Places That Hire at 15 in Columbus, OH: Key Takeaways
- 15-year-olds in Columbus, OH can get entry-level jobs like cashier, host/hostess, and crew member in the restaurant industry earning $10-$15/hour.
- Popular fast food chains such as McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, and Wendy's hire 15-year-olds for customer service and food prep roles.
- Ohio limits 15-year-old work hours to max 3 hours on school days and 18 hours weekly during school sessions, extending up to 40 hours weekly during holidays with specific daily timeframes.
Finding a job at 15 in Columbus, OH is possible especially in restaurants serving fast food or fast-casual dining.
This article details the types of jobs available, top employers in the area, state work hour rules, and useful job-seeking resources.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Columbus, OH?
At 15 years old, most job opportunities in Columbus’s restaurant scene are entry-level positions focusing on customer interaction and basic food handling.
Typical roles include cashier, host/hostess, and crew member. These jobs teach valuable skills like operating registers, delivering friendly customer service, and preparing simple menu items while maintaining sanitation standards.
Such roles usually offer hourly pay ranging from $10 to $15, varying by employer and specific responsibilities. For more info on cashier positions, see this cashier job description.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Columbus, OH
Many established fast-food chains in Columbus welcome 15-year-olds, offering positions that combine customer service and food preparation.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members responsible for order taking, food prep, and keeping the store clean and welcoming.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A employs 15-year-olds as team members focused on customer service and assisting in food preparation and serving duties.
Burger King
Burger King offers jobs for young workers in cashier roles and kitchen assistance, helping with orders and food prep.
Wendy's
Wendy's hires crew members aged 15 to perform various tasks from customer service to food handling within the restaurant.
Arby's
Arby's team members at 15 can expect to interact with customers, assemble orders, and keep work areas tidy.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen offers 15-year-old workers roles serving customers and preparing menu items like ice cream and snacks.
KFC
KFC employs 15-year-olds in team member roles assisting with food prep and front counter service.
For employers looking to fill positions quickly, our restaurant staff hiring guide provides actionable tips.
Subway
Subway hires sandwich artists aged 15 who prepare sandwiches and manage customer transactions.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Columbus, OH
Fast-casual chains in Columbus also provide junior roles suitable for 15-year-olds looking to gain experience.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires associates at 15 to handle customer service and assist with basic food preparation.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle offers crew member jobs to 15-year-olds involving assembling fresh food orders and serving guests.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company team members aged 15 focus on food service and interacting with customers to ensure a positive dining experience.
For employers interested in hiring for fast food roles, see our detailed fast food worker job description.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Columbus, OH?
Ohio regulates teen work hours strictly to protect education and health for workers aged 15.
During school sessions, 15-year-olds cannot work during school hours and are only permitted to work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The maximum allowed work time is 3 hours per day on school days, totaling no more than 18 hours per school week.
During school holidays or extended breaks (June 1 to September 1 or spells of five consecutive school days off), work hours expand to 7 a.m. through 9 p.m., with a daily maximum of 8 hours and 40 hours per week.
The law also mandates that minors cannot work more than five continuous hours without a break of at least 30 minutes.
Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Columbus, OH
Here are some resources worth checking as a 15-year-old job seeker in Columbus:
- Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4109 - Child Labor
- Ohio Department of Commerce - Division of Industrial Compliance
- U.S. Department of Labor - YouthRules!




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