HiringAgeDairy Queen's hiring age policy
Dairy Queen stores are run by independent owners who set their own hiring age. Most postings we checked ask for 16, but some stores, such as one in St. Peter, Minnesota, hire from 14.
Job postings accepting 14-year-olds have been seen in Minnesota.
Minimum age by job
| Job | Age | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Crew member | 14+ | Some stores, e.g. St. Peter, MN (daytime staff 16+) |
| Crew / team member | 16+ | Most postings, e.g. MI, OH, NC, IN |
How much does Dairy Queen pay teens?
$10–$15 an hour
How to apply at Dairy Queen
Apply through the store owner's online posting or ask for an application at your local Dairy Queen. Under-18s may need a work permit, depending on the state.
Dairy Queen hiring age by state
Show the table for all states
| State | Youngest age | Work permit | Hours at 14–15 (school week) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Alaska | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Arizona | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Arkansas | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| California | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Colorado | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Connecticut | 16+ state law | Needed | — |
| Delaware | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| District of Columbia | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Florida | 14+ | No | 15 h |
| Georgia | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Hawaii | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Idaho | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Illinois | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Indiana | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Iowa | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Kansas | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Kentucky | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Louisiana | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Maine | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Maryland | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Massachusetts | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Michigan | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Minnesota | 14+ ✓ seen | No | 18 h |
| Mississippi | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Missouri | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Montana | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Nebraska | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Nevada | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| New Hampshire | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| New Jersey | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| New Mexico | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| New York | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| North Carolina | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| North Dakota | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Ohio | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Oklahoma | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Oregon | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Pennsylvania | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Rhode Island | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| South Carolina | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| South Dakota | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Tennessee | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Texas | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Utah | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Vermont | 14+ | No | 18 h |
| Virginia | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Washington | 14+ | Needed | 16 h |
| West Virginia | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Wisconsin | 14+ | Needed | 18 h |
| Wyoming | 14+ | No | 18 h |
Questions
How old do you have to be to work at Dairy Queen?
You can work at Dairy Queen from age 14 at some locations, but most restaurants hire at 16. Most Dairy Queen locations are independently owned franchises, and each owner sets their own minimum age. State law can raise the age.
Does Dairy Queen hire at 14?
Some do. A Dairy Queen in St. Peter, Minnesota posted jobs for ages 14 and up. Most other postings we found ask for 16, since each owner sets its own rule.
What can a 14-year-old do at Dairy Queen?
Each store decides your duties, but federal law keeps 14- and 15-year-olds away from most cooking, fryers and slicers and limits their hours. Your state may add more rules.
Do I need a work permit for Dairy Queen?
It depends on your state. Some states require working papers for anyone under 16 or 18. Ask your school counselor or state labor department.
Other places that hire at 14
- 14+McDonald'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Chick-fil-AMost locations 16+
- 14+Culver'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Burger KingMost locations 16+
- 14+Arby'sMost locations 16+
- 14+Jimmy John'sMost locations 16+
- 14+RunzaFast food & restaurants
- 14+Braum'sFast food & restaurants