Working at KFC Australia

KFC is one of the most popular first jobs for Australian teenagers. With over 700 stores across the country, they're always hiring, and they have a reputation for being a good place to learn work skills. Here's everything you need to know about getting a job at KFC.

Quick Facts

Minimum age:: 14 in most states
Average teen pay:: $12-15/hour (junior rates)
How to apply:: Online at careers.kfc.com.au
Typical roles:: Team Member (counter, kitchen, drive-thru)

How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at KFC?

KFC generally hires from age 14, making it one of the more accessible first job options for younger teenagers. However, the exact minimum age depends on which state you live in and sometimes varies by individual store.

Here's a breakdown by state:

State/Territory	Minimum Age	Notes
Victoria	14	Permit required for under 15s
New South Wales	14	No permit required
Queensland	14	No permit required
Western Australia	14	No permit required
South Australia	15	Some stores may hire 14
Tasmania	14	No permit required
Northern Territory	15	Varies by store
ACT	14	No permit required

If you're right at the minimum age, it's worth calling your local KFC to confirm their policy before applying. Some franchise owners set their own minimum ages slightly higher.

What Jobs Can Teens Do at KFC?

When you start at KFC as a Team Member, you'll learn multiple positions and rotate through them during your shifts. This variety keeps the work interesting and builds a range of skills. The main areas you'll work in are:

Front Counter

Working the front counter means taking orders from customers, operating the register, and packing orders for dine-in customers. You'll need to be friendly and accurate. This role helps you develop customer service skills and builds confidence talking to people.

Kitchen

Kitchen team members prepare the food following KFC's recipes and procedures. This includes cooking chicken, preparing sides, and ensuring food quality. It's fast-paced work, especially during busy periods, and you'll learn to work efficiently under pressure. Note that some kitchen equipment is restricted to 16+ for safety reasons.

Drive-Thru

Drive-thru is often the busiest part of any KFC store. You'll take orders through the headset, pack orders quickly, and hand them to customers at the window. It requires good multitasking and the ability to stay calm when it gets hectic.

Most team members end up working all three areas depending on what the shift needs. The skills you learn are transferable to other hospitality and retail jobs.

How Much Does KFC Pay?

KFC pays according to the Fast Food Industry Award, which sets minimum rates based on your age. These are called junior rates, and they increase each year until you reach the adult rate at age 21.

Here are the approximate hourly rates for casual team members:

Age	Approx. Hourly Rate	% of Adult Rate
14	~$12.00	50%
15	~$12.60	50%
16	~$14.80	60%
17	~$16.90	70%
18	~$19.00	80%
19	~$21.20	90%
20+	~$24.00+	100%

These rates are approximate and based on the 2024 award rates. Casual loading (25%) is included. You'll also get penalty rates for weekends and public holidays, which can significantly increase your pay. Always check your payslip matches the correct award rate for your age.

How to Apply for a Job at KFC

KFC uses an online application system for most positions. Here's how to apply step by step:

Go to the KFC jobs website - at careers.kfc.com.au
Search for stores near you - by entering your postcode or suburb. You'll see a list of KFC locations that are currently accepting applications.
Select the store(s) you want to apply to - You can apply to multiple stores at once, which increases your chances of getting an interview.
Fill in the application form - You'll need to provide your personal details, availability, and answer some basic questions about yourself.
Include your availability - Be honest about when you can work. Weekend availability is especially important for fast food jobs. If you have school commitments, list your after-school and weekend hours.
Submit and wait - If your application matches what the store needs, a manager will contact you within 1-2 weeks to arrange an interview.

You don't need a resume to apply online, but having one prepared for the interview shows you're serious. If you haven't created one yet, check out our resume guide for first jobs.

Interview Tips for KFC

KFC interviews are usually pretty relaxed, but you should still prepare. The interview often takes place at the store and lasts about 15-20 minutes. Here's what to expect and how to do well:

What to Wear

Dress neatly but don't overthink it. Clean jeans or trousers with a plain shirt or polo is fine. Closed-toe shoes are essential. You don't need formal business wear, but avoid ripped jeans, thongs, or clothes with loud graphics.

Common Interview Questions

Expect questions about why you want to work at KFC, your availability, and how you'd handle various situations. Common questions include: "Why do you want to work here?", "Tell me about a time you worked in a team", "How would you handle an unhappy customer?", and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

What They're Looking For

KFC managers want to see that you're reliable, friendly, and willing to learn. Show enthusiasm for the job, make eye contact, and answer questions directly. If you don't have work experience, that's fine - talk about school projects, sports teams, or volunteering that shows you can work with others.

Getting Started Checklist

Ready to apply for a job at KFC? Make sure you have these sorted first:

1.Check your state's requirements - If you're under 15 in Victoria, you'll need a Child Employment Permit. Check our state guides for details.
2.Apply for your TFN - You'll need this before your first shift. Apply now so it arrives in time.
3.Set up a bank account - KFC pays directly into your bank account. If you don't have one, your parent can help you open a student account.
4.Know your availability - Work out what hours you can realistically work around school. Weekend and evening availability helps.
5.Apply online - Go to kfcjobs.com.au and apply to stores near you.
6.Prepare for the interview - Practice common questions and have your availability ready to discuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

KFC hires from age 14 in most Australian states. However, minimum age requirements can vary by state and individual store. In Victoria, you'll need a Child Employment Permit if you're under 15. Some states like South Australia require you to be 15.

Yes, KFC hires 14 year olds in most states including Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia. You'll need to meet any state-specific requirements like work permits, and your hours will be limited during school term.

KFC pays junior rates based on your age. At 14-15, expect around $12-13 per hour. At 16, you'll earn around $14-15 per hour. At 17, around $16-17 per hour. Rates increase each birthday until you reach the adult rate at 21.

Teen Team Members at KFC work on the front counter serving customers, in the kitchen preparing food, or at the drive-thru window. You'll rotate through different positions as you learn. All team members start with basic training before working independently.

No, KFC doesn't require previous work experience. They provide full training for all new team members. What they look for is a positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn. Being available on weekends helps your application.

Most applicants hear back within 1-2 weeks if the store is hiring. If you haven't heard back after two weeks, you can call or visit the store to follow up. Stores hire based on their needs, so timing matters - applying before busy periods (summer, school holidays) can help.

Last updated: December 2025. Information sourced from Information based on publicly available KFC hiring information and the Fair Work Fast Food Industry Award. Contact your local KFC or visit kfcjobs.com.au for the most current information.. Pay rates are approximate and subject to change.