age, all prospective Burger King Workers will need to provide proper documentation like proof of age, a job offer from the restaurant, and potentially a health certificate or work permit depending on their locality’s regulations.
Does Burger King Hire at 15?
While Burger King’s default minimum age is 16, federal labor laws do allow for the employment of 15-year-olds in certain roles and with significant hour restrictions. So in select cases and markets, a 15-year-old could potentially land a job at their local Burger King.
However, strict limits apply – 15-year-old employees would only be permitted to work as:
- A maximum of 3 hours per day on school days,
- Up to 18 total hours during a school week, and
- No later than 7 pm on those nights.
- During summer and holiday breaks when school isn’t in session, their workweek could increase to 40 hours with a max of 8 hours daily between 7 am and 9 pm.
Obtaining proper permits and paperwork from one’s school district would be required before starting the job. Interested 15-year-olds should inquire about the specific policies at their nearest Burger King location.
Does Burger King Hire at 14?
Yes, Burger King does hire 14-year-olds to work at their restaurants in certain areas, though this hiring practice isn’t as widespread as bringing on 16 and 17-year-old employees. Federal labor laws allow for the employment of 14-year-old workers, but with even more stringent hour restrictions than their 15-year-old counterparts.
For any 14-year-olds on the job at Burger King, the permitted work hours are as:
- Maximum 3 hours per day on school days,
- 8 hours on non-school days, and
- No more than 18 hours throughout the school week.
- Additionally, their workday would need to fall entirely between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm when school is in session.
Not all Burger King Locations may opt to hire at that young age, but the option does exist in certain markets for the ambitious teen worker.
Other Skills and Requirements to Work at Burger King
While meeting the minimum age requirement is the first step, Burger King looks for employees who possess a variety of other skills to thrive in their fast-paced restaurant environment. Here are some key competencies to demonstrate:
Customer Service Expertise
The ability to deliver friendly, engaging service is critical at any customer-facing job. Burger King values crew with an outgoing, positive demeanor who can make guests feel welcomed and ensure their experience is an enjoyable one. Clear communication, problem-solving skills, and keeping your cool during busy rushes are all part of providing top-notch customer service.
Physical Stamina and Dexterity
Working at Burger King is no easy feat – be prepared for physically demanding roles that require standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects up to 25 pounds, bending, twisting, and moving about quickly. Crew members need to have the endurance to remain on their feet for extended shifts.
Food Safety Knowledge
Understanding proper food safety protocols like hygiene, food handling, cleaning procedures, and more is a must. Depending on location, new hires may need to obtain a food handler’s permit or certification to demonstrate competency in this area.
Strong Mathematics Skills
Whether taking orders or operating the cash register, crew members need to have basic math skills and cash-handling abilities to accurately process payments and make change. Being dexterous with numbers is a valuable asset.
A Willingness to Learn
From the very start, new Burger King crew will be trained on all areas of restaurant operations – taking orders, prepping food, operating equipment and technology systems, enforcing policies, and more. An eagerness to expand one’s knowledge and wear multiple hats is essential. The ability follow instructions, comply with rules, and take feedback positively is also crucial.
Time Management and Multitasking
The fast-paced nature of the restaurant means crew members need to be able to effectively prioritize tasks, manage their time wisely, and juggle multiple responsibilities with efficiency and a level head when things get hectic.
Apart from the main job skills, Burger King expects its employees to pass background checks, act with honesty, and maintain a professional attitude. For those aiming for management or training roles, leadership, scheduling, coaching, and development skills are also important.
How Much Does Burger King Pay 16-Year-Olds?
For 16-year-old crew members at Burger King, the average hourly pay is around $9 per hour. This falls on the lower end of the company’s pay scale, as most 16-year-old hires start out in entry-level cashier or general team member positions.
The typical pay range for these front-line fast food worker roles at Burger King is $7 to $11 per hour. The exact starting wage for a 16-year-old will depend on the minimum wage requirements of the state where that restaurant is located. Pay rates do trend higher in areas with a higher cost of living.
Some key factors like experience, job performance, and tenure can also influence whether a 16-year-old falls on the lower or higher end of the hourly range at first. But in most cases, you can expect pays around $9 per hour.
How Much Does Burger King Pay 17-Year-Olds?
17-year-olds working at Burger King tend to earn slightly higher hourly pay compared to their 16-year-old counterparts. According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for a 17-year-old Burger King team member is around $13 per hour.
When you account for additional compensation like bonuses, tips, and overtime, the estimated total pay package for a 17-year-old Burger King worker can range from $12 to $15 per hour.
At age 17, employees may qualify for more skilled positions like cook or shift leader depending on the location and their experience level. These roles come with higher pay averages – cooks make around $12/hr. while shift leaders average $15.44/hr.
