Last Updated: April 12, 2026

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Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. Application – How to Apply Online

Apply at Hardee’s or Carl’s Jr. at careers.ckr.com or through the CKE Restaurants careers portal. Entry-level positions pay $12–$16/hr and the minimum hiring age is 16. Hardee’s operates primarily in the Midwest and Southeast; Carl’s Jr. in the West and Southwest. Both are owned by CKE Restaurants.

How to Apply at Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr.

Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. are sister brands under CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. The two brands share the same menu, ownership structure, and hiring process — Hardee’s operates in the Midwest and Southeast, while Carl’s Jr. covers the West and Southwest. All applications go through the CKE careers portal.

1. Visit careers.ckr.com The CKE Restaurants careers portal lists openings for both Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. locations. Search by ZIP code to find stores near you.
2. Select Your Location and Role Choose crew member, shift lead, or management. Most entry-level applicants will select Team Member.
3. Complete the Application Provide your work history, availability, and contact details. The application takes approximately 15 minutes.
4. Interview Most locations conduct a brief in-person interview within a few days of receiving your application.
5. Background Check CKE restaurants run a background check on all new hires.
6. Paid Training New hires receive on-the-job training covering food preparation, food safety, and customer service. Typically 3–5 training shifts.

Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. Job Positions and Pay Rates

Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. crew members handle all aspects of food preparation, customer service, and store cleanliness. The brand is known for made-from-scratch biscuits (Hardee’s) and charbroiled burgers (Carl’s Jr.).

Position	Pay Range	Type
Team Member (Crew)	$12–$16/hr	Part-Time / Full-Time
Shift Lead	$14–$18/hr	Full-Time
Assistant Manager	$18–$23/hr	Full-Time
General Manager	$45,000–$65,000/yr	Full-Time Salaried

Pay rates vary by location and market. Company-owned locations tend to offer more structured pay and benefits than franchise locations. CKE has a mix of corporate and franchised stores across its 3,800+ US locations.

Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. Application Requirements

Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. entry-level requirements are accessible for first-time workers and those with prior fast food experience.

• Minimum age: 16
• Availability during peak hours (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Pass background check
• Food handler’s permit where required by local law
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment

Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. Interview Process

Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. interviews are brief and focused on availability, attitude, and basic customer service aptitude. Showing up in neat, clean clothes and arriving a few minutes early makes a strong impression.

Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. Employee Benefits

Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. benefits are primarily available at company-owned locations. Franchise location benefits vary by owner.

• Flexible Scheduling: Positions available across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night shifts.
• Free or Discounted Meals: Most locations offer free or discounted meals during shifts.
• Health Insurance: Available for full-time employees at company-owned locations after a qualifying period.
• 401(k): Available at company-owned CKE locations for eligible employees.
• Tuition Assistance: CKE offers a tuition reimbursement program for qualifying full-time employees.

Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. Career Development

CKE Restaurants is a major QSR employer with structured career tracks for those who want to advance from crew to management. CKE also operates a franchise development program for experienced managers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr.

Here are the most common questions about working at Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr..

How old do you have to be to work at Hardee’s or Carl’s Jr.?

The minimum hiring age at Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. is 16. Age requirements may vary by specific franchise location and state labor laws.

How much does Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. pay?

Entry-level crew members typically earn $12–$16 per hour. Shift leads earn $14–$18/hr.

What is the difference between Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr.?

Same company (CKE Restaurants), two brand names by region. Hardee’s is Midwest and Southeast; Carl’s Jr. is West and Southwest. Same menu and hiring process.

Does Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. do background checks?

Yes. CKE Restaurants runs a background check on all new hires, including crew positions.

Sources

1. CKE Restaurants Careers
2. BLS OES – Food Preparation and Serving Workers

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