Places That Hire at 15 in Athens-Clarke County, GA: Key Takeaways
- 15-year-olds in Athens-Clarke County can work in entry-level restaurant roles such as host/hostess, busser, dishwasher, and cashier, typically earning around federal minimum wage.
- Major fast-food and fast-casual chains like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, and Chipotle commonly hire 15-year-olds in Athens-Clarke County.
- Georgia law limits 15-year-olds to working up to 3 hours on school days and 18 hours during the school week, with expanded hours during non-school periods governed by specific time restrictions.
Teens aged 15 in Athens-Clarke County, GA have opportunities to work part-time in restaurants, gaining valuable job experience.
This article explores typical job types, popular employers, work hour rules, and helpful resources for young workers and their families.
For restaurant owners looking to understand how to hire effectively, see our restaurant staff hiring guide.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
At 15, job options in the restaurant sector mostly involve entry-level support roles ideal for learning customer service and workplace skills.
Common positions include:
- Host/Hostess: Greeting and seating customers professionally.
- Busser: Clearing and resetting tables to support dining room flow.
- Dishwasher: Cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment to maintain hygiene standards.
- Cashier: Handling customer transactions and orders efficiently.
These jobs typically pay near the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour but may vary by employer based on duties and policies.
Learn more about the hostess role and interview questions to guide young candidates in their job search.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Several major fast-food chains in Athens-Clarke County offer employment opportunities for 15-year-olds, mainly in customer-facing roles.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members performing tasks such as cashiering, food prep, and customer service.
Employers looking to hire can refer to our guide on how to hire a fast-food worker effectively.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A employs 15-year-olds in front-of-house roles like order taking and serving customers with friendliness and efficiency.
Burger King
Burger King offers team member positions for 15 year olds including operating cash registers and maintaining clean dining spaces.
Wendy's
Wendy's hires young workers for cashier and kitchen aide roles to assist with food preparation and customer orders.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell employs 15-year-olds as part of the crew handling food assembly and counter duties for fast service.
Subway
Subway offers entry-level cashier and sandwich maker roles suitable for 15-year-olds eager to learn customer interaction.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen hires 15-year-olds for roles including cashiering and preparing simple menu items under supervision.
Zaxby's
Zaxby's provides team member positions for 15-year-olds focused on customer service and basic food prep duties.
For restaurant owners wanting to attract applicants, see employer branding in job postings.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Fast-casual dining places also offer job opportunities for teens to gain restaurant experience.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires 15-year-olds as cashiers and food prep assistants helping with customer orders and kitchen tasks.
Moe's Southwest Grill
Moe's offers crew member roles suitable for 15-year-olds involving food prep and front counter service.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle employs 15-year-olds in kitchen and cashier positions focusing on fresh food preparation and customer interaction.
Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs hires younger workers as sandwich makers and cashiers gaining fast-paced food service experience.
Jason's Deli
Jason's Deli offers entry-level positions where 15-year-olds assist with customer orders and maintaining clean work areas.
Those interested in learning about the food runner position can explore its job description for more insight.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Georgia law, following federal standards, restricts working hours for 15-year-olds to protect their education and well-being.
When school is in session:
- Maximum 3 hours on a school day.
- Maximum 18 hours in a school week.
- Work must be outside of school hours.
- Permitted work hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
When school is not in session (such as summer break):
- Up to 8 hours on a non-school day.
- Up to 40 hours in a non-school week.
- Work hours extended from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day.
Additionally, minors under the age of 16 are prohibited from engaging in hazardous work, including operating power-driven machinery or cooking over open flames, for their safety.
For employers, understanding job posting compliance helps ensure fair and legal hiring practices.
Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Athens-Clarke County, GA
- Georgia Department of Labor: Child Labor Work Hour Restrictions
- Georgia Department of Labor: Child Labor Minimum Age Requirements
- Georgia Department of Labor: Child Labor Hazardous Occupations
Employers can get hiring tips from the how to hire a cashier resource to attract young candidates.