Places That Hire at 15 in Cambridge, MA

Places That Hire at 15 in Cambridge, MA: Key Takeaways

15-year-olds in Cambridge, MA can work in entry-level restaurant roles such as host/hostess, busser, cashier, and dishwasher.
Fast-food and fast-casual chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Dunkin', Subway, Chipotle, Panera Bread, and Five Guys often hire 15-year-olds.
Massachusetts law restricts 15-year-old work hours to 3 hours on school days and up to 18 hours per week during school; up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week when school is not in session.

Many dining establishments in Cambridge offer starter jobs for 15-year-olds, balancing work experience with schooling.

This article details job types, popular employers, work hour limits, and resources for teen job seekers.

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

At 15, teens typically take on entry-level roles in restaurants that provide customer interaction and light food service duties.

Typical positions include host/hostess greeting and seating customers, busser clearing tables, cashier managing transactions, and dishwasher cleaning kitchenware.

Understanding these roles helps teens gain valuable skills like customer service, teamwork, and responsibility.

Massachusetts prohibits tasks like operating heavy machinery, cooking with open flames, or working in freezers for under-16 workers, ensuring safety for young employees.

For employers looking to hire young workers, our restaurant staff hiring guide can help streamline your recruitment process.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Cambridge, MA

Several popular fast-food chains in Cambridge hire 15-year-olds for crew and team member roles, focusing on customer service and kitchen support.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members, where they assist with food preparation, order taking, and maintaining cleanliness. For employers, see our guide on how to hire fast food workers effectively.

Burger King

Burger King employs 15-year-olds in team member roles involving customer service and cashier duties.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers positions for young workers to gain experience as crew members in both front-of-house and kitchen tasks.

Dunkin'

Dunkin' hires 15-year-olds for crew positions where they learn to prepare beverages and serve customers.

Subway

Subway welcomes 15-year-olds to work as sandwich artists, assembling orders and interacting with customers.

For a detailed job overview, check our fast food worker job description.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Cambridge, MA

Fast-casual restaurants in Cambridge also present opportunities for 15-year-olds to gain experience in food preparation and customer service.

Chipotle

Chipotle hires 15-year-olds as crew members who assist with ingredient prep and serving customers in a fast-paced environment.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread employs young associates for cashier and food prep roles, helping maintain smooth operations.

Five Guys

Five Guys crew members aged 15 perform duties such as assembling burgers, taking orders, and cleaning.

Employers seeking to improve kitchen efficiency can explore how to hire reliable kitchen staff resources.

How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Cambridge, MA?

Massachusetts law sets clear limits on work hours for 14- and 15-year-olds to protect their education and well-being.

During the school year, 15-year-olds may not work during school hours, can work up to 3 hours on school days, and up to 18 hours weekly.

On weekends and holidays during the school year, they may work up to 8 hours per day.

When school is not in session, teens can work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week, with a workweek of up to 6 days allowed.

Work is permitted between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year, extending to 9 p.m. from July 1 through Labor Day.

After 8 p.m., minors must be supervised directly by an adult present and reasonably accessible at the workplace.

These safeguards ensure teens have time for rest, education, and work experience.

Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Cambridge, MA

For prospective young employees and employers, the best summer jobs for teens spotlight provides great insights.

01. What jobs can a 15-year-old get in Cambridge, MA?

At 15, teens can work as host/hostess, busser, cashier, dishwasher, and other entry-level restaurant positions.

02. Which fast-food chains hire 15-year-olds in Cambridge?

Popular fast-food chains hiring teens include McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Dunkin', and Subway.

03. How many hours can a 15-year-old legally work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law limits 15-year-olds to 3 hours on school days and up to 18 hours per week during school or 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week when school is not in session.

04. Are there restrictions on work tasks for 15-year-olds?

Yes, Massachusetts prohibits young workers from operating heavy machinery, cooking with open flames, or working in freezers.

05. Where can 15-year-olds find resources about working in Cambridge, MA?

Teens can find resources from the Massachusetts Attorney General's Fair Labor Division, Department of Labor Standards, and U.S. Department of Labor websites.