Last Updated: April 9, 2026
Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. Application: How to Apply Online (2026)
How to Apply at Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr.
To apply at Hardee’s or Carl’s Jr., visit hardees.com/careers (East/Midwest) or carlsjr.com/careers (West/Southwest). Both portals are operated by CKE Restaurants and may redirect to the same application system. Many locations are franchise-owned and post independently on Indeed.
- Go to hardees.com/careers or carlsjr.com/careers — both portals connect to the CKE Restaurants application system.
- Search by location — enter your city or zip code to find open positions at nearby corporate or franchise restaurants.
- Select a role and apply online — crew member, shift manager, and restaurant manager roles are the most common listings.
- Create an applicant account — save your application and track status.
- Walk-in option: Many franchise locations accept walk-in applications and conduct brief on-the-spot interviews — visit during off-peak hours (2–4pm).
- Interview with store manager — brief in-person interview; focus on availability and work ethic.
- Complete food safety training — required pre-hire in most states.
Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. Job Positions & Pay Rates
| Position | Pay Range | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Crew Member | $12–$16/hr | Full-time / Part-time |
| Shift Manager | $14–$19/hr | Full-time / Part-time |
| Restaurant Manager | $40,000–$55,000/yr | Full-time / Salaried |
| General Manager | $50,000–$70,000/yr | Full-time / Salaried |
| District Manager | $65,000–$85,000/yr | Full-time / Salaried |
Application Requirements
- Minimum age: 16 years old for crew positions; 18 for shift manager
- No experience required for crew — full training provided
- Food handler’s permit: Required in some states post-hire
- Background check: Required for management roles; varies for crew by franchise
- Availability: Breakfast and lunch shift availability preferred; both brands are known for strong breakfast business
Interview Process
Interviews are informal and quick for crew positions — typically a 10–20 minute conversation with the restaurant manager. Management interviews involve 2–3 rounds including the District Manager.
Common crew interview questions
- “What’s your availability? Are you able to work early morning or breakfast shifts?”
- “How do you handle working quickly under pressure?”
- “Do you have reliable transportation to work early morning shifts?”
Employee Benefits
- Free/discounted meals per shift
- Flexible scheduling — part-time and full-time options
- Health, dental, vision for full-time employees at corporate locations
- 401(k) at corporate locations after 1 year of service
- Tuition assistance available at some corporate locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. are both owned by CKE Restaurants, which is owned by Roark Capital Group. They use different names based on regional licensing history — Carl Karcher Enterprises (Carl’s Jr.) was West Coast-based, while Hardee’s was founded in the Southeast. CKE acquired Hardee’s in 1997 and kept both brands running with the same menu.
Apply to whichever name is used in your region. If you’re in the East, Midwest, or South, search for Hardee’s. If you’re in California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, or other Western states, search for Carl’s Jr. Both portals and both applications lead to CKE Restaurants’ hiring system.
Yes, both brands hire crew members starting at age 16 at most locations. Some franchise owners require 18 for opening/closing shifts. Check with the specific location you’re applying to.
Crew positions typically move in 3–7 days from application to start. Franchise locations often hire on the spot during walk-in visits during off-peak hours. Corporate restaurant management positions take 2–4 weeks due to background checks and multiple interview rounds.
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