How old do you have to be to work at Burger King? Burger King is eager to hire young talent in the hope of training and mentoring them to take up managerial positions. It is thus a great place to start and grow your career.
Burger King can hire 14- and 15-year-olds, but there is only a handful of jobs they can do. Again, federal labor law limits the number of hours 14- and 15-year-olds can work in a day. Depending on the labor laws of your state, you might not be able to work as a 14 or 15-year-old. 16- and 17-year-olds have much more flexibility.
In this article, we look at how old you have to be to work at Burger King. Plus entry-level positions for teens and a couple of other things you might find important. Let’s delve deeper into it.
What is Burger King?
Burger King is an American multinational chain of hamburger fast-food restaurants headquartered in Miami, Florida, United States. James McLamore and David Edgerton founded the company in 1953 as a Florida-based restaurant chain.
Burger King is the second-largest hamburger chain in the United States after McDonalds. It has a total of 17796 locations, half of which are within the United States. The company makes its money from franchise fees and property rental and sales. 90% of Burger King Stores are owned by independent franchisees.
In 2020, Burger King was ranked 97 in the world’s most valuable brands category by Forbes. And in 2021 Forbes recognized it as America’s best employer by state. Its major competitors include McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Subway.
The Benefits of Working at Burger King
Burger King is keen to provide the best service to its clients. And to achieve this, the physical, mental, and financial well-being of their employees is paramount.
The company has a comprehensive benefits program that includes health insurance, occupational accident and life insurance, and a 401(k) plan. Also included in the plan is short- and long-term disability insurance.
Employees are entitled to performance-based bonuses, paid leave, commuter benefits, and profit-sharing. Other benefits include Job training, tuition assistance, flexible hours, and employee discounts. Burger King also offers coaching, mentoring, and other career development opportunities.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Burger King?
Burger King employs teens as young as 14. But the law defines the nature of work 14- and 15- year-olds can do and number of hours they can work. Regulations differ by state, so they might not employ you in some states if you are below 16.
17-year-olds have more flexibility in terms of the jobs they can do and the number of hours they can work, except for hazardous jobs. Again, any person below 18 will need a work permit to work at Burger King.
Federal and state regulations safeguard children from exploitation and emphasize the importance of children completing their education. As such, 14- and 15-year-olds cannot work more than 3 hours on a school day.
Common Jobs for Teens at Burger King
There are many jobs for teens at Burger King. We discuss two of the common ones below.
Shift Supervisor/Coordinator
A shift supervisor handles restaurant operations when management is not present. They will expect you to ensure guest satisfaction by guiding team members, performing financial controls, and monitoring operations. To perform this role effectively, you will need to undergo some training.
Team member
As a team member, they expected you to provide exceptional guest service and support. Your key role entails serving the clients hot and fresh food in a clean and safe environment promptly. They will expect you to work closely with other team members and restaurant managers to maintain set operational standards.
The Hiring Process at Burger King
Many of the jobs at Burger King are entry level and, therefore, the hiring process is less complicated. However, the hiring process for team leaders and managerial positions is a bit more complicated. Again, hiring practices may differ from location to location and franchise to franchise.
You can apply online or by visiting your nearest franchise. If invited for an interview, show up at the right time. Irrespective of the position; attitude, temperament, and flexibility are important.
Burger King is keen to hire talented individuals with a can-do attitude and the ability to work a flexible schedule. Also, you need to show that you are goal-oriented, able to learn quickly, and capable of performing multiple tasks.
How Much Does Burger King Pay Their Employees?
Burger King pays an average of $12 per hour. Pay depends on the nature of the job, experience, and seniority. The general manager earns an average of $20 per hour; assistant managers get an average of $16, while shift leaders take home an average of $14. Finally, team leaders earn an average of $9.89.
Conclusion
Burger King provides an opportunity for teens seeking to start and build their careers. 16 years is the ideal age to start your career. But if you are younger than 16, check if the Burger King franchise near you recruits minors.
The entry-level jobs pay little, but Burger King creates an enabling environment for you to start and grow your career. Further, the comprehensive benefits program ensures your physical, mental, and financial well-being.