How Old Do You Have to be to Work at IHOP?
Generally speaking, if you want to get an entry-level job at IHOP as a server, host/hostess, or dishwasher/busser, you must be at least 16 years old.
Most IHOP locations are owned and operated by franchisees, so the employment requirements can vary between restaurants. However, all locations share the company’s values: integrity, accountability, excellence, inclusion, innovation, trust, and community.
Teen Jobs at IHOP and Age Requirements
Server (Hourly + Tips)
Servers at IHOP are responsible for serving food and drinks and accommodating guests’ needs in a timely and friendly manner. You will greet guests, answer questions, and make menu suggestions. Servers are also required to enter orders into the computer POS system, present checks to each table, accept and process all forms of payment, and clean the dining room tables.
You must be able to wipe down table tops and legs, clean trash off the seats and floors, and transport dishes to and from the dining room. This is a fast-paced position, and you will be mobile the entire shift.
You must be at least 16 years old to work as a server at IHOP.
Host/Hostess (Hourly)
As an IHOP host/hostess, you will be responsible for greeting guests and seating them promptly, while being cheerful and courteous. You will also answer the phone, take phone orders, and package To-Go orders.
You must have good communication skills, be able to lift 25-50 pounds, and be able to stand for up to eight hours. At times, you will need to assist the servers by helping to clear and reset tables. Keeping the front entrance and dining room clean is also a top priority.
To work as a host/hostess at IHOP, you must be at least 16 years old.
Dishwasher/Busser (Hourly)
As a dishwasher/busser at IHOP, you are responsible for the overall cleanliness of the restaurant. You will wash dishes, set and reset dining room tables, keep the service stations clean and orderly, and perform the required side work. Additional responsibilities include cleaning restrooms, taking out the trash, and mopping floors.
At some locations the dishwasher/busser is one position, but in others, they are two separate positions.
To work as a dishwasher/busser at IHOP, you must be at least 16 years old.
Can a 15 Year Old Work at IHOP?
The minimum age to work at IHOP is 16, so 15-year-olds can’t work there. We have a page on our website specifically for 15-year-olds that you can view for more options.
Can a 16 Year Old Work at IHOP?
The minimum age to work at IHOP is 16, so 16-year-olds can work there. We also have a page on our website specifically for 16-year-olds that you can view for more options.
How Much Does IHOP Pay Part-Time Workers?
The hourly earnings for employees at IHOP vary because of state and city minimum wage laws. However, we can give you a general idea of what the hourly pay is for each position.
Server (Hourly + Tips)
As a server at IHOP, you will be making somewhere around $3 to $5 an hour as a base wage plus your tips. Your income at this job will fluctuate because it depends on the amount of tips you make each shift.
The average hourly base rate for a IHOP server is $3, but with tips, it can go as high as $15 an hour.
Host/Hostess (Hourly)
The rate of pay for the host/hostess position is between minimum wage and $10 an hour. This is an entry-level position, and you will most likely start out at minimum wage. If you have some previous work experience, you can negotiate a higher hourly rate.
The average hourly rate for an IHOP host/hostess is $8.
Dishwasher/Busser (Hourly)
The rate of pay for the dishwasher/busser position is between minimum wage and $11 an hour. Since this is an entry-level position, you will most likely start out at minimum wage.
The average hourly rate for the IHOP dishwasher/busser position is $9.
How Much Experience Do You Need to Work at IHOP?
IHOP is an entry-level friendly company, so you can apply without any prior experience and get hired as a host/hostess, dishwasher/busser, or server. However, if you have some work experience, it could get you a higher hourly pay rate and move you faster into supervisory and management positions.
What Should You Wear to a Job Interview at IHOP?
IHOP is a popular breakfast restaurant, so when you show up for your interview, you will want to look nice and be dressed in business casual attire. Consider something like a buttoned-down shirt with nice slacks and dress shoes. You do not want to show up too casual in a t-shirt and jeans, and there is no reason to dress too formal.
IHOP Interview Questions
At an IHOP interview, you will talk with at least one manager. The hiring process can be very quick, and they might even offer you a job on the spot. Here are some questions that they have been known to ask.
Can you work well as part of a team?
Why are they asking?
If they ask you this, they are trying to find out how comfortable you are working in a team environment. There are no jobs in the restaurant that require you to work all by yourself, so they want to make sure you work well with others.
What’s the ideal answer?
Honesty is the best policy. Let them know how good you are with people and be prepared to give examples if you have previous job experience. If IHOP would be your first job, then give examples of working with people in team sports or school activities.
What would you do if a table was unhappy?
Why are they asking?
While most of your customers will be satisfied with their dining experience, you will more than likely come across an unhappy customer every once in a while. When this happens, the interviewer is wondering how you will handle the situation, and if your actions fit with their company policy.
What’s the ideal answer?
You want to tell the interviewer that if you come across a difficult customer, you will ask them what you can do to make them happy and fix the problem. If it is something that you can’t take care of, then you will get a manager and let them take care of it. You never want to get in an argument with a customer.
What is your availability? Can you work holidays and long hours?
Why are they asking?
If a manager asks you this question, they are trying to find out how many hours you are available to work, and how flexible your schedule is. They also want to make sure that your availability fits with their scheduling needs.
What’s the ideal answer?
Always be honest about your availability. If you are part of an athletic team and you have regular practices, or if you are always out of town on holidays, those are things they need to know. You never want to over promise and under deliver. If you have schedule limitations, that’s ok. You just need to be honest about it and be reliable during the hours you are available.
Benefits of Working at IHOP
Everyone who works at IHOP gets a 50 percent discount on meals. But, most of the benefits are limited to full-time workers only.
Benefits include:
- Paid time off
- Paid sick days
- Paid holidays
- Vacation
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
