Places That Hire at 14 in Lancaster, PA: Key Takeaways
- 14-year-olds in Lancaster can find jobs mainly in fast-food and fast-casual restaurants with entry-level roles like cashier and food prep assistant.
- Popular chains such as McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, and Panera Bread hire workers at age 14 for various positions.
- Pennsylvania limits 14-year-olds to working 3 hours on school days and 18 hours weekly during the school session, with extended hours allowed during breaks.
Many restaurant chains in Lancaster offer job opportunities to 14-year-olds starting at federal minimum wage.
This guide covers common job roles, local employers, work hour restrictions, and useful official resources.
For restaurant owners looking to successfully attract young workers, understanding how to hire bartender that customers love can provide useful insights, even for entry-level hiring strategies.
What Types of Jobs Can a 14-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Lancaster, PA?
At age 14, job roles tend to be entry-level and focused on gaining basic customer service and food handling experience.
Typical jobs include cashier, dining room attendant, and food preparation assistant. These positions involve tasks such as handling payments, serving guests, assembling orders, and keeping the dining area clean.
These roles provide opportunities for young workers to build skills like communication, teamwork, and responsibility in a controlled environment.
For employers, creating detailed restaurant job descriptions can help attract the right candidates, especially when hiring teenagers.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 14 in Lancaster, PA
Several major fast-food chains in Lancaster hire workers aged 14 for entry-level roles that involve frontline customer interaction and food preparation.
McDonald's
McDonald's is well-known for hiring young employees as crew members who help with food prep and customer service tasks.
Hiring a fast food worker requires understanding their duties and challenges to ensure a good fit for the team.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A often employs 14-year-olds as cashiers and dining area attendants, focusing on guest service and maintaining cleanliness.
Burger King
Burger King offers positions for 14-year-olds such as cashiers and kitchen staff, assisting with taking orders and food prep.
Wendy's
Wendy's hires young workers as crew members responsible for serving customers and ensuring the restaurant stays clean and organized.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen provides opportunities for 14-year-olds to work as cashiers and food prep assistants in their establishments.
Arby's
Arby's hires minors as cashiers and dining room attendants to support customer service and dining area upkeep.
KFC
KFC employs 14-year-old team members to assist with food prep and customer interaction tasks within the restaurant.
Subway
Subway offers jobs for 14-year-olds as sandwich artists, focusing on food preparation and serving customers efficiently.
For employers aiming to reduce turnover, see our spotlight on strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 14 in Lancaster, PA
Fast-casual restaurants also provide entry-level positions suitable for young workers interested in food service and customer care.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires 14-year-olds as cashiers and dining room attendants, supporting order taking and dining area maintenance.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle offers crew member roles for 14-year-olds, focusing on food assembly and providing excellent customer service.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company employs young workers as cashiers and dining area attendants to assist in smooth restaurant operations.
Understanding how to attract young talent for entry positions can be enhanced by reading our spotlight on how to hire reliable kitchen staff with free templates.
How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work in Lancaster, PA?
Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act defines strict limits on work hours for minors aged 14 and 15 to protect their education and well-being.
While school is in session, 14-year-olds may work only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., up to 3 hours per school day and 18 hours per school week (Monday to Friday).
On non-school days, such as weekends, they may work up to 8 hours per day.
When school is not in session, work hours extend from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., allowing up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
Additionally, minors cannot work more than six consecutive days and must have a 30-minute meal break after five continuous hours of work.
Employers should be aware of labor laws and may find valuable guidance in the guide for hiring Gen Z in hospitality.
Resources for 14-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Lancaster, PA
- Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry - Child Labor Act
- Pennsylvania Department of Education - Child Labor Law
- Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - PA Kids Laws
For young workers interested in food preparation careers, reviewing the prep cook job description provides a useful overview of typical kitchen roles.