How Much does Chick Fil A Pay

Chick-fil-A’s pay rates range from $10.41 to $22.09 an hour depending on the position. Several key factors shape an employee’s actual pay rate, and job seekers should think these over before sending in their application.

Regular team members usually earn between $10.00-17.00 per hour. The pay scale jumps up for management roles, where staff can take home $14.00-22.55 per hour. Your location makes a big difference in what you’ll earn at Chick-fil-A. Take New York’s workers who earn $18.21 per hour on average as of August 2025 – that’s above what most locations pay. Your skill set and time with the company also boost your starting wage. Executive Directors stand at the top of the pay scale at $22.93 hourly, while fast food cooks earn about $11.10 per hour.

This piece breaks down Chick-fil-A’s 2025 pay rates by role, location, and experience level to help job seekers and current employees learn about their earning potential.

How much does Chick-fil-A pay per hour in 2025?

Chick-fil-A stands out as a competitive employer in the ever-changing food industry in 2025. This chicken sandwich giant pays wages that go beyond minimum wage requirements nationwide, showing its steadfast dedication to employee compensation.

National average hourly wage

Latest salary data shows Chick-fil-A employees earn $14.54 an hour on average nationwide in 2025. This number represents the median hourly pay for all company positions. The average puts Chick-fil-A ahead of many other quick-service restaurant competitors.

ZipRecruiter data tells a slightly different story, with Chick-fil-A team members making about $13.43 per hour as of August 2025. Different data collection methods and sample sizes used by reporting agencies explain this difference.

People looking to work at Chick-fil-A should know that team members in some locations earn more than the national average. To cite an instance, team members in certain areas make around $14.00 per hour, which is $0.40 (3%) above the national average hourly wage.

Minimum and maximum pay range

Chick-fil-A’s hourly wages vary based on positions and locations. Pay ranges from $10.41 to $22.09 per hour. Experience, job responsibilities, and location create this wide range.

Some Chick-fil-A locations have set much higher starting wages. A Chick-fil-A restaurant in Temecula, California starts everyone at $20.00 per hour, including new hires in both front and back of house. Certified trainers and marketing specialists at this location get an extra $1.00 per hour, up to $22.00, while team leaders make between $22.00 and $26.00 hourly.

Most Chick-fil-A team members earn between $11.54 (25th percentile) and $15.14 (75th percentile) across the United States. While some employees make more or less, most fall within this range.

Comparison to previous years

Recent years have seen Chick-fil-A wages trending upward, though detailed historical data isn’t readily available. The company stays true to its promise of “highly competitive wages, often above minimum wage”.

Labor market changes have pushed many Chick-fil-A locations to raise starting wages. High-cost-of-living areas have seen the biggest increases in their pay structure.

Different roles now show clearer wage differences. Entry-level positions start at the lower end, but advancement brings bigger paychecks. Some locations pay Vice Presidents starting at $28.00 per hour, and operational restaurant leaders can earn an extra $2.00 bonus.

Note that each Chick-fil-A restaurant runs under a franchise model – they are “individually owned and operated by franchised Operators”. Each restaurant creates its own benefits and pay package, which explains why Chick-fil-A pay rates vary so much between locations.

Chick-fil-A pay by job title

The popular chicken sandwich chain bases its pay structure on specific job titles. This creates a clear path for career growth and earning potential. My experience as a food industry expert analyzing restaurant pay models shows that understanding position-based compensation helps job seekers find roles matching their financial goals.

Cashier and team member pay

Chick-fil-A’s cashiers and frontline team members earn an average hourly wage of $13.46 nationwide as of August 2025. Pay rates vary quite a bit, with hourly wages ranging from $7.69 to $18.27. Most cashiers earn between $11.30 hourly at the 25th percentile and $15.38 at the 75th percentile.

