Places That Hire at 14 in Kent, WA: Key Takeaways
- 14-year-olds in Kent, WA can work in entry-level roles like cashier, dining room attendant, and limited food prep in fast-food and fast-casual restaurants.
- Washington State law limits work hours for 14- and 15-year-olds to 3 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days during school weeks, with max 16 hours weekly.
- Employers must obtain a Minor Work Permit and Parent/School Authorization, adhering to restrictions on youth performing certain tasks or using hazardous equipment.
Young teens in Kent can find jobs in popular local chains that hire at 14, mainly in food service positions.
This article covers typical jobs, well-known employers, work hour limits, and useful official resources for teens.
What Types of Jobs Can a 14-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Kent, WA?
At age 14, teens usually secure entry-level restaurant jobs that focus on customer service and limited food handling duties.
Common job roles include cashier, dining room attendant, and sandwich artist or crew member roles with restricted food preparation responsibilities.
Washington State regulations prohibit minors under 16 from operating certain food equipment and cooking tasks, ensuring safety while gaining work experience.
These roles provide a foundation in workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, and punctuality.
Employers can find guidance on how to efficiently hire and train staff for these entry-level roles in our restaurant staff hiring spotlight.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 14 in Kent, WA
Several fast-food chains in Kent hire 14-year-olds for positions involving customer service and basic food prep.
McDonald's
McDonald's offers crew member jobs to 14-year-olds, focusing on greeting customers, cleaning, and assembling basic food orders.
If you are interested in learning more about the responsibilities of fast-food workers, check out the fast-food worker job description page.
Burger King
Burger King hires young workers as cashiers and dining area attendants, helping maintain a clean, efficient restaurant environment.
Wendy's
Wendy's employs 14-year-olds in front-line service roles that include taking orders and light food preparation tasks within legal limits.
Dairy Queen
At Dairy Queen, 14-year-olds often perform customer service duties and assist in simple food prep activities under supervision.
Subway
Subway hires teens for sandwich artist roles where they prepare sandwiches and serve customers, avoiding operations of restricted equipment.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 14 in Kent, WA
Fast-casual spots also provide job opportunities suitable for 14-year-olds focused on service and basic assistance.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread offers cashier and dining room attendant positions where teens assist with customer orders and maintaining seating areas.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle hires 14-year-olds to help with customer service duties, though food prep tasks involving hot food or knives are restricted.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company employs young workers in front-of-house roles, engaging in welcoming customers and basic cleaning functions.
For employers looking to create effective job descriptions for these service roles, see our guide on creating restaurant job descriptions.
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How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work in Kent, WA?
Washington State sets strict limits to balance youth work hours and schooling commitments.
During school weeks, 14-year-olds may only work up to 3 hours on school days and up to 8 hours on non-school days.
Weekly hours during school time must not exceed 16 hours, with work allowed between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
During non-school weeks or breaks, teens may work up to 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, and during extended hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
These laws ensure teens have adequate time for rest, education, and recreation while gaining work experience.
Employers and teens should follow these rules carefully to avoid penalties and to support safe work environments.
Restaurant owners will find helpful tips on managing work schedules and compliance in the how to hire a restaurant manager spotlight.
Resources for 14-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Kent
Here are some resources recommended for teens and employers to ensure compliance with youth employment laws.
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries - Prohibited Duties for Minors
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries - Hours of Work for Minors
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries - How to Hire Minors
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