Places That Hire at 14 in Allentown, PA

Places That Hire at 14 in Allentown, PA: Key Takeaways

14-year-olds in Allentown can work in entry-level restaurant jobs such as host/hostess, busser, dishwasher, and cashier.
Popular fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Chick-fil-A hire workers as young as 14.
Pennsylvania law limits 14-year-olds to working a maximum of 18 hours per week during school and up to 40 hours when school is not in session.

There are several restaurants in Allentown where 14-year-olds can find part-time jobs, especially in fast food and fast casual dining.

This article explains common job roles, restaurant options, work hour restrictions, and useful Pennsylvania labor law resources.

What Types of Jobs Can a 14-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Allentown, PA?

At age 14, teens typically qualify for entry-level positions in restaurants that involve customer service and basic food service tasks.

Common positions include:

Host/Hostess: Greeting customers and managing seating arrangements. Learn more about the hostess job description.
Busser: Clearing tables, refilling drinks, and supporting servers. See the busser job description for more details.
Dishwasher: Washing dishes and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Check the dishwasher job description.
Cashier: Handling customer transactions and operating registers. Explore the cashier job description.

These roles provide valuable work experience and responsibilities appropriate for the age group while complying with labor laws.

For restaurant owners looking to hire the right staff, our restaurant staff hiring guide offers essential tips and strategies.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 14 in Allentown, PA

Many national fast-food restaurant chains hire 14-year-olds as crew members, focusing on food preparation, register operation, and customer service.

McDonald's

McDonald's often hires 14-year-olds for crew positions that involve food prep and cashier duties, providing a good introduction to the workforce.

Burger King

Burger King employs young workers to assist with taking orders, assembling food, and maintaining cleanliness.

Wendy's

Wendy's hires 14-year-olds to work as cashiers and kitchen assistants focused on preparing meals and serving customers promptly.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A offers jobs for 14-year-olds in front-of-house roles, including taking orders and assisting with customer needs.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen hires young workers to help with order taking, food preparation, and maintaining a clean service area.

Arby's

Arby's offers crew member roles for teens that include cashier duties and basic food prep tasks.

KFC

KFC hires 14-year-olds for team member positions involving customer service and support in kitchen areas.

Subway

Subway employs younger teens as sandwich preparers and cashiers to assist with customer orders and keeping the store tidy.

Hiring fast-food workers efficiently is crucial; see our how to hire a fast-food worker spotlight for valuable insights.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 14 in Allentown, PA

Fast-casual restaurants also provide work opportunities ideal for teenagers to gain food service and customer interaction experience.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 14-year-olds for cashier and food prep roles that include assisting customers and preparing bakery items.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle employs young workers mainly in food prep and assembly of fresh ingredients to serve customers efficiently.

Five Guys

Five Guys offers jobs for 14-year-olds as team members focused on food preparation and maintaining a clean working environment.

Employers can learn effective restaurant management hiring practices to boost team performance in fast-casual settings.

How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work in Allentown, PA?

Pennsylvania has specific restrictions to ensure that employment does not interfere with school attendance and rest.

When school is in session:

Allowable work hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
14-year-olds may work a maximum of 3 hours on school days and up to 18 hours total per school week.

When school is not in session (summer break or holidays):

Work hours can be from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Teens can work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.

These limits protect teens' education while providing opportunities to gain real job experience.

For additional guidance on hiring young workers while complying with laws, see our spotlight on age requirements in job postings.

Resources for 14-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Allentown, PA

Employers looking to navigate compliance can also refer to our spotlight on hiring compliance in hospitality.

01. What types of jobs can a 14-year-old get in Allentown?

Entry-level roles such as host/hostess, busser, dishwasher, and cashier are common for 14-year-olds.

02. Which fast-food restaurants hire 14-year-olds in Allentown?

Popular chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen, Arby's, KFC, and Subway offer jobs to teens.

03. What are the work hour limits for 14-year-olds in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania limits 14-year-olds to 18 hours per week during school and 40 hours when school is out, with specific daily time restrictions.

04. Are there resources to help 14-year-olds find jobs in Allentown?

Yes, resources include the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Department of Education, and Attorney General's Office.

05. What is the best way to apply for these jobs?

Visiting local restaurants and applying directly or using online applications can help teens find work quickly.