Location plays a big role in team member pay. A Chick-fil-A cashier in Los Angeles makes about $15.00 per hour, which is $1.04 (7.7%) above the national average. Team member and cashier salaries at the corporate level typically range from $25,000 to $31,000 yearly.

Experience shapes pay rates too. New team members with less than a year’s experience start at the lower end of the scale. Those with 4-6 years under their belt can earn between $27,000 and $32,000 per year.

Shift leader and manager pay

Shift leaders sit in the middle of Chick-fil-A’s pay structure and earn more than frontline workers. These leaders at Chick-fil-A Corporate make a median total pay of $31,000 yearly. The typical range falls between $28,000 and $35,000 per year.

Restaurant shift leaders earn about $17.31 per hour. Similar supervisory roles like operations managers receive comparable rates. Team managers make slightly more at $37,029 yearly ($17.80 hourly). Front-of-house managers earn around $38,000 per year ($18.27 hourly).

Restaurant managers’ pay is a big deal as it means they earn between $44,000 and $71,000 yearly. This jump reflects their expanded responsibilities and leadership requirements in running entire restaurant operations.

Corporate vs restaurant roles

Corporate and restaurant-based positions at Chick-fil-A show clear differences in pay. Corporate roles offer higher earning potential than their restaurant counterparts. Some specialized corporate positions earn much more than restaurant roles with matching titles.

Restaurant careers follow a clear path from team member to shift leader to manager. Each step brings better pay. Management positions top the restaurant pay scale, with hospitality managers earning about $36,500 yearly.

The franchise model adds another layer to pay variation since “most Chick-fil-A restaurants are individually owned and operated by franchised Operators”. Each location creates “its own unique employee benefits and compensation package”. This means pay can differ even for similar positions at different locations.

The benefits of working at Chick-fil-A go “beyond wages and benefits”. Many operators show “care and appreciation” through extra perks and incentives not included in base pay.

How location affects Chick-fil-A pay

Location plays a major role in determining what Chick-fil-A employees earn across America. Workers in similar positions can see pay differences of more than $10 per hour between states and cities. My experience as a food industry analyst has shown these regional wage gaps create varied earning opportunities for fast food workers.

How much does Chick-fil-A pay in Texas?

Texas offers competitive wages at its many Chick-fil-A locations, even with a lower cost of living. Fast food workers here earn around $13.00 per hour, with pay ranging from $10.00 to $19.00. The company’s workforce shows strong numbers in Houston and Austin, which rank among their top 10 employment hubs.

Chick-fil-A restaurants are abundant throughout the state’s metropolitan areas. Dallas emerges as a particularly lucrative spot, where Regional Directors can earn up to $155,033 yearly. Team members in smaller Texas cities typically earn closer to the state’s base rate of $10.00 per hour.

Top paying cities in the U.S.

California leads the pack with the highest-paying Chick-fil-A locations nationwide. Gonzales, California tops the list with workers earning an impressive average of $74,686 annually ($35.91 hourly). These earnings sit 44.5% above the national average for Chick-fil-A employees.

Other top-paying locations include:

• Nome, Alaska: $64,130 annually ($30.83 hourly)
• Cupertino, California: $63,781 annually ($30.66 hourly)
• Berkeley, California: $63,300 annually ($30.43 hourly)
• Redwood City, California: $63,295 annually ($30.43 hourly)

California’s multiple appearances on this list make it the highest-paying state for Chick-fil-A workers. Princeville, Hawaii also ranks among the top 10 best-paying spots with average annual salaries of $62,516 ($30.06 hourly).

States with the lowest average pay

Chick-fil-A promotes its “highly competitive wages, often above minimum wage”, yet some regions fall on the lower end of the pay scale. Data shows states with lower living costs tend to offer starting pay closer to the company’s minimum threshold of $10.41.

Pay rates vary based on local economic conditions nationwide. About 25% of Chick-fil-A employees earn $11.54 or less per hour. Lower wages appear more frequently in rural areas and states with minimal wage requirements.

