What Age Does Dairy Queen Hire?

If you’re a teen looking for your first job, Dairy Queen (DQ) is a popular option — friendly shifts, flexible hours, and lots of on-the-job training. Because most DQ locations are franchise-owned, hiring policies vary by store.

Many locations hire 15- and 16-year-olds, and some franchisees will hire 14-year-olds depending on state law and local management.

Before you apply, read the rules below so you know what jobs you can do, what paperwork you might need, and how to stand out.

Quick overview: What to expect

Typical minimum hiring age: Most DQ restaurants hire at 15–16, though some hire 14–15 in certain states or at certain franchise locations. Call your local store to confirm.
Typical roles for younger teens: Cashier, ice-cream scooper, front counter, dining room cleaner, and drive-thru attendant (non-hazardous, entry-level tasks).
Typical pay: Crew and entry roles at DQ typically range around $9–$14 per hour, depending on location and market; shift leads and managers earn more. (See pay sites for local averages.)

Laws & rules every 15-year-old (and parents) should know

Federal baseline (FLSA & Youth Rules)

The federal rules that most teens will follow come from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and YouthRules guidance. Key points for 14–15 and 16–17 year olds:

14–15 year olds: May work in many non-hazardous jobs outside school hours but face hour limits (school days: up to 3 hours/day and 18 hours/week; non-school days: up to 8 hours/day; summer: up to 40 hours/week). Work is generally allowed 7 a.m.–7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. during summer months).
16–17 year olds: May work unlimited hours in non-hazardous jobs, but cannot be employed in occupations declared hazardous for minors.
Hazardous occupations: Minors under 18 cannot do certain dangerous tasks (e.g., operating heavy machinery, certain kitchen equipment, driving for work, roofing, construction, factory jobs). Retail and food service have limitations — check specifics before assuming a teen can operate slicers, deep fryers, or forklifts.

The federal rules set a baseline, but many states have stricter laws — the stricter rule applies. Always check your state labor department or YouthRules for local specifics.

What jobs can you do at Dairy Queen?

Copy-paste this HTML table into WordPress — it summarizes common DQ roles, typical minimum ages, duties, and pay ranges. Note: pay ranges are national approximations; local franchise rates can vary.

Jobs at Dairy Queen: Roles, Age & Typical Pay

Job Title	Typical Minimum Age	Common Duties	Typical Pay Range (USD)	Notes / Restrictions
Crew Member / Crew Team	14–16 (varies)	Serve customers, scoop ice cream, assemble orders, basic food prep, cleaning	$9–$13 / hr	Non-hazardous tasks; hours limited if under 16.
Cashier / Front Counter	14–16 (varies)	Operate register, take orders, handle cash/drive-thru, customer service	$9–$13 / hr	Requires trustworthiness; teen IDs/work permit may be requested.
Drive-Thru Attendant	15–16 (varies)	Accept orders, cash handling, hand out food, use window	$9–$13 / hr	Some franchises restrict drive-thru duties by age for safety.
Ice Cream Server / Scoop Team	14–15	Scoop ice cream, prep cones/cups, clean serving area	$9–$12 / hr	Popular role for young teens; lighter duty than kitchen stations.
Shift Lead / Supervisor	16–18	Open/close shifts, supervise crew, handle small issues, cash drawer	$11–$16 / hr	Often requires experience; may be unavailable to minors in some locations.
Cook / Kitchen	16–18	Cook menu items, operate grills/fryers (may be restricted), prep	$10–$15 / hr	Many hazardous kitchen tasks are restricted for under-18s by state law.
Assistant Manager / Manager	18+	Staffing, scheduling, inventory, payroll, customer issues	$13–$22 / hr (or salaried)	Typically requires 18+, experience, and legal ability to manage shifts.

How to apply & stand out? (Tips for Teens)

Call the local store first. Because DQ stores are often franchised, phone answers vary — a quick call asking whether they hire your age and what hours they need is the fastest way to find out.
Bring a short resume (even if it’s your first job). One page: name, contact, school/grade, extracurriculars, volunteer work, and any prior experience (babysitting, lawn care, etc.).
Get your work permit ready. If your state requires it, get the permit before applying — it makes processing faster.
Dress neat and be polite when you drop off an application. Franchise owners like to see maturity and reliability.
Highlight availability. Teens who can reliably work evenings, weekends, or summer shifts are more attractive candidates.
Be honest about restrictions. If you can’t work nights due to school or a curfew, say so up front — employers appreciate clarity.

Sample script for calling or applying in person

“Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I’m 15 and I’m interested in part-time work. Do you hire at my age, and if so, what roles and shifts are available? I have a work permit and am available evenings and weekends.”

Common questions & answers

Q: Can I work the fryer or grill at 15?
A: Probably not. Many states classify deep fryers and some grills as hazardous for minors. Tasks like basic food prep, scooping, cashiering and bussing tables are more common for younger teens. Check local laws and ask the manager.

Q: Do I need a work permit to work at Dairy Queen?
A: Possibly — many states require work permits for 14–15-year-olds. Contact your school or state labor office to find out.

Q: What hours can I work as a 15-year-old?
A: Under federal rules, 14–15 year olds are limited during school weeks (max 3 hours/day, 18 hours/week) and to certain time windows (generally 7 a.m.–7 p.m., 9 p.m. in summer). State rules may be stricter.

What managers look for in teen hires

Reliability (show up on time)
Positive attitude and good customer service
Willingness to learn and follow directions
Availability for peak times (evenings/weekends)

Working at DQ is often a first step that can lead to shift lead, supervisor, and eventually management positions if you show initiative.

Safety & rights on the job

You have legal protections. Employers must follow child labor laws, provide a safe work environment, and not require you to do tasks that are illegal for your age group. If you’re asked to perform unsafe or prohibited work, tell your manager or reach out to your state labor department or YouthRules for guidance.

Final checklist before you apply

Check your state’s youth employment rules (YouthRules/DOL).
Call the local DQ to confirm minimum hiring age and current openings.
Get or prepare your work permit (if required).
Prepare a one-page resume and practice a short intro for interviews.
Be ready to explain availability (after school, weekends, summer).

Want to research stores before applying?

Before you apply, check employee reviews and shift experiences at nearby DQ franchise locations — that helps you choose a manager and site that treat teens well. WiseWorq collects employee reviews across thousands of companies and can help you find locations and employers with better schedules and positive culture.

Visit WiseWorq to research employers and read reviews.