How Much Does Burger King Pay on Average?
Burger King crew member earnings can vary based on location, role, shift, and tenure with the company. Here’s a look at the average hourly pay ranges for some of the most common positions according to Indeed:
Entry-Level Crew
For those just starting out, pay for entry-level Burger King team member roles tends to be on the lower end of the spectrum. These are some typical hourly rates:
- Cashier: $8.25 – $9.50
- Maintenance: $8.50 – $10
- Line Cook: $9 – $11
- General Crew Member: $8.25 – $10
The overall average hourly rate for part-time, entry-level crew members is around $8.89 per hour nationwide as of 2024.
Food Preparation & Service
Experienced employees in hands-on food prep and service roles can expect slightly higher earnings:
- Cook: $10 – $14 (Average: $12.03/hr.)
- Restaurant Staff: $10 – $16 (Average: $14.38/hr.)
Management Roles
Those promoting into management and leadership positions see a more significant pay bump:
- Shift Leader: $13 – $17 (Average: $15.44/hr.)
- Assistant Manager: $16 – $21 (Average: $18.44/hr.)
- Shift Manager: $14 – $20 (Average: $17.12/hr.)
- Assistant General Manager: $16 – $22 (Average: $18.58/hr.)
- General Manager: $18 – $27 (Average: $22.10/hr.)
- Restaurant Manager: $16 – $24 (Average: $19.11/hr.)
The highest paid role at Burger King is typically the General Manager position, which averages around $16.19 per hour according to reported salary data. While entry-level wages are modest, there is opportunity to increase earnings significantly through promotions and advancing into management over time.
Does Burger King Pay Weekly?
No, Burger King does not pay its employees on a weekly basis. Instead, the company follows a bi-weekly pay period, meaning paychecks are distributed every two weeks.
According to accounts from both former and current Burger King workers across job review sites, the vast majority of crew members and managers receive their earnings bi-weekly or twice per month. This bi-weekly pay schedule appears to be the standard at corporate and franchise locations throughout the United States.
So whether you’re an entry-level team member or seasoned shift supervisor, you can expect to get compensated every two weeks for the hours worked during that period rather than on a weekly cycle. Bi-weekly pay periods help reduce payroll processing costs for the company.
Available Burger King Jobs for Teens
Burger King offers a variety of entry-level job opportunities for teenagers, ranging from crew member roles to leadership training positions. Here are some of the available jobs for teens at Burger King, taken from various authentic sources like Indeed, Glassdoor, workstream, and BK’s official website:
Crew/Team Member
Minimum Age: 14 years old
Average Pay: $12 – $15 per hour
Responsibilities
- Greeting customers and taking orders
- Operating the cash register and handling payments
- Preparing food and beverages according to Burger King Standards
- Maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, dining area, and restrooms
- Stocking supplies and assisting with inventory management
Benefits
- Flexible schedules, including part-time and weekend shifts
- Opportunities for advancement and career growth
- Employee discounts on food and beverages
- Potential for paid training and tuition reimbursement programs
Cashier
Minimum Age: 16 years old
Average Pay: $12.5 per hour
Responsibilities
- Greeting customers and taking orders at the front counter or drive-thru
- Operating the cash register and processing payments accurately
- Providing excellent customer service
- Maintaining cleanliness in the front-of-house area
- Assisting with other tasks as assigned by managers
Benefits
- Flexible schedules, including part-time and weekend shifts
- Opportunities for advancement and career growth
- Employee discounts on food and beverages
- Potential for paid training and tuition reimbursement programs
Mid Shift Worker
Minimum Age: 16 years old
Average Pay: Similar to Crew/Team Member
Responsibilities
- Assisting with daily operations during mid-day shifts
- Greeting customers and taking orders
- Preparing food and beverages
- Maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and dining areas
- Providing excellent customer service
Benefits
- Flexible schedules, including part-time and weekend shifts
- Opportunities for advancement and career growth
- Employee discounts on food and beverages
- Potential for paid training and tuition reimbursement programs
Dining Room Closer
Minimum Age: 16 years old
Average Pay: $15 per hour
Responsibilities
- Assisting with evening shift operations
- Maintaining cleanliness in the dining area, restrooms, and exterior areas
- Greeting customers and taking orders
- Preparing food and beverages
- Providing excellent customer service
Benefits
- Flexible schedules, including part-time and evening shifts
- Opportunities for advancement and career growth
- Employee discounts on food and beverages
- Potential for paid training and tuition reimbursement programs
Leader Trainee
Minimum Age: 14-18 years old (depending on the location)
Average Pay: $14 – $18 per hour
Responsibilities
- Assisting managers in overseeing restaurant operations
- Guiding and directing the team
- Delegating tasks and ensuring efficient workflow
- Conducting interviews with job applicants
- Providing training and coaching to new employees
Benefits
- Flexible schedules, including part-time and weekend shifts
- Opportunities for advancement into management roles
- Employee discounts on food and beverages
- Potential for paid training and tuition reimbursement programs
Food Truck – Crew Member
Minimum Age: 16 years old
Average Pay: $13 – $15 per hour
