Last Updated: April 25, 2026
How to Apply at McDonald’s
McDonald’s accepts applications both online and in person at restaurant locations. Online applications are preferred for management and corporate roles.
- Visit careers.mcdonalds.com or walk into any McDonald’s and ask to speak with a manager about open positions.
- For company-owned locations (McOpCo), complete the online application on the McDonald’s careers site.
- For franchise locations (about 95% of all restaurants), each franchise owner manages hiring separately. Ask the manager in-store for an application.
- Complete the application with your availability, work history, and contact information.
- A restaurant manager will call or text within a few days to schedule a brief in-person interview.
McDonald’s Job Positions & Pay Rates
McDonald’s hires crew members, shift leads, management, and corporate staff. Common roles and estimated pay ranges are shown below.
| Position | Pay Range | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Crew Member | $13–$18/hr | Full/Part-time |
| Shift Manager | $16–$22/hr | Full-time |
| Assistant Manager | $40,000–$58,000/yr | Full-time |
| Restaurant Manager | $55,000–$80,000/yr | Full-time |
| Department Manager | $45,000–$65,000/yr | Full-time |
| Area Supervisor | $70,000–$105,000/yr | Full-time |
| Corporate Analyst (Oak Brook) | $65,000–$110,000/yr | Full-time |
| McOpCo Operations Coach | $75,000–$115,000/yr | Full-time |
McDonald’s Application Requirements
Most McDonald’s crew positions require applicants to be at least 16 years old, though some locations or roles require applicants to be 18. No prior food service experience is required for entry-level positions. Candidates should be able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25–50 pounds, and work in a fast-paced team environment. A background check may be required for management roles. Food handler certification requirements vary by state and are usually obtained after hire. McDonald’s minimum age requirements vary by state and franchise. In most states, 14- and 15-year-olds need a work permit and cannot work more than 3 hours on school days.
McDonald’s Interview Process
McDonald’s entry-level interviews are casual and typically held in person at the restaurant with a store manager or shift supervisor. Expect questions about your availability, whether you can work weekends and holidays, how you handle a rush, and why you want to work at McDonald’s. Management interviews are more structured, using behavioral questions focused on team leadership, food safety compliance, and customer satisfaction. McDonald’s management interviews cover food safety knowledge (HACCP basics), labor scheduling, and experience handling customer complaints during a high-volume service period.
McDonald’s Employee Benefits
McDonald’s offers benefits that vary by whether the location is company-owned or a franchise. Company-owned locations typically provide health insurance for full-time employees, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, free or discounted meals during shifts, and an employee discount program. Franchise-owned locations set their own benefit levels, which may differ significantly. Tuition assistance and scholarship programs are available through many major fast food brands for eligible employees. McDonald’s corporate employees and McOpCo restaurant managers receive a robust benefits package. Franchise employees receive benefits as determined by their franchise owner, which vary widely.
McDonald’s Career Development
McDonald’s promotes from within at a high rate. Crew members and baristas who demonstrate reliability and leadership can advance to shift supervisor, assistant manager, and store manager positions. Many district managers and corporate leaders began their careers on the front line. Management development programs provide structured training for employees moving into leadership roles. Corporate career paths are available in operations, marketing, supply chain, technology, and finance at the company’s headquarters. McDonald’s Hamburger University offers management training programs that are internationally recognized. Many McDonald’s executives and franchise owners started as crew members and worked through the system over their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do you have to be to work at McDonald’s?
McDonald’s hires crew members as young as 14 in some states with a work permit. Most locations require applicants to be at least 16. Roles operating grills, fryers, or equipment may require workers to be 18 or older.
Are McDonald’s workers employees of McDonald’s Corporation?
Most McDonald’s workers are employed by individual franchise owners, not by McDonald’s Corporation. The corporate entity directly operates a small percentage of restaurants. Wages and benefits vary by franchise owner.
Does McDonald’s offer tuition assistance?
Yes. McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity program offers eligible employees up to $3,000 per year in tuition assistance. The program also provides English language courses, high school diploma completion, and college advisory services.
What is the McDonald’s crew trainer role?
Crew Trainers are experienced crew members who receive a small pay premium to train new hires on station procedures. The Crew Trainer role is often the first step toward a shift supervisor position.
Find more restaurant job guides in the Fast Food & Restaurants hub, including pages for Starbucks, Chipotle, and Taco Bell.