Places That Hire at 14 in DeKalb, IL

Places That Hire at 14 in DeKalb, IL: Key Takeaways

• 14-year-olds in DeKalb, IL can work in entry-level restaurant jobs such as cashier, host/hostess, and dining room attendant.
• Fast food and fast casual restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King, Panera Bread, and Culver's commonly hire 14-year-olds.
• Work hour limits for 14-year-olds in DeKalb are up to 18 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours per week during summer, with specific daily and hourly restrictions.

In DeKalb, Illinois, teenagers as young as 14 have access to various entry-level jobs, mostly within the restaurant scene. These roles let young workers gain valuable experience while balancing school commitments.

This article explores the types of jobs available, top places that hire 14-year-olds, work hour restrictions, and helpful resources.

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

At age 14 in DeKalb, many employment options involve front-of-house and light food service roles. These jobs teach skills like customer interaction, food handling, and workplace hygiene compliance. If you're an employer looking to hire young staff, understanding these roles can be crucial for smooth operations. Check out our restaurant staff hiring spotlight for insightful tips.

Common positions include cashiering, hosting guests, and dining room maintenance. These jobs require responsibility, communication skills, and basic food safety awareness. To better grasp the responsibilities, see our comprehensive hostess job description.

Starting wages typically align with the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour, but some employers may offer slightly higher pay depending on location and experience.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 14 in DeKalb, IL

Several familiar fast-food chains provide opportunities for 14-year-olds looking for their first job. These roles often center around customer service, order preparation, and maintaining cleanliness. Potential young hires can learn valuable skills similar to those listed in the fast food worker job description.

McDonald's

McDonald's is known for welcoming young workers. As a crew member, 14-year-olds can assist with taking orders, preparing food, and keeping the workspace tidy.

Burger King

Burger King hires 14-year-olds for cashier and dining room attendant positions, focusing on customer service and upholding clean dining spaces.

Chick-fil-A

Certain Chick-fil-A locations hire 14-year-olds for host/hostess or dining room attendant roles, emphasizing friendliness and cleanliness.

Culver's

Culver's offers a friendly work environment hiring 14-year-olds as cashiers and dining room attendants.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen employs younger workers for cashiering and dining area upkeep roles.

When preparing to hire youthful employees for these roles, employers might find guidance in how to hire a cashier useful.

Subway

Some Subway locations hire 14-year-olds as sandwich artists, involving food prep and customer interaction.

KFC

KFC provides opportunities for 14-year-olds as cashiers and dining room attendants.

Arby's

Arby's employs 14-year-olds in cashier and dining area maintenance roles.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 14 in DeKalb, IL

In addition to fast-food chains, several fast-casual restaurants offer entry-level roles suitable for teens starting work experience and customer service skills.

If you are managing fast-casual establishments, understanding skill development for roles like cashier and dining room attendant can be enhanced through resources such as the tips for hiring servers.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 14-year-olds for positions like cashier and dining room attendant, focusing on order accuracy and space upkeep.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company employs young workers for cashiering and maintaining a welcome dining area.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle offers jobs to 14-year-olds as cashiers and dining room assistants assisting with food service and cleanliness.

How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work in DeKalb, IL?

Illinois updated its child labor laws effective January 1, 2025, with specific rules protecting minors under 16 from excessive working hours while attending school.

During the school year, 14-year-olds may work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., with a maximum of 3 hours per school day and up to 18 hours per week. The total combined hours of work and school must not exceed 8 hours a day.

In summer months—from June 1 through Labor Day—working hours extend from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., allowing up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.

14-year-olds must also obtain an employment certificate (work permit) before starting a job. Employers are responsible for maintaining compliant records and ensuring working conditions do not interfere with the teen’s education and well-being. For employers, the job posting compliance guide can be a helpful resource.

Resources for 14-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in DeKalb, IL

• Illinois Department of Labor - Child Labor Law
• Illinois General Assembly - Child Labor Law of 2024
• Illinois Department of Labor - Press Release on Child Labor Law Changes

Young workers starting in hospitality often consider front-of-house positions. To explore these roles and their career potential, visit our how to become a server guide and cashier job description.