Places That Hire at 14 in San Jose, CA

Places That Hire at 14 in San Jose, CA: Key Takeaways

• 14-year-olds in San Jose can find jobs mostly in the restaurant industry in roles like cashier, host/hostess, or dining attendant.
• Common employers include fast-food and fast-casual restaurants, which offer flexible schedules and pay at least the California minimum wage of $15.50/hour.
• California law limits 14-year-olds to working 3 hours on school days, up to 18 hours per week during school, and up to 40 hours/week during breaks, requiring work permits for minors.

For 14-year-olds in San Jose, the restaurant industry offers accessible entry-level jobs to gain work experience.

This guide covers job types, popular employers, legal working hours, and helpful resources for teens and parents.

Employers looking to hire young workers may also benefit from how to hire restaurant staff fast for a smoother recruitment process.

What Types of Jobs Can a 14-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in San Jose, CA?

At age 14, teens typically take on entry-level positions involving customer service and light food-related tasks.

Common roles include cashier, where you handle transactions and assist customers; host or hostess, greeting and seating guests; and dining area attendant, keeping the space clean and organized.

These positions help build communication skills and responsibility while adhering to health and safety standards required in the food service sector.

Employers can find helpful advice on how to write effective restaurant job descriptions to attract qualified candidates for these roles.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 14 in San Jose, CA

Several fast-food chains in San Jose may hire 14-year-old workers for crew member or similar roles. It's important to verify with local stores as hiring policies vary.

McDonald's

McDonald's locations often hire young teens as crew members performing order assembly, food prep, and customer service duties.

Check out our guide on the fast food worker job description for detailed role expectations.

Burger King

Burger King offers roles for 14-year-olds to work on cash registers and assist with food prep, ensuring quality and fast service.

Wendy’s

Wendy's hires younger workers for cashier jobs and kitchen support tasks where precision and friendly service matter.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell employs 14-year-old team members for front counter help and food assembly, focusing on quick and accurate customer orders.

KFC

KFC's team member roles allow 14-year-olds to engage in food prep, customer greeting, and maintaining cleanliness.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 14 in San Jose, CA

Fast-casual restaurants provide additional entry points for teens to gain experience in a customer-focused environment.

For employers, understanding how to hire a cashier effectively can improve staffing outcomes in these settings.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 14-year-olds mostly for cashier and food prep tasks, assisting customers and keeping the bakery stocked.

Chipotle

At Chipotle, crew members aged 14 support food preparation and order fulfillment with emphasis on quality and hygiene.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A employs 14-year-olds in order taking and customer service roles that emphasize friendly interaction and efficiency.

How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work in San Jose, CA?

California law sets clear limits to protect young workers’ education and well-being.

During the school year, 14-year-olds may work up to 3 hours on school days and up to 18 hours weekly. Work must be performed between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

On non-school days, teens can work up to 8 hours, and from June 1 through Labor Day, permissible hours extend to 9:00 p.m. with a maximum of 40 hours per week during breaks.

Employers and teens should ensure these guidelines are followed to comply with legal requirements and maintain a healthy balance between work and schooling.

Importantly, all minors must have a work permit issued by their school before beginning employment.

Employers can find guidance on compliance in steps in the hiring process to avoid legal pitfalls.

Resources for 14-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in San Jose, CA

• California Department of Industrial Relations: Information on Minors and Employment
• California Department of Education: Frequently Asked Questions - Work Permits
• Safe At Work California: Young Workers Safety Information

For teens interested in serving roles, reviewing the hostess interview questions can help prepare for job interviews.