The significant difference between top-paying locations like Gonzales, CA ($35.91 hourly) and the company’s minimum wage ($10.41 hourly) highlights location’s vital role in Chick-fil-A employment. Job seekers should research local pay rates rather than rely on national averages.

What influences Chick-fil-A wages?

Several factors beyond hourly rates determine what Chick-fil-A employees take home. Let’s look at what influences the wide range of wages across the company’s workforce.

Experience and age

Employee pay rates at Chick-fil-A vary based on career stages. Surveys show early career employees make up 58.8% of the workforce. Mid-career workers represent 17.7%, while experienced staff account for 10%. Entry-level positions and late-career veterans comprise 8.4% and 5.1% respectively.

Age plays a crucial role in earning potential, especially when you have younger workers. A 14-year-old employee usually earns $8.75 per hour with major duty restrictions. At the same location, a 17-year-old might earn $12.00 hourly. These limits stay in place until workers turn 16, when wage opportunities grow.

The pay gap between male and female employees remains minimal. Men’s hourly rates range from $11.00 to $22.00, while women earn between $10.00 and $22.00 per hour.

Job performance and promotions

An employee’s job performance drives wage growth at Chick-fil-A restaurants. Workers receive raises based on performance reviews, though these aren’t scheduled automatically. One employee noted that managers need to see your drive and passion to make the workplace better.

Promotion paths offer substantial pay increases. Team members who become trainers can see their hourly rate jump from $10.00 to $14.50 at some locations, or from $14.00 to $15.50 at others. Moving up to BOH operations manager roles can push wages even higher, reaching $20.00 per hour.

Franchise vs corporate ownership

The franchise model creates big differences in hourly pay. Each franchise owner sets their own pay structure.

Most Chick-fil-A’s franchise operators earn 5% to 7% of gross sales. Their annual earnings typically reach $200,000 to $240,000 for stores with $4 million in sales. Lower-performing locations might bring in between $50,000 and $150,000.

Chick-fil-A’s franchise model differs from traditional ones because operators don’t get equity in the business or real estate. This setup works best for people who want steady income rather than building long-term ownership wealth.

Benefits and bonuses beyond hourly pay

Chick-fil-A employees get much more than a regular paycheck. The restaurant chain provides a range of benefits that complement chick fil a hourly pay rates and improve total compensation.

Bonuses and profit sharing

Base wages are just the start at Chick-fil-A. The company offers performance-based incentives, though many employees say these bonuses don’t add up to much. Reviews suggest these bonuses are “not monetarily valuable” with managers occasionally adding “a couple dollars here and there” to paychecks. In spite of that, the company’s Remarkable Futures™ Scholarship program stands out. They invested $27 million in 2023, with some employees receiving grants up to $25,000. The financial benefits package at corporate locations includes profit sharing opportunities.

Health and retirement benefits

The company’s steadfast dedication to employee wellbeing shows in its benefits package. Corporate staff enjoy a comprehensive health care plan that covers all premiums – employees and their families pay no monthly charges. The company provides both a defined-benefit retirement plan and a 401(k) match. These options are rare in today’s restaurant industry. Dental, vision, and life insurance options round out the package.

Free meals and staff discounts

Food benefits add a tasty dimension to how much does chick fil a pay discussions. Employees give “Free Lunch or Snacks” high marks (4.4/5 stars across 128 reviews). Team members get free meals during shifts longer than 5 hours or 50% discounts up to $15 for shorter shifts. Many locations go further by providing “free hot lunch daily and snacks in break rooms” and free drinks during shifts.

Summing all up

Chick-fil-A ranks among the best employers in the ever-changing food industry. Their wages beat minimum requirements in most places across the country. Team members can earn between $10.41 and $22.09 per hour in 2025. Several key factors affect the final take-home pay. Experience level drives wage increases naturally. Entry-level positions start at the lower end, while management roles pay much more.

