Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. careers—sister brands under CKE Restaurants—operate thousands of restaurants across the United States.
Most locations are franchise-run, which means steady local hiring for entry-level crew, shift leaders, and management, plus occasional corporate and maintenance roles.
This guide explains the brands, common roles, typical pay, benefits, and a clear application path so you can decide whether to apply now.
The Brands at a Glance
Carl’s Jr. has its strongest presence in Western states, while Hardee’s is concentrated in the South and Midwest.
Both share menus, standards, and training frameworks set by the parent company
However, individual franchisees manage hiring, schedules, and wages within brand and legal guidelines.
| Category | Hardee’s | Carl’s Jr. |
|---|---|---|
| Parent company & HQ | CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.; headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee | CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.; headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee |
| Founding (year • founder • origin) | 1960 • Wilber Hardee • Greenville, North Carolina | 1941 • Carl & Margaret Karcher • Los Angeles (hot-dog cart → restaurant) |
| U.S. footprint (general pattern) | Strongest in the South and Midwest | Strongest on the West Coast and Southwest |
| Approx. restaurant count (brand) | ~1,800+ restaurants; presence in multiple countries | ~1,100+ restaurants; presence in multiple countries |
| Systemwide scale (CKE total) | Combined system ~3,800+ units across 40+ U.S. states and dozens of countries/territories | Same (shared parent system totals) |
| Signature items (examples) | Made From Scratch™ Biscuits, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™, Thickburgers® | Western Bacon Cheeseburger®, Super Star®, Beyond Famous Star®, Hand-Scooped Shakes & Malts™ |
| Breakfast emphasis | Strong breakfast focus with fresh, hand-made biscuits | Offers breakfast, but brand identity leans more on charbroiled burgers |
| Cooking method (core burgers) | Charbroiled burgers, including 100% Angus Thickburgers® | Charbroiled burgers, including Angus options |
| Brand positioning (recent marketing) | Homestyle classics and regional tastes in the South/Midwest | West-coast vibe with premium burger innovation |
Roles Hiring Now For Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. Careers
Evening, weekend, and breakfast shifts are hardest to staff and increase your chances.
Crew / Team Member (cashier, drive-thru, dining room, kitchen)
Take orders in person and at the drive-thru, assemble menu items, follow food-safety procedures, stock and clean stations, and support guests during peak periods.
It’s the usual entry point and the fastest way to learn the operation.
Shift Leader / Shift Manager
Run a shift with targets for speed of service, order accuracy, and cleanliness.
Assign stations, handle cash controls, coach team members on the line, address guest issues, and complete basic shift paperwork.
Many shift leaders are promoted from crew.
Assistant Manager / Junior Assistant Manager
Support scheduling, new-hire training, inventory counts, ordering, and vendor deliveries.
Bridge communication between hourly teams and the General Manager and fill in as the manager on duty.
Restaurant General Manager (GM)
Full responsibility for labor and food cost, team hiring and development, store audits, local marketing, and guest satisfaction metrics.
GMs lead the restaurant’s financial performance and compliance.
Maintenance & support (varies by operator)
Some franchise groups hire for light facilities work, HVAC, or field support roles that serve multiple stores.
What to Keep in Mind About Pay
Crowd-sourced pay trackers and job boards provide helpful ballparks, but the only number that truly matters is the rate in your specific posting or offer.
If you’re comparing multiple stores, look beyond hourly pay: bonus eligibility, reliable hours, commuting distance, and a supportive GM often matter more over time.
When you receive an offer, ask about scheduled reviews or cross-training raises so you know when your next bump could happen.
- Hardee’s Crew Member: around $11–$14 per hour in many markets, with some lower-wage regions closer to $10–$11 and higher-wage regions above $14.
- Carl’s Jr. Crew / Team Member: commonly $14–$17 per hour in Western states, with higher ranges in cities that mandate elevated wage floors.
- Hardee’s Shift Leader: frequently $13–$16 per hour, depending on store volume and experience.
- Carl’s Jr. Shift Leader: often $15–$19 per hour, with higher figures reported in high-cost metros.
- Hardee’s Assistant Manager: typically $17–$20 per hour in many regions, sometimes higher with bonus eligibility.
- Carl’s Jr. Assistant Manager: often $17–$21 per hour, with higher bands where local wages are elevated.
- Hardee’s General Manager: commonly $50,000–$60,000+ per year, with bonus potential tied to sales, labor, and food-cost targets.
- Carl’s Jr. General Manager: frequently $55,000–$65,000+ per year, with variance by market, store volume, and bonus plan.
Benefits and Perks (What to Expect)
Benefits vary by operator and employment status (part-time vs. full-time). Full-time team members at many franchise groups may be eligible for:
- Health coverage options such as medical, dental, and vision; some offer HSA or FSA accounts.
- Paid time off programs that expand with tenure.
- 401(k) or retirement savings plans where offered by the franchise group.
- Employee meal discounts during shifts and sometimes off-shift.
- Training and advancement pathways with brand curricula for shift leads and managers.
Always read the individual posting.
Some franchisees mirror corporate-style benefits; others focus on flexible schedules, frequent raises for cross-training, and performance bonuses.
How to Apply for Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. Careers
Decide whether you’re targeting Hardee’s or Carl’s Jr. based on proximity and schedule fit. Make a short list of nearby stores you can reliably reach.
Search for the role in the respective careers portal and read the description carefully for pay range, schedule needs (nights, weekends, breakfast), and eligibility.
Be ready to list your availability, recent work or volunteer experience, and two references. Some operators include short assessments.
Hiring managers often call or text within a few days. Confirm your interview time promptly and show up 10 minutes early.
Tips to strengthen your application
Briefly highlight attendance records, promotion notes, or volunteer leadership from school, church, or prior jobs.
In states that require certification within a set window after hire, securing it in advance signals readiness.
Willingness to learn drive-thru, grill, and prep stations makes scheduling easier and can help you earn raises faster.
If you’re aiming for shift lead or management, say so. Managers look for candidates who want responsibility and stability.
Bottom line
If you want a fast-moving, front-line role with clear promotion pathways, Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. careers hire year-round across many states.
Benefits and schedules are operator-specific, so read each posting carefully and apply to multiple nearby stores to improve your odds.
A flexible schedule, strong guest focus, and willingness to cross-train are the fastest ways to get hired—and to grow.
