Places That Hire at 15 in Austin, TX: Key Takeaways
- 15-year-olds in Austin, TX can find entry-level restaurant jobs like cashier, host/hostess, busser, and food runner with hourly wages between $8-$12.
- Fast-food chains such as McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Whataburger, Sonic Drive-In, and Subway hire workers at 15 for customer service and food prep roles.
- Texas labor laws restrict 15-year-olds to work a maximum of 8 hours per day and up to 48 hours weekly, with specific hour restrictions on school days.
Many restaurants in Austin welcome 15-year-olds for beginner roles, offering valuable work experience.
Employers looking to hire young hospitality staff can benefit from insights on restaurant staff hiring best practices to attract and retain talent.
This article covers popular job types, key employers, legal work hour limits, and helpful resources for teens.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Austin, TX?
At 15, most available restaurant jobs are entry-level, providing excellent opportunities to develop customer service skills.
Typical positions include cashier, host/hostess, busser, and food runner.
Wage rates usually range from $8 to $12 per hour depending on the employer and job duties.
These roles involve interaction with customers, food handling, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting kitchen staff in food prep.
For employers seeking tips on efficiently hiring these roles, you can explore our guide on how to hire a cashier.
Recently Posted Cashier Jobs in Austin on OysterLink
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Austin, TX
Several major fast-food chains in Austin are known to employ 15-year-olds, filling roles that support customer service and food preparation.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members who assist with food prep and customer service duties.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A offers team member roles that emphasize customer interaction and maintaining a clean dining environment.
Whataburger
Whataburger employs young workers as cashiers and food prep staff to ensure quick, friendly service.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In hires 15-year-olds primarily for carhop positions and kitchen staff roles assisting with food assembly.
Raising Cane's
Raising Cane's provides opportunities as crew members focused on customer service and safe food handling.
Subway
At Subway, 15-year-olds can work as sandwich artists, preparing food and serving customers efficiently.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut employs young workers for cashier and kitchen support positions.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen hires crew members aged 15 who assist with customer orders and food preparation tasks.
If you're interested in how to hire reliable kitchen staff with free templates and tips, check out how to hire reliable kitchen staff.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Austin, TX
Fast-casual dining establishments also provide teen employment, focusing on food prep and customer service roles.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires associates to help with food preparation and attending to customers.
Jason's Deli
Jason's Deli offers jobs like busser and cashier, involving customer engagement and maintaining restaurant cleanliness.
Schlotzsky's
Schlotzsky's employs 15-year-olds for cashier and food prep duties, facilitating smooth operation and service.
For more insight on managing bussers effectively, employers can visit best restaurants for bussers to make money.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Austin, TX?
Texas law limits the working hours of 14- and 15-year-olds to protect their health and education.
They may work a maximum of 8 hours per day and no more than 48 hours during a week.
Work cannot start before 5 a.m.
On days followed by a school day, work must end by 10 p.m., including during summer school sessions.
On days not followed by a school day, work cannot go past midnight.
Federal regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) also apply:
- No work during school hours.
- During the school year, maximum 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week.
- Non-school periods allow up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
- Permissible work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the school year, extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day.
Employers must follow the stricter standards if state and federal rules differ.
These regulations balance work experience with schooling and rest for teens.
This detailed guidance can assist in ensuring compliance with labor laws: age requirements in job postings.
Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Austin, TX
- Texas Workforce Commission: Texas Child Labor Law
- U.S. Department of Labor: YouthRules!
- Texas Workforce Commission: Child Labor











Loading comments...