What Is the Dairy Queen Hiring Age? A Friendly Guide for First-Time Job Seekers

If you’ve ever walked into a Dairy Queen and thought, “Hey, I’d love to work here!”—you’re not alone. Whether it’s the sweet smell of soft-serve ice cream, the cool team behind the counter, or the upbeat vibe of the store, it’s easy to see why many young people consider Dairy Queen as their first workplace.

But before you apply, you might be wondering: How old do you have to be to work at Dairy Queen? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Dairy Queen hiring age, the kinds of jobs you can get, and how to apply the right way.

🧒 Minimum Age to Work at Dairy Queen

In most states across the USA, the minimum hiring age at Dairy Queen is 16 years old. However, some locations may hire at 14 or 15, depending on state labor laws and whether the store is company-owned or franchise-owned.

✅ Pro Tip: Most state labor laws require minors under 16 to have a work permit, so check with your local school or labor department.

🗺️ Why the Hiring Age May Vary by Location

Dairy Queen has over 7,000 locations, and many of them are franchised, which means different stores may have their own rules and policies.

For instance:

• A company-owned Dairy Queen in a busy city may stick strictly to hiring at 16.
• A franchise location in a small town might allow 14 or 15-year-olds to work with limited hours.

If you’re under 16, your best bet is to call or visit your nearest Dairy Queen and ask the manager what their minimum age is for new hires.

🛠️ Jobs You Can Get at Dairy Queen as a Teen

Here are some common entry-level positions teens are hired for:

🍦 Crew Member (Starting at Age 16)

This is the most popular role. You’ll:

• Take customer orders
• Prepare Blizzards and soft serve
• Keep the dining area clean

🧹 Cleaner or Stock Assistant (Sometimes at 14 or 15)

If allowed by your state laws, some locations may hire 14- or 15-year-olds for:

• Cleaning tables
• Restocking napkins, cups, and condiments

📦 Kitchen Helper (16+)

For those who don’t mind working behind the scenes, this role involves:

• Assembling food orders
• Helping with basic food prep

👟 A Real-Life Story: Emily’s First Job at 16

Emily was just 16 when she walked into a Dairy Queen in her Ohio town. “I was super nervous,” she says, “but the manager was really nice and gave me a chance.”

She started as a crew member, working weekends and after school. Over time, she learned how to make ice cream cones just right and even trained new hires. “It really helped me build confidence,” Emily says. “And the free ice cream didn’t hurt either!”

📝 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Job at Dairy Queen

If you’re ready to apply, follow this simple guide:

Step 1: Check the Age Requirement

Go to the official Dairy Queen careers page and select your nearest location. Look for the minimum age listed in the job description.

Step 2: Get a Work Permit (if under 16)

Visit your school counselor or local labor office to get a work permit. You’ll likely need:

• Parental permission
• Proof of age (like a birth certificate)
• A job offer from an employer

Step 3: Fill Out the Application

You can apply online or in person. Make sure to:

• Be honest about your availability
• Highlight any volunteer or school experience
• Keep your resume neat and easy to read

Step 4: Ace the Interview

Dress neatly, smile, and be prepared to answer basic questions like:

• Why do you want to work at Dairy Queen?
• Are you available weekends and holidays?
• How would you handle a busy day?

💼 What Skills Will You Learn at Dairy Queen?

Working at Dairy Queen isn’t just about flipping burgers or making Blizzards. You’ll also gain:

• Customer service skills
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Responsibility

And guess what? These are transferable skills that you can use in future jobs, internships, and even college applications.

💰 How Much Does Dairy Queen Pay?

Pay rates vary by state and experience, but here’s a general idea:

💡 Some locations even offer employee discounts, free meals, or scholarship programs.

🔎 Why Choose Dairy Queen for Your First Job?

Choosing where to work as a teen can feel overwhelming. But Dairy Queen has a few advantages:

• Fun Environment – Who doesn’t love ice cream?
• Flexible Hours – Great for students
• Friendly Coworkers – Many teens work here, so you’ll likely make friends
• Growth Potential – Many crew members move up to shift leaders or managers

📞 Final Thoughts: Is Dairy Queen the Right Fit for You?

If you’re 16 or older (or even 14–15 in some locations), Dairy Queen can be a great first job. It teaches you the basics of responsibility, teamwork, and customer service—all while working in a fun, fast-paced setting.

So go ahead—visit your local Dairy Queen, ask the manager about job openings, and take that first step toward independence.

You’ve got this. 🎉

🔗 Useful Links

• Dairy Queen Careers
• Youth Labor Laws by State
• Federal Youth Employment Rules
• Snagajob – Dairy Queen Jobs