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Places That Hire at 15 in Columbia, SC

Discover which fast-food and fast-casual restaurants hire 15-year-olds in Columbia, SC and learn about work hour limits.

15-year-old job opportunities in Columbia

Places That Hire at 15 in Columbia, SC: Key Takeaways

  • 15-year-olds in Columbia, SC can get entry-level jobs primarily in fast food and fast casual restaurants, such as cashier, server, and kitchen staff.
  • Popular employers that hire 15-year-olds include McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, and Applebee's for roles like crew members and host/hostess.
  • South Carolina limits 15-year-olds to working 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week during school, with more hours allowed during non-school periods.

Finding a job at 15 in Columbia, SC means exploring opportunities in the restaurant sector where many businesses welcome younger workers.

This article covers typical positions, top employers, legal work hour limits, and helpful resources for teens seeking employment.

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

At 15, job options in restaurants focus on entry-level roles that involve customer interaction and basic food service tasks.

Common positions include cashier, server, food preparer, busser, and custodian roles that do not require heavy machinery or vehicle operation. Entry-level roles like busser job description or fast food worker job description provide excellent starting points for teens.

These jobs help young workers develop skills like teamwork, communication, and reliability.

Understanding the basics of customer service and food safety can be useful for success in these roles. Employers can find useful advice with the restaurant staff hiring spotlight for best hiring practices.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Columbia, SC

Several major fast-food chains in Columbia are known for hiring 15-year-olds, offering a variety of roles from cashiering to food prep.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 15-year-olds primarily as crew members and cashiers, focusing on customer service and food preparation tasks. For employers looking to recruit staff, the how to hire a fast food worker spotlight offers valuable insights.

Burger King

Burger King offers positions to 15-year-olds as team members and cashiers, where they assist in order taking and maintaining the dining area.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A employs young workers in team member roles performing front counter duties and kitchen support.

Zaxby's

Zaxby's provides opportunities as cashiers and kitchen staff for 15-year-olds looking for entry-level restaurant jobs.

KFC

KFC hires 15-year-olds for team member and cashier roles, integrating them into the fast-food service environment.

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut offers team member jobs that include food preparation and delivery support without requiring driving responsibilities.

Hardee's

Hardee's allows 15-year-olds to work as crew members and cashiers focusing on customer-facing tasks and kitchen duties.

Little Caesars

Little Caesars employs young workers in crew and kitchen positions to assist with food prep and customer orders.

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Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Columbia, SC

Fast-casual restaurants also hire 15-year-olds for roles involving customer interaction and basic food preparation.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 15-year-olds as cashiers and bakery-café associates helping with customer orders and light kitchen duties.

Applebee's

Applebee's employs 15-year-olds primarily as host/hostess and server assistants, roles that emphasize customer greeting and table maintenance. Employers interested in hiring hosts can explore our how to hire a hostess spotlight for tips and strategies on attracting the best candidates.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Freddy's offers team member and cashier roles to 15-year-olds with responsibilities including food service and customer support.

How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Columbia, SC?

South Carolina law limits the working hours for 15-year-olds to protect their schooling and well-being.

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

Permissible working hours during these times are between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

During non-school periods such as summer breaks, the limits increase to 8 hours per day and up to 40 hours per week.

Work hours during non-school sessions can be between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

These restrictions balance work experience with education and rest for teenage workers.

Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Columbia, SC

For those interested in understanding hiring strategies tailored to entry-level roles, see our guide to hiring a restaurant consultant which can help improve recruitment outcomes.

FAQs About Places That Hire at 15 in Columbia, SC

15-year-olds can work in entry-level roles such as cashier, server, food preparer, or busser in Columbia, SC restaurants.

Chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, and KFC commonly hire 15-year-olds.

They can work up to 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week during school sessions.

Yes, fast-casual places like Panera Bread and Applebee's offer roles suitable for teens that help build customer service skills.

The South Carolina Department of Labor website provides comprehensive details on child labor regulations.