Places That Hire at 15 in Baltimore, MD: Key Takeaways
- 15-year-olds in Baltimore can work as cashiers, hosts/hostesses, bussers in fast food and fast-casual restaurants earning at least $12.75/hour.
- Popular fast food and fast-casual chains like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, and Chipotle hire employees starting at age 15.
- Maryland restricts work hours for 14- and 15-year-olds to 3 hours per school day and 18 hours per school week, with extended hours allowed during summer.
Young workers in Baltimore have multiple entry-level restaurant opportunities to gain experience and earn wages compliant with youth labor laws.
This article reviews job types, major employers, work hour regulations, and official resources for 15-year-olds seeking employment.
Best summer jobs for teens provide a great pathway for young workers to enter the hospitality industry.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Baltimore, MD?
At 15, employment options in Baltimore’s restaurant sector generally focus on entry-level positions requiring customer interaction and basic food service skills.
Common roles include cashier, where you handle transactions; host/hostess, greeting and seating guests; and busser, clearing and resetting tables.
These jobs provide foundational experience in customer service, communication, and teamwork—all valuable skills for future career growth.
Maryland’s state minimum wage rules ensure that workers under 18, including 15-year-olds, earn at least 85% of the full minimum wage, or $12.75 per hour as of 2025.
Employers looking to attract young entrants can find helpful advice in our how to hire a cashier guide.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Baltimore, MD
Several fast food chains in Baltimore are known for hiring 15-year-olds to fill essential crew member roles involving food prep and customer service.
McDonald's
McDonald’s frequently employs 15-year-olds as crew members who assist customers, handle food preparation, and maintain cleanliness.
For those interested in fast food careers, the fast food worker job description provides a detailed overview.
Burger King
Burger King hires young team members tasked with taking orders, serving customers promptly, and keeping the restaurant tidy.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A offers employment as team members focusing on friendly customer service, order accuracy, and food handling.
Wendy's
Wendy’s employs 15-year-olds for roles that include cashier duties, food prep, and maintaining a clean dining environment.
KFC
KFC hires young workers to handle customer orders and assist with kitchen tasks under supervision.
Subway
At Subway, 15-year-olds often serve as sandwich artists, preparing food and helping customers customize their meals.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen offers crew member roles focusing on customer service and product preparation like ice cream and snacks.
Arby's
Arby’s team members, including those aged 15, assist with food prep, order taking, and keeping the work area clean.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Baltimore, MD
Fast-casual restaurants also welcome 15-year-olds to entry-level jobs that combine food service with customer assistance.
Panera Bread
At Panera Bread, associates at age 15 help with customer orders, food prep, and maintaining a welcoming environment.
Employers can benefit from our guide to hiring a restaurant consultant for optimizing fast-casual operations.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle employs crew members aged 15 to assist in preparing fresh ingredients and serving customers efficiently.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company hires team members who take orders and assist in food service tasks appropriate for young workers.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Baltimore, MD?
Maryland law strictly regulates work hours for 14- and 15-year-olds to protect young workers’ education and health.
During the school year, 15-year-olds may not work more than 3 hours on a school day or 18 hours per school week.
On non-school days and during breaks, the limit increases to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
Work is prohibited before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m., except from Memorial Day through Labor Day when evening hours extend to 9:00 p.m.
Additionally, young workers cannot work more than five consecutive hours without at least a 30-minute break.
These restrictions ensure teens gain work experience without compromising their schooling or well-being.
Employers can find helpful tips on compliance and hiring youth workers in steps in the hiring process.
Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Baltimore, MD
- Maryland Department of Labor: Employment of Minors (Work Permit)
- Maryland People's Law Library: Youth Employment Safety Laws
- Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH): Guide to Safety and Health for Teen Workers
For young workers aspiring to dining service roles, the hostess job description offers insights on expectations and duties.