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Olive Garden Careers
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Over 100,000 team members. 900+ restaurants. Endless Olive Garden career opportunities across all 50 states.

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100,000+ Team Members

900+ Restaurants

$75K+ GM Salary

40+ Years in Business

Why Work at Olive Garden

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant is America's largest Italian-themed casual dining chain, with over 900 restaurants and more than 100,000 team members across the country. Founded in Orlando, Florida in 1982 and backed by Darden Restaurants, Inc., Olive Garden has built a reputation not just for its food but for how it treats its people.

The company consistently ranks as a top employer in the casual dining segment. More than half of all Olive Garden restaurant managers started in hourly team member roles. At Olive Garden, a job as a server, line cook, or host is a genuine starting point for a career in restaurant management and leadership. Use our store locator to find a location hiring near you.

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Olive Garden career opportunities team working in kitchen

Olive Garden Career Benefits

Full-time and part-time team members receive a comprehensive package of benefits, perks, and growth opportunities.

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Flexible Scheduling

Shifts built around your life. Full-time, part-time, and variable hour positions available at every location.

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Career Advancement

Over 50% of Olive Garden managers are promoted from hourly team member roles. Your path up is real.

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Training & Development

In-restaurant training programs, management development tracks, and the Darden Scholars tuition assistance program.

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Treated Like Family

Free meals every shift, a team culture built on respect, and a company that has operated on family values since 1982.

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Health Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for full-time team members. Short-term disability and life insurance included.

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401(k) + Same-Day Pay

Company-matched 401(k) retirement plan plus access to your earned wages the same day you work through Darden's pay program.

Olive Garden Job Opportunities April 2026

Positions available across all 900+ U.S. locations. Pay ranges reflect national averages and vary by market.

Position	Department	Pay Range	Schedule	Apply
Server	Front of House	$2.13/hr + tips (avg $18–25/hr total)	Full-time / Part-time	Apply →
Host / Hostess	Front of House	$13–$16/hr	Full-time / Part-time	Apply →
Bartender	Front of House	$2.13/hr + tips (avg $20–30/hr total)	Full-time / Part-time	Apply →
To-Go Specialist	Front of House	$13–$15/hr	Part-time	Apply →
Line Cook	Back of House	$16–$20/hr	Full-time	Apply →
Prep Cook	Back of House	$13–$16/hr	Full-time / Part-time	Apply →
Dishwasher / Utility	Back of House	$13–$15/hr	Full-time / Part-time	Apply →
Shift Manager	Management	$45,000–$55,000/yr	Full-time	Apply →
Assistant Manager	Management	$55,000–$65,000/yr	Full-time	Apply →
General Manager	Management	$75,000–$95,000/yr + bonus	Full-time	Apply →

Pay ranges are estimates based on publicly available data for 2026. Actual pay varies by location, experience, and hours worked. All applications are processed via the official Darden Careers portal.

Olive Garden Career FAQs

How do I apply for an Olive Garden career position?

All Olive Garden job applications are submitted through the official Darden Careers portal at careers.olivegarden.com. Search by role title or zip code, select a location, and submit your application online. Most locations respond within 3 to 5 business days.

What is the starting pay at Olive Garden?

Starting pay at Olive Garden varies by position and location. Hourly team members in front-of-house roles like servers and bartenders start at the tipped minimum wage ($2.13/hr federally) plus tips, bringing average total hourly earnings to $18–$30/hr depending on location. Back-of-house roles typically start at $13–$16/hr. Management positions are salaried starting at $45,000/yr.

Does Olive Garden offer benefits to part-time employees?

Full-time team members (30+ hours per week) receive access to medical, dental, and vision benefits, a 401(k) with company match, and paid time off. Part-time team members receive complimentary meals during shifts, access to same-day pay, and the Darden Discount Card for dining benefits across all Darden brands including LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille.

What is the Olive Garden management training program?

Olive Garden runs a structured manager-in-training (MIT) program for both internal promotions and external hires. The program covers all aspects of restaurant operations including food safety certification, team leadership, financial management, and guest experience standards. The average training duration is 12 to 16 weeks depending on prior restaurant experience.

Does Olive Garden offer tuition assistance?

Yes. Through the Darden Scholars program, eligible team members receive tuition assistance toward accredited degree programs. Full-time hourly team members and managers in good standing for at least 6 months are eligible. The program covers up to $5,250 per year in eligible tuition and educational expenses.

What is the dress code for Olive Garden employees?

Olive Garden provides a branded black shirt or apron depending on the role. Servers and hosts wear a black shirt with provided accessories. Cooks wear a black chef uniform. All team members are required to wear black pants and non-slip, closed-toe shoes. Jewelry and visible tattoos policies vary by location.

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