Places That Hire at 14 in Cleveland, OH: Key Takeaways
- 14-year-olds in Cleveland can work primarily in entry-level restaurant roles such as cashier, host/hostess, and dining attendant.
- Popular fast-food chains hiring at 14 include McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, and Wendy's.
- Ohio law limits work hours for 14-year-olds during the school year to 3 hours on school days and 18 hours per week, with more hours allowed during summer breaks and holidays.
Finding a job at age 14 in Cleveland centers mainly on entry-level fast food and fast casual restaurant roles. Understanding available positions and legal work hour limits helps teens prepare for employment.
Employers looking to fill entry-level positions can refer to our restaurant staff hiring guide for best practices on attracting and retaining young workers.
This guide explains typical jobs for 14-year-olds, key employers hiring in Cleveland, work hour regulations, and directs you to resources for official information.
What Types of Jobs Can a 14-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Cleveland, OH?
At 14, most job opportunities in Cleveland’s restaurant industry involve beginner positions catering to customer service and basic food handling.
Typical roles include cashier, who handles payment and order taking; host/hostess, who greets guests and assists in seating; and dining area attendants, focusing on keeping the dining space clean and comfortable.
These jobs provide foundational work skills like communication, organization, and following safety standards, preparing teens for future employment opportunities.
Those interested in becoming a host or hostess can explore interview questions for hostesses to prepare effectively.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 14 in Cleveland, OH
Several large fast-food chains in Cleveland welcome 14-year-olds as crew members or similar entry-level staff with duties spanning front counter service to food preparation.
McDonald's
McDonald's frequently hires 14-year-olds as crew members who take orders, prepare food, and ensure cleanliness inside the restaurant.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A employs 14-year-olds for cashier and dining area attendant roles, focused on customer interaction and maintaining an inviting dining space.
Burger King
Some Burger King locations in Cleveland offer 14-year-olds opportunities as cashiers or kitchen helpers working on food assembly tasks.
Wendy's
Wendy's hires 14-year-olds for crew positions that involve taking orders, prepping food items, and supporting customer service.
Fast-food workers can find detailed job descriptions for fast food worker roles helpful in understanding responsibilities and employer expectations.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen may employ 14-year-olds as cashiers and treat preparation assistants, concentrating on customer satisfaction and product readiness.
Arby's
Arby's offers cashier and dining maintenance roles for 14-year-olds at certain locations in the Cleveland area.
KFC
KFC hires 14-year-olds for roles such as cashier and food prep assistant to support kitchen operations.
Subway
Some Cleveland Subway restaurants employ 14-year-olds as sandwich artists, handling sandwich assembly and customer service duties.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 14 in Cleveland, OH
Beyond fast food, several fast casual restaurants in Cleveland offer job opportunities where teens can gain experience in food service and customer support.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread employs 14-year-olds as cashiers and dining room attendants, helping with customer orders and maintaining cleanliness.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle hires 14-year-olds as dining area attendants and cashiers involved in customer service and general restaurant upkeep.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company offers entry roles to 14-year-olds including cashier duties and dining area maintenance.
Employers interested in effective hiring strategies can learn more from our spotlight on how to hire a cashier to attract the best candidates.
How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work in Cleveland?
Ohio law specifically restricts the working hours of 14-year-old minors to prioritize education and health.
During the school year:
- No work allowed during school hours.
- Work permitted only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Limited to 3 hours of work on school days and no more than 18 hours total per week.
During summer (June 1 to September 1) and holidays lasting five consecutive school days or more:
- Work allowed between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- Up to 8 hours daily and 40 hours weekly permitted.
Employers must provide 30 minutes of rest after five consecutive hours worked.
These guidelines align with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), balancing work experience with important schooling and rest time.
Getting familiar with legal age and labor regulations in hospitality jobs helps employers stay compliant and protect their workforce.
Resources for 14-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Cleveland
- Ohio Revised Code Section 4109.07 - Youth Work Hour Restrictions
- Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance
- U.S. Department of Labor - YouthRules! Website
For additional insights into hiring young hospitality employees, take a look at this spotlight on how to hire high performers.