Panda Express Careers: Your Path to Growth
Discover exciting restaurant and corporate career opportunities at Panda Express — with salaries up to $234K, exceptional benefits, and a culture that puts people first.
View Open Positions →Why Choose a Career at Panda Express?
Panda Express is not just a restaurant — it is one of the largest and most successful Asian dining concepts in the United States. Founded by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, Panda Restaurant Group has grown from a single location in Glendale, California, to over 2,400 restaurants across the country and beyond. That growth has created tens of thousands of career opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
What truly sets Panda Express apart as an employer is its deeply rooted “people-first” philosophy. The company has been nationally recognized as a Great Place to Work, with 85% of associates saying it is a great place to work — compared to just 57% at a typical U.S.-based company. Whether you are looking for your first job or a six-figure leadership position, Panda Express offers a clear path forward.
The company’s mission is simple yet powerful: “Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives.” It is this mission that has helped Panda become a Fortune-recognized employer and a leader in the fast-casual dining industry.
Panda Express Career Paths & Salaries
Panda Express offers competitive compensation packages with clear career ladders. Here is a breakdown of every restaurant role and its total earning potential.
Total Rewards & Benefits
Panda Express believes in a “whole person” approach — supporting your health, finances, growth, and well-being through one of the most generous benefits packages in the fast-casual industry.
Corporate Career Opportunities
Beyond the restaurant floor, Panda Express offers a wide variety of exciting corporate roles at their Support Center. Whatever your interest — from tech to marketing — there is a place for you.
Human Resources
Manage and elevate employees’ experience and growth — from recruiting to training, development, and benefits administration.
Information Systems
Oversee and monitor information systems, data storage, software, and networks that power operations across thousands of locations.
Marketing
Combine industry insights with creativity to connect with guests and communities, drive engagement, and fuel brand growth.
Finance & Accounting
Be the financial backbone — performing overviews of financial operations, ensuring accuracy in records and taxes.
Restaurant Development
Use technical and logistic skills to open new restaurants as Panda expands into new communities across the country.
Operations Services
Coordinate all aspects of operations while strategizing and implementing process improvements to increase efficiency.
Legal
Anticipate issues and risks the company may face while developing strategies that keep operations in good legal standing.
Cherng Family Trust
Assist with private equity and venture capital investments across industries, from real estate to charitable giving.
Life at Panda: Culture & Values
Panda Express is a family-run business that operates through deeply held values. Founded by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, the company fosters a community built on belonging, empowerment, and shared success. Every team member — from a kitchen associate to a regional director — is encouraged to grow personally and professionally.
The company has been nationally recognized for its employee and community care. Through Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express, the company has raised over $415 million for health, education, and disaster relief. Giving back is not just a corporate initiative — it is woven into the fabric of daily life at Panda.
- ProactiveIdentifying growth opportunities to create the future the team wants.
- Respect & Win-WinTreating each other with respect and seeking win-win relationships with guests, partners, and communities.
- Great OperationsCommitted to operational excellence in restaurants and the Support Center as a competitive advantage.
- GrowthHumble and open to new ideas — learning and growing as the world changes constantly.
- GivingGiving time and resources to support each other and the communities Panda serves.
How to Apply
Applying to Panda Express is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to start your career journey.
Visit the Careers Page
Go to pandacareers.com and browse available restaurant or corporate positions near you.
Chat with Olivia
Panda Express uses an AI assistant named Olivia to help you through the application process quickly and easily.
Complete Your Application
Fill in your personal details, experience, and availability. The process takes just a few minutes.
Interview & Start
If selected, you will be invited for an interview. Once hired, training begins immediately to set you up for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about working at Panda Express? Here are answers to the most common ones.
The minimum age to work at Panda Express is typically 16 years old for entry-level positions like Service and Kitchen Team members. However, age requirements may vary depending on state labor laws and the specific role you are applying for.
Pay varies by location and position. Entry-level Service and Kitchen Team members earn competitive hourly wages. When including benefits, the total compensation for these roles averages around $40K per year. Management positions earn significantly more, with General Managers averaging $107K in total compensation.
Yes. Panda Express offers medical, dental, and vision plans for all eligible associates. The company covers 80% of your insurance premiums and 50% for each dependent. Additional benefits include free Employee Assistance Programs and wellness apps.
Absolutely. Panda Express has a strong culture of promoting from within. Many of the company’s regional directors and area coaches started as entry-level team members. The University of Panda provides training, coaching, and mentorship to help associates advance their careers.
Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, free meals during shifts, up to $750 in learning funds, stock options (for eligible positions), paid time off, income protection, company cars for senior roles, and exclusive discounts on brands and theme parks.
Visit pandacareers.com and click “View Open Positions.” You will be connected with Olivia, Panda’s AI assistant, who will guide you through the application process. You can apply for both restaurant and corporate positions through the website.
The highest-paying restaurant role is the Regional Director of Operations, with a total compensation of up to $234K per year ($210K in compensation and bonuses plus $24K in benefits). This role oversees 40 to 90 restaurants.
Yes! All Panda Express employees receive free meals during their shifts. This is one of the most popular employee perks the company offers, on top of discounts at exclusive brands, theme parks, and gyms.