Chick-fil-A Careers 2026: Jobs, Pay, Hiring Age & Scholarships
Quick answer
Chick-fil-A restaurant jobs are hired and paid by each local Owner-Operator, so pay, minimum age and schedules vary by restaurant. Apply through the Chick-fil-A careers site or directly at a restaurant. In 2026 the company awarded more than $29 million in scholarships to over 16,000 team members.
On this page
Chick-fil-A employs more than 200,000 team members across over 3,000 restaurants. Working there has a reputation for friendly culture, Sundays off and strong education benefits. Here's how hiring actually works.
Who actually hires you
This is the most important thing to understand: restaurant team members are hired by the local Owner-Operator, not by Chick-fil-A, Inc. Each Operator runs their restaurant as an independent business. That means:
- Pay is set by the Operator and varies by city and role.
- Minimum hiring age varies by restaurant and state labor laws (many restaurants hire from 16; some hire younger where the law allows).
- Benefits and schedules vary, though every restaurant is closed on Sunday.
Corporate jobs (marketing, technology, supply chain and so on) are with Chick-fil-A, Inc., mostly at the Support Center in Atlanta.
Common restaurant roles
| Role | What you do |
|---|---|
| Front-of-house team member | Take orders at the counter, drive-thru or with a tablet; serve guests; keep the dining room clean |
| Back-of-house team member | Bread chicken, run the fryers and grills, prep salads and sides |
| Drive-thru team member | Take orders face-to-face outside, run food, keep the line moving |
| Catering/delivery driver | Prepare and deliver catering and delivery orders (driver's license and insurance required) |
| Shift leader / team leader | Lead a shift, train new team members |
| Director / manager | Help the Operator run a part of the business |
How to apply
- Online: search openings by location on Chick-fil-A's careers site and apply to the restaurant you want.
- In person: ask a restaurant if it's hiring — many have applications or QR codes posted.
- Interview: expect one or two interviews with a leader and sometimes the Operator.
Interview tips
- Show you like people. Chick-fil-A's service style ("my pleasure") is central to the job.
- Be clear about your availability, including weekday mornings and Saturdays.
- Give examples of teamwork from school, sports, volunteering or past jobs.
- Dress neatly and arrive a few minutes early.
Scholarships: a standout benefit
Chick-fil-A's Remarkable Futures scholarships are open to restaurant team members, with no minimum tenure. In 2026 the company announced it had awarded more than $29 million to more than 16,000 team members — its largest education investment yet — including $25,000 scholarships presented by CEO Andrew T. Cathy. Scholarships are paid up front and can be used at any qualifying school, and $25,000 recipients join a 12-month leadership development program. Applications for 2027 open in fall 2026.
Restaurant jobs vs. corporate jobs
| Restaurant team member | Corporate (Chick-fil-A, Inc.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Employer | Local Owner-Operator | Chick-fil-A, Inc. |
| Where | Any of 3,000+ restaurants | Mostly the Atlanta-area Support Center, plus field roles |
| Pay and benefits | Set by the Operator | Set by the company |
| How to apply | Careers site (by restaurant) or in person | Chick-fil-A corporate careers listings |
| Sundays | Always off | Generally off |
Good questions to ask in your interview
- "What does a typical shift look like for this role?"
- "How are schedules made, and how much notice do you give?"
- "What training will I get in my first few weeks?"
- "How do people move into leadership roles here?"
- "Does this restaurant support team members applying for Remarkable Futures scholarships?"
Asking thoughtful questions shows you're serious — and helps you judge whether the restaurant is a good fit, since every Operator runs things a little differently.
Skills that help you stand out
- Friendly communication — eye contact, smiling and clear speech.
- Reliability — showing up on time for every shift.
- Speed with accuracy — especially for drive-thru and kitchen roles.
- Teamwork — helping out wherever the shift needs it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do you have to be to work at Chick-fil-A?
It depends on the restaurant and state law, since each Operator sets hiring policies. Many restaurants hire from age 16; some hire 14- or 15-year-olds where permitted.
How much does Chick-fil-A pay?
Pay is set by each restaurant's Operator and varies by location and role. Check the job posting for the restaurant you're applying to.
Do Chick-fil-A employees work on Sunday?
No. Every restaurant is closed on Sundays, so restaurant team members always have Sunday off.
Does Chick-fil-A offer scholarships to employees?
Yes. Remarkable Futures scholarships are open to restaurant team members; in 2026 more than $29 million went to over 16,000 team members.
How do I become a Chick-fil-A Operator?
Apply through Chick-fil-A's Operator selection process. The initial investment is US$10,000, but selection is very competitive and can take months.
Sources
- Scholarships, team member and restaurant counts: Chick-fil-A press room, 2026
- Operator model and investment: Wikipedia — Chick-fil-A