9 min read

Places That Hire at 15 in Altoona, PA

Find out which restaurants and fast-food chains hire 15-year-olds in Altoona, PA, and learn about job types and work hour limits.

15-year-olds working in Altoona fast food and restaurants

Places That Hire at 15 in Altoona, PA: Key Takeaways

  • In Altoona, PA, 15-year-olds can find jobs mainly in the restaurant industry as cashiers, crew members, or hosts with wages from $7.25 to $11/hour.
  • Fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A commonly hire 15-year-olds for entry-level positions.
  • Pennsylvania law limits 15-year-olds to working 3 hours on school days and 18 hours weekly while school is in session, with extended hours permitted when school is not in session.

Fifteen-year-olds in Altoona have several job options primarily in fast food and fast-casual restaurants.

This article details typical roles, top employers, work hour rules, and helpful resources.

What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Altoona, PA?

At 15, job options usually focus on entry-level roles that help build customer service and food handling skills.

Common positions include cashier, host/hostess, and crew member roles assisting with order taking, food prep, and maintaining clean work areas.

These jobs require basic competencies like handling money and following safety and hygiene procedures.

Employers looking to hire at this level can benefit from a guide to hiring a cashier to streamline the process and find reliable candidates.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Altoona, PA

The fast-food sector offers numerous opportunities where 15-year-olds can work as team members involved in customer service and food preparation.

McDonald's

McDonald's typically hires 15-year-olds for crew member and cashier roles helping with food service and customer orders.

Burger King

Burger King employs team members aged 15 to operate registers and assist in food assembly.

Understanding the restaurant manager's role can help fast-food operators ensure these young hires succeed under proper supervision.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers entry-level roles such as crew members and front-line staff for 15-year-old hires.

Chick-fil-A

Some Chick-fil-A locations hire 15-year-olds for team member and cashier roles focused on customer interaction and food service.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen employs 15-year-olds as cashiers and crew members assisting with orders and maintaining customer service standards.

Arby's

Arby's offers team member positions to 15-year-olds, typically involving cash register operation and food prep tasks.

Subway

At selected Subway outlets, 15-year-olds may be hired as sandwich artists, helping prepare customer orders.

KFC

KFC hires 15-year-olds for crew member roles focusing on food preparation and customer service.

Business owners can learn about how to hire a cook effectively, a useful skill as young workers often advance beyond entry roles into kitchen positions.

Need to hire employees?
OR
Looking for top paid jobs?

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Altoona, PA

Fast-casual dining spots also provide entry-level opportunities well suited to 15-year-olds keen on gaining experience.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 15-year-olds as cashiers and dining room associates helping with orders and maintaining dining areas.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Some Chipotle locations employ 15-year-olds as crew members supporting ingredient prep and customer service tasks.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company offers positions such as cashier and dining room staff to 15-year-olds at some locations.

Employers can explore strategies for restaurant staff hiring to attract motivated young employees and reduce turnover.

How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Altoona, PA?

Pennsylvania state law and federal regulations set clear limits on work hours for 15-year-olds to protect their education and wellbeing.

When school is in session:

  • Work allowed only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Maximum 3 hours on school days
  • Up to 18 hours per school week
  • Up to 8 hours on non-school days

When school is not in session:

  • Work allowed between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
  • Up to 8 hours per day
  • Maximum 40 hours per week

Workers must receive a 30-minute meal break after 5 consecutive hours worked.

These restrictions align with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules, with employers required to follow whichever regulations are stricter.

Restaurant owners can find useful tips on how to hire reliable kitchen staff within these regulations.

Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Altoona, PA

Here are some useful links and contacts for aspiring young workers and their families.

FAQs About Places That Hire at 15 in Altoona, PA

15-year-olds in Altoona can mainly find work in entry-level restaurant roles such as cashiers, crew members, and hosts in fast food and fast-casual places.

McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Wendy's, and Dairy Queen are popular fast-food employers that accept 15-year-old workers.

Pennsylvania law limits work hours for 15-year-olds to 3 hours on school days and up to 18 hours per week when school is in session, with more hours allowed during breaks or non-school periods.

Yes, 15-year-olds can only work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during school times, and between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. when school is not in session.

Useful resources include the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Pennsylvania Department of Education websites, and the U.S. Department of Labor’s YouthRules! program.