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How to Apply for a Job at McDonald's

Requirements and a step-by-step walkthrough of the online application.

Requirements

• Be at least 16 (some locations hire at 14–15 with a work permit; varies by state and franchise)
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Reliable availability, which may include weekends, evenings, or early mornings
• Able to stand for long periods and work in a fast-paced team environment
• No prior experience required for crew roles; a positive, customer-focused attitude

How to apply, step by step

1. Go to the official US restaurant jobs site at jobs.mchire.com (or careers.mcdonalds.com for corporate roles).
2. Enter your city or ZIP code to find McDonald's restaurants hiring near you.
3. Pick a role — crew, cashier, cook, drive-thru, or management — and open the job posting.
4. Start the application and chat with Olivia, McDonald's virtual assistant, answering basic questions about availability and eligibility.
5. Create a candidate profile and provide contact details so the restaurant can reach you.
6. If you match, schedule an in-person or virtual interview directly through the portal.
7. After an offer, complete onboarding paperwork and provide work-authorization documents (and a work permit if you are a minor).

Go to the official McDonald's careers site →

Frequently asked questions

How old do you have to be to work at McDonald's?

Most locations hire crew members at 16, but some hire at 14–15 with a work permit. The minimum age varies by state and by franchise, so check the specific restaurant's job posting or contact the location directly.

Can you apply with no experience?

Yes. Crew, cashier, cook, and drive-thru roles are entry-level and require no prior experience. McDonald's provides on-the-job training.

How much does McDonald's pay per hour?

Crew pay is commonly $10–$18/hr nationally (about $13/hr average per Indeed), and higher in high-wage states like California, which has a $20/hr fast-food minimum. Actual pay is set by the local franchise operator.

Does McDonald's pay weekly?

It depends on the operator. Many restaurants pay biweekly and some pay weekly. About 95% of US locations are independent franchises that set their own pay schedule.

How long does the hiring process take?

The online application takes only a few minutes, and many restaurants interview and hire quickly, sometimes within a few days. Timing varies by location and staffing needs.

What benefits does McDonald's offer?

Common benefits include free or discounted meals, flexible scheduling, and tuition assistance through Archways to Opportunity (up to $2,500/year for eligible crew, $3,000/year for managers). Health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) are offered mainly at corporate-owned restaurants and vary by franchise.

Advertiser disclosure: this page is supported by advertising and is for information only. JobsSearchPro is not McDonald's, is not affiliated with it, and does not process job applications or charge any fee to apply. Always apply on the employer's official careers site.