Places That Hire at 15 in Chico, CA

Places That Hire at 15 in Chico, CA: Key Takeaways

15-year-olds in Chico, CA can work in non-hazardous restaurant roles such as cashier, food prep, dishwasher, and bussing tables earning around $10 to $12 per hour.
Popular fast-food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and Subway often hire 15-year-olds for entry-level positions.
California law limits work hours for 15-year-olds to 3 hours per school day and 18 hours per school week, with longer hours allowed during school vacations.

In Chico, California, teenage employment opportunities abound in the restaurant sector, particularly within fast-food and fast-casual franchises. Knowing legal work limits and suitable job types is vital to safely enter the workforce at 15.

This guide covers job roles, top Chico employers that hire at 15, work hour regulations, and official resources for youth employment.

Employers looking to hire young workers efficiently may find our restaurant staff hiring guide helpful for navigating labor laws and finding the right candidates.

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

Fifteen-year-olds in Chico are typically employed in entry-level, non-hazardous positions that do not involve dangerous equipment or cooking over open flames. These roles provide a great opportunity to develop customer service and teamwork skills.

Common positions available include:

Cashier: handling money transactions and interacting with customers
Food Preparation Assistant: prepping ingredients under supervision but not cooking on open flames
Bussers: clearing and setting tables
Dishwashers: cleaning dishes and kitchenware

These jobs pay roughly $10 to $12 per hour in Chico, depending on employer and responsibilities.

For employers interested in detailed job responsibilities, reviewing the busser job description or the dishwasher job description can help craft appropriate roles suitable for younger workers.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Chico, CA

Several major fast-food chains in Chico hire 15-year-olds for crew member roles involving customer service and basic food handling. These jobs are ideal for teenagers seeking their first work experience.

McDonald's

McDonald's commonly hires 15-year-olds as crew members who assist with taking orders, preparing food, and maintaining cleanliness.

Burger King

Burger King offers team member roles suitable for 15-year-olds to operate cash registers and support kitchen prep without hazardous tasks.

Wendy's

Wendy's hires younger teens primarily for front counter and food prep duties, helping them gain customer-facing experience.

If you are hiring for fast food roles, check out our tips on how to hire a fast food worker to attract the best young talent efficiently.

Taco Bell

At Taco Bell, 15-year-old employees typically manage order taking, assembly, and maintaining clean dining areas.

Subway

Subway hires 15-year-olds in sandwich preparation and cashier roles where safety guidelines must be closely followed.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Chico, CA

Fast-casual restaurants also employ 15-year-olds in safe, supportive roles that develop food service skills.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle allows 15-year-olds to assist with ingredient prep and customer service tasks but restricts hazardous kitchen duties.

Panda Express

Panda Express hires young workers to help with food prep and cleaning tasks while adhering to safety requirements for minors.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires teens for cashiering and food prep, ensuring teens work within legal limits and job restrictions.

Employers planning recruitment can refer to our guide to hiring a restaurant consultant to optimize hiring strategies for various restaurant positions.

How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Chico, CA?

California establishes strict rules to protect young workers’ education and wellbeing.

During school days, 15-year-olds may work up to 3 hours per day and a maximum of 18 hours per week.

On non-school days, teens can work up to 8 hours in a day and during vacation periods, the weekly limit extends to 40 hours.

Permissible work hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., but from June 1 through Labor Day, this extends to 9:00 p.m..

These regulations ensure teens balance work responsibilities with schooling and rest.

Employers can also benefit from reading about California overtime laws for workers in 2025 to remain compliant in scheduling and compensation policies.

Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Chico, CA

For young job seekers and employers alike, understanding the best practices on how to hire a cashier can improve the onboarding experience and job satisfaction.

01. What kinds of jobs can 15-year-olds get in Chico, CA?

15-year-olds are typically hired for entry-level, non-hazardous roles like cashier, food prep assistant, busser, and dishwasher positions in Chico’s restaurant industry.

02. Which fast-food chains hire 15-year-olds in Chico, CA?

Major chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, and Subway commonly employ 15-year-olds in customer service and food handling roles.

03. How many hours can a 15-year-old legally work in Chico, CA?

California law limits 15-year-olds to 3 hours per school day, 18 hours weekly during school, with extended hours allowed during vacations.

04. Are there any restrictions on the kind of work 15-year-olds can do in Chico, CA?

Yes, 15-year-olds must avoid hazardous tasks such as operating heavy machinery, cooking with open flames, and other high-risk duties.

05. Where can 15-year-olds find official resources for work permits in Chico, CA?

Official information and work permit applications are available through the California Department of Industrial Relations and Department of Education websites.