Culver’s careers, a beloved Midwestern food chain renowned for its ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard, offers more than just delicious meals.
With over 1,000 locations across 26 U.S. states and a workforce of approximately 25,000 employees, it is a cornerstone in the fast-food industry.
It presents a welcoming environment that values growth, respect, and community involvement.
Why Work at Culver’s Careers?
Culver’s prides itself on fostering a workplace culture that emphasizes teamwork, personal development, and community engagement.
Employees, affectionately known as the "True Blue Crew," benefit from:
- Flexible Scheduling: Accommodating various lifestyles and commitments.
- Team-Oriented Atmosphere: Promoting collaboration and mutual support.
- Safe, Respectful Work Environment: Ensuring all employees feel secure and respected.
- Comprehensive Training: Providing best-in-class training programs to equip team members with the necessary skills.
- Career Development: Offering opportunities for personal growth and advancement within the company.
These benefits make this an attractive option for individuals at various stages of their careers.
Positions You Can Apply For
Culver’s offers a range of positions to suit different skill sets and career aspirations:
- Crew Member: Engage in food preparation, customer service, and maintaining cleanliness.
- Cashier/Front Counter: Handle customer orders and transactions with efficiency and friendliness.
- Kitchen Staff: Focus on cooking and assembling meals to the quality standards.
- Shift Leader: Oversee daily operations and support team members during shifts.
- Assistant Manager/General Manager: Manage overall restaurant operations, including staffing, inventory, and customer satisfaction.
Most entry-level positions do not require prior experience, making them accessible to newcomers in the workforce.
What You’ll Earn and the Benefits Offered
Compensation here varies by position and location:
Hourly Pay:
Crew Members: Approximately $12–$14 per hour.
Cashiers: Around $12–$15 per hour.
Managers: Between $17 and $25 per hour.
Salaries:
Manager in Training: Approximately $25,923 annually.
Director of Operations: Up to $124,900 annually.
Requirements and Qualifications
Culver’s hiring requirements are designed to be inclusive. Minimum age is typically 14–16 years old, depending on state labor laws.
In entry-level positions, no prior experience is required, with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Leadership Roles demand previous experience in food service or management preferred, and strong communication and organizational skills.
Physical requirements may include the ability to stand for extended periods and work in a fast-paced environment.
How to Apply for Jobs at Culver’s
Visit the Careers Page: Go to Culver’s Careers.
Select a Role or Location: Browse available positions by job type or geographic area.
Create an Account: Register to begin the application process.
Complete the Application:
- Provide personal information.
- Detail your availability.
- List any previous work experience.
- Include references, if applicable.
Submit & Await Contact: After submission, expect to hear back within a few days.
Alternatively, you can apply in person at your local restaurant.
Is Culver’s the Best Option for a Fast-Food Career?
Culver’s distinguishes itself in the fast-food industry through its commitment to employee development and community values.
Compared to other chains:
- Career Advancement: Culver’s offers clear pathways for growth, from entry-level positions to management roles.
- Work Environment: Emphasis on a respectful and team-oriented culture.
- Community Engagement: Strong ties to local communities and customer service excellence.
Other fast-food establishments may offer similar entry-level opportunities.
Culver’s focus on internal promotion and employee satisfaction makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a long-term career in the industry.
| Feature | Culver’s | McDonald’s | Chick-fil-A | Wendy’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Pay | $12–$15/hour | $11–$14/hour | $13–$17/hour | $11–$15/hour |
| Manager Pay | $17–$25/hour; $40K–$60K/year | $15–$22/hour; $35K–$55K/year | $18–$24/hour; $45K–$70K/year | $14–$22/hour; $38K–$58K/year |
| Flexible Scheduling | Yes – common for students and part-timers | Yes – widely available | Yes – though closed Sundays | Yes – with shift bidding in some locations |
| Scholarships & Education | Yes – up to $10,000 through Culver’s Foundation | Yes – Archways to Opportunity (up to $3,000/year) | Yes – Remarkable Futures (up to $25,000) | Some franchises offer assistance |
| Work Culture | Team-focused, respectful, Midwest-rooted | Fast-paced, structured, global brand | Customer-first, Christian-led, closed Sundays | Traditional, high-volume drive-thru model |
| Promotion Opportunities | Strong internal promotion from crew to manager | Yes – clear career paths with online training | Very structured advancement paths | Yes – especially at company-owned locations |
| Application Process | Online or in-person, local store level | Online/app; corporate or franchise-level hiring | Online/app with interview follow-up | Online or in-person, depends on franchise |
| Work on Sundays? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Typical Hiring Age | 14–16 (varies by state) | 14–16 (varies by state) | 16+ (some exceptions) | 14–16 (state-dependent) |
| Best For | Team-focused environment and community feel | Global reach, structure, and brand visibility | Values-based culture and scholarship seekers | High-volume experience, stepping stone roles |
Educational Resources Available
Culver’s careers invests in the education of its team members through various programs:
Culver’s Foundation Scholarship
Since 1993, the Foundation Scholarship has awarded over $8 million in scholarships to deserving team members.
Scholarships up to $10,000 are available for eligible employees pursuing higher education. culvers.com
Eligibility Criteria
You must be employed at Culver’s for at least six months, working a minimum of 400 hours in the past year.
Maintained a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
These educational resources underscore a dedication to the personal and professional growth of its employees.
Pros and Cons of Culiver's Careers
Pros
- Accommodates students, part-time workers, and those with family responsibilities.
- Emphasis on teamwork, respect, and positive leadership from managers.
- Many shift leaders and managers started as crew members; clear growth path.
- Scholarships and Educational Support
- Entry-level jobs welcome teens (as young as 14–16 in many states) and first-time workers.
- Free or discounted meals are commonly offered during shifts.
- Structured onboarding helps new employees succeed quickly.
Cons
- Since many locations are independently owned, benefits and wages can differ widely.
- Requires standing for long periods, multitasking, and working under pressure.
- Full-time staff may get health coverage, but part-timers usually don’t.
- Most restaurants operate 7 days a week, including nights and holidays.
- Primarily based in the Midwest and South, with less national reach than McDonald’s or Wendy’s.
Final Thoughts
Culver’s careers offers more than just a job. It provides a platform for individuals to develop skills, pursue educational goals, and build a rewarding career.
With its supportive work environment, opportunities for advancement, and employee development, it stands out as a top choice for job seekers.
If you're ready to embark on a fulfilling career path, consider applying today.
