Ever wonder how old you have to be to sling orange chicken at America’s favorite Chinese fast food chain? Let’s talk about Panda Express jobs and exactly what it takes to join the wok-star team.
Whether you’re a teen looking for your first gig or someone considering a career change, I’ve got all the details on age requirements, positions, and what to expect when applying.
Working at Panda Express: Age Requirements & What to Expect
So you want to work at Panda Express? Maybe you’re craving that employee discount or just need some cash. Either way, you need to know if you’re old enough to apply.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Work at Panda Express?
The short answer: You need to be at least 16 years old to work at Panda Express in entry-level positions like cashier or service team member.
But wait, there’s more:
- 16-17 year olds: Can typically work front-of-house positions (greeting customers, taking orders, etc.)
- 18+ year olds: Can work ALL positions including cooking roles that involve hot equipment and sharp objects
- Some locations might require you to be 21+ for certain management positions
Why the age differences? It’s all about safety regulations and labor laws that restrict minors from working with dangerous equipment or working late hours.
Available Positions at Panda Express
Panda Express offers a bunch of different jobs depending on your experience and age:
Entry-Level Positions (16+)
- Cashier: Taking orders, handling payments, smiling a lot
- Counter Help: Serving food, keeping the line moving
- Service Team Member: General restaurant duties
Positions Usually Requiring 18+
- Cook: Preparing food, operating woks, following recipes
- Prep Cook: Chopping veggies, preparing ingredients
- Dishwasher: Keeping kitchen equipment clean
Management & Corporate (18+ or 21+)
- Shift Supervisor: Overseeing daily operations
- Assistant Manager: Supporting the general manager
- General Manager: Running the entire restaurant
- Corporate Roles: Everything from marketing to HR
The Hiring Process: What to Expect
Getting hired at Panda Express isn’t just walking in and getting a job. There’s a whole process:
- Online Application: Fill out your info on their careers website or job boards
- Phone Screening: Basic questions about your availability and experience
- In-Person Interview: More detailed questions about your skills and why you want the job
- Background Check: They’ll make sure you haven’t stolen anyone’s orange chicken
- Drug Testing: Some locations require this
- Onboarding: Training time!
Work Environment and Scheduling
Working at Panda Express means:
- Fast-paced environment: Lunch and dinner rushes get BUSY
- Flexible scheduling: Part-time (15-25 hours) or full-time (30-40 hours)
- Shift lengths: Usually 4-8 hours
- Working weekends/holidays: Restaurants don’t close just because it’s Saturday!
Pay and Benefits at Panda Express
The money stuff:
- Entry-level pay: Typically $9-$11 per hour to start
- Management pay: Significantly higher, often salaried
- Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k), paid time off (for full-time employees)
- Perks: Employee meals, merchandise discounts
Panda Express is actually known for offering better benefits than many fast food chains, including tuition assistance and career development programs.
Growth Opportunities
One cool thing about Panda Express? They love promoting from within. Many restaurant managers started as cashiers or cooks!
The company offers:
- Training programs to help you move up
- Leadership development for those with management potential
- Corporate career paths if you want to move beyond restaurants
One former employee shared on Glassdoor that they started as a cashier and became an assistant manager within just two years. Not bad!
Final Thoughts: Is Panda Express Right for You?
If you’re 16 or older, Panda Express can be a solid job option with flexible hours perfect for students. If you’re 18+, you’ll have access to more positions and potentially higher pay.
The environment is fast-paced but supportive, with real opportunities to grow if you’re looking for more than just a temporary gig.
Just remember: be ready to work hard, deal with hungry customers, and possibly go home smelling like delicious Chinese food every day. Honestly, there are worse problems to have!
