Places That Hire at 14 in Columbus, OH: Key Takeaways
- 14-year-olds in Columbus, OH, commonly find entry-level restaurant jobs as cashiers, dining room attendants, and limited food prep roles.
- Fast food chains like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, and Wendy's hire 14-year-olds for team member roles.
- Ohio restricts work hours for 14-year-olds to 3 hours on school days and 18 hours per week, with extended hours during breaks up to 40 hours weekly.
Many restaurants in Columbus, OH, hire 14-year-olds, offering a great start to gain work experience.
This article covers common job options, employers that hire at 14, work hour rules, and helpful resources for young workers.
What Types of Jobs Can a 14-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Columbus, OH?
At 14, teens typically qualify for entry-level jobs where they learn customer service skills and basic food handling.
Typical positions include cashier and fast food worker roles and dining room attendant, and limited food preparation roles that comply with child labor rules.
These roles often involve taking orders, handling cash transactions, keeping the dining area clean, and assisting kitchen staff under supervision.
Such jobs pay around federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr) or slightly higher depending on experience and employer policies.
Employers looking to hire young staff can benefit from guides on how to hire a cashier to create effective job postings and attract reliable candidates.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 14 in Columbus, OH
Many popular fast-food restaurants in Columbus hire 14-year-olds as crew members or team members, focusing on front-line customer service and basic food prep.
McDonald's
McDonald's often employs 14-year-olds as crew members responsible for taking orders, handling cash, and maintaining dining area cleanliness.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A hires 14-year-olds for team member roles that include customer service and food prep tasks.
Burger King
Burger King offers crew member positions to 14-year-olds, involving order taking, food preparation assistance, and cleanliness duties.
Wendy's
Wendy's employs 14-year-olds as cashiers and dining room attendants focused on customer interaction and store upkeep.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen positions for 14-year-olds include cashier and food service roles with responsibilities such as serving customers and preparing menu items.
Arby's
Arby's hires 14-year-olds as team members involved in customer service and basic food preparation.
KFC
KFC offers roles for 14-year-olds including cashier and dining area maintenance staff.
Subway
Subway employs young workers as sandwich artists, assisting with food prep and customer service.
For employers, restaurant staff hiring insights can help improve recruitment efforts and match the right candidates for these positions.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 14 in Columbus, OH
Fast-casual establishments also provide work options for 14-year-olds, emphasizing customer service and food preparation assistance.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires 14-year-olds as cashiers and dining room attendants to support customer orders and maintain a clean environment.
Culver's
Culver’s offers team member roles for 14-year-olds involving food prep and customer service.
Boston Market
Boston Market employs young workers in cashier and food service roles focusing on customer interaction and operational support.
Employers can learn more about how to hire servers or waiters, which may be relevant for entry-level positions as teens progress in their hospitality careers.
How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work in Columbus, OH?
Ohio law regulates teen work hours to ensure employment does not interfere with school attendance and rest.
During school sessions, 14-year-olds may only work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., for no more than 3 hours a day and 18 hours each week.
No working is allowed during school hours themselves.
During summer breaks or holidays longer than five days (June 1 to September 1), work hours extend from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. with up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours weekly allowed.
These laws align with federal child labor protections, balancing work experience with education and safety.
Ohio also requires minors 14-17 to obtain work permits before starting employment, and restricts hazardous occupation involvement for those under 16.
Those interested in learning about how to hire a general manager will find useful hiring strategies applicable to managing young and adult staff effectively.
Resources for 14-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Columbus, OH
- Ohio Revised Code Section 4109.07 - Restrictions on Hours of Employment
- Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4109 - Employment of Minors
- Ohio Department of Commerce - Minor Labor Laws
For youth workers starting in hospitality, understanding roles such as hostess job descriptions can inspire career growth beyond initial positions.