Responsibilities
- Assisting with off-premise sales and food truck operations
- Greeting customers and taking orders
- Preparing food and beverages
- Maintaining cleanliness in the food truck and surrounding area
- Providing excellent customer service
Benefits
- Flexible schedules, including part-time and weekend shifts
- Opportunities for advancement and career growth
- Employee discounts on food and beverages
- Potential for paid training and tuition reimbursement programs
Hourly Shift Coordinator (HSC)
Minimum Age: 18 years old
Average Pay: $15 per hour
Responsibilities
- Make sure cash handling and security rules are followed
- Control and receive inventory orders
- Encourage team members to provide great service
- Give feedback to improve team performance
- Create shift schedules and meet goals
- Oversee food preparation and sales
- Analyze restaurant performance for better results
- Maintain operational and brand standards
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Life and Accident Insurance
- Short/Long Term Disability Coverage
- On-demand Pay with Tapcheck
- 10 Days Paid Vacation
- Service Awards
- 401(k) Plan
Average Salaries for Other Popular Jobs at Burger King
Here is a graph showing the average monthly and hourly salaries of other popular jobs at Burger King. So, people other than teenagers can have a look too. This data is taken from Ziprecruiter.
Working at Burger King – Pros and Cons
Besides all of the above, when considering a job at Burger King, it’s important to weigh its potential benefits and drawbacks. Here is a table comparing its possible pros and cons.
Pros | Cons |
It offers employees health, dental, and vision insurance benefits, as well as retirement options and paid time off. | The job here can be physically demanding, requiring continuous movement and heavy lifting. |
Employees enjoy free meals during shifts and a 50% discount on food purchases even when not working. | Wage growth tends to be slow, making it challenging for employees to progress financially. |
Flexible scheduling allows employees to balance work with other commitments, making it ideal for students or those needing part-time work. | Tasks can become repetitive over time, leading to feelings of boredom and stagnation among employees. |
The company prioritizes internal promotions, providing opportunities for career growth from entry-level positions to leadership roles. | Understaffing issues can lead to chaos and stress during shifts, affecting employee morale and customer satisfaction. |
With numerous locations nationwide, employees benefit from the convenience of working close to home, saving time and money on commuting. | Some Burger King locations may have poor working conditions, including unclean facilities and safety hazards. |
Burger King has a supportive work environment with friendly coworkers and managers, contributing to a positive and enjoyable experience. | |
Working at Burger King provides valuable experience, helping employees develop essential skills like customer service and teamwork. |
How to Apply for a Job at Burger King
To begin your journey towards a career at Burger King, follow these simple steps to submit your application:
Step 1
Visit the BK Careers page to explore current job openings. Filter the listings based on your preferences and location. Click on each job to review its requirements and responsibilities.
Pro Tip: Create an account on the BK Careers portal to easily save your progress and track your applications.
Step 2
Select a job that interests you, then click “Apply” to access the application form. Fill out the form thoroughly, ensuring that your attached resume showcases your relevant experiences and skills.
Note: Some applications may include short questionnaires or online evaluation tests tailored to the applied role. Be honest and concise in your responses.
Step 3
Review all information provided in the application form, double-checking your contact details for accuracy. Once satisfied, submit your application.
Tip: If you haven’t received a response within 1-2 weeks, consider reaching out to inquire about the status of your application. Alternatively, if invited for a follow-up interview, prepare thoroughly by researching common interview questions.
Step 4
On the day of your interview, arrive punctually and dress professionally. Afterward, await Burger King’s final decision, which typically arrives within a few days. If successful, you will receive further instructions on the next steps in the hiring process.
To apply directly or locate a Burger King restaurant near you, visit careers.bk.com or use the store locator at bk.com/store-locator.
Reaching a Verdict
At the end of the day, a job at Burger King could be the ideal way to get your foot in the workforce door. Sure, it may not be the most glamorous gig, but the skills and experiences you’ll gain will be invaluable as you step into your career. From mastering the art of customer service to developing a thick skin during those chaotic lunch rushes, your time will shape and help you grow in ways you may not expect
So don’t be discouraged by the potential downsides, rather view them as challenges to overcome. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, stay humble, and approach each shift with enthusiasm, Burger King just might be the launching pad your career needs. The rest, as they say, is up to you.
Neil Duncan, a professional in business innovation and management, has a deep interest in writing and sharing his voice by publishing articles on different b2b and b2c websites/blogs like this. He currently serves as the Vice President in AZ.
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