Your location makes the biggest difference in pay rates. California leads the pack for Chick-fil-A wages. States with lower living costs tend to stick closer to minimum wage. Smart job seekers should check their local pay rates instead of looking at national numbers.

Hard work pays off at Chick-fil-A. Team members who show great skills can become trainers. This promotion can boost hourly rates from $10.00 to $14.50 at some spots. Moving up to operational roles means even better pay.

The company’s benefits package goes beyond just the paycheck. The Remarkable Futures™ Scholarship program stands out as their crown jewel. They put $27 million into it in 2023 alone. Workers also get health insurance, retirement plans, and everyone’s favorite perk – free or cheaper meals during shifts.

The franchise setup creates different pay packages at each location. Every franchise owner builds their own benefits structure. This means big differences between restaurants, even in the same area. Smart job hunters should look at the whole package, not just the base pay.

These details help people make smart choices about working for this chicken sandwich leader. Pay varies by role and location, but Chick-fil-A keeps its reputation for good compensation in the fast food world.

Here are some FAQs about how much does Chick Fil A pay:

What is starting pay at Chick-fil-A in NC?

The starting pay at Chick-fil-A in North Carolina can vary based on the specific location, the applicant’s experience, and the current minimum wage laws. To get the most accurate and current figure for how much does Chick-fil-A pay in Texas or any other state, it is best to contact a local restaurant directly or check their official job postings. Wages often differ from one franchise to another.

How much money does Chick-fil-A give you an hour?

The hourly wage for team members is competitive and often exceeds the federal minimum wage. For a precise answer to how much does Chick-fil-A pay an hour, you should inquire at your local restaurant as pay rates can differ by location and position. Many factors influence the final offer for how much does Chick-fil-A pay per hour.

What’s the highest pay at Chick-fil-A?

The highest pay at Chick-fil-A is typically earned by salaried corporate employees or experienced franchise owners/operators. For hourly team members, shift leaders or managers will have a higher rate, but the exact figure for how much does Chick-fil-A pay at its highest levels is not commonly published publicly. Pay scales are determined internally.

What does Chick-fil-A use to pay?

Chick-fil-A pays its employees through direct deposit, which is a standard electronic transfer of funds into an employee’s bank account. They do not use paper checks as a primary method, ensuring employees have secure and timely access to their earnings from how much does Chick-fil-A pay per hour. This modern system is efficient and reliable.

What percentage does Chick-fil-A take?

This question is unclear, but if referring to franchise fees, Chick-fil-A has a unique model where it charges a relatively low initial franchise fee compared to other chains. The company does not publicly disclose the exact percentage of revenue it takes from franchise operators, which is separate from the matter of how much does Chick-fil-A pay an hour to employees.

Does Chick-fil-A take $50 bills?

Most Chick-fil-A locations accept cash payments, including $50 bills, as a form of payment for meals. However, individual franchise owners set their own policies, so it is always best to check with your local restaurant if you are unsure. This is a separate matter from how much does Chick-fil-A pay its staff.

How much do Chick-fil-A make per day?

Daily revenue varies dramatically by location, with high-volume restaurants in busy areas generating significantly more income than others. Chick-fil-A is known for having one of the highest average sales per restaurant in the fast-food industry. This financial success supports its ability to offer competitive wages like how much does Chick-fil-A pay in Texas.

Does Chick-fil-A use 100% chicken?

Yes, Chick-fil-A states that their chicken is made from 100% real, whole breast meat that has been thoroughly seasoned and breaded. They have a strong commitment to quality ingredients, which is a cornerstone of their brand identity. This policy is unrelated to internal business operations like how much does Chick-fil-A pay.

What is the highest member at Chick-fil-A?

The highest-ranking member within a corporate Chick-fil-A structure is the CEO. Within an individual restaurant, the highest-ranking member is typically the Owner/Operator, who is responsible for all aspects of that location’s business, including determining how much does Chick-fil-A pay an hour to the team members they hire.