Places That Hire at 15 in Des Moines, IA: Key Takeaways
- 15-year-olds in Des Moines can find entry-level jobs in fast food and fast casual restaurants such as cashier and crew member roles.
- Top employers hiring 15-year-olds include McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, and Chipotle Mexican Grill.
- Iowa laws limit 15-year-old work hours to a maximum of 28 hours per week during school sessions and 40 hours during breaks, with specific daily hour restrictions.
Finding a job as a 15-year-old in Des Moines, IA is possible mainly in the restaurant industry. Entry-level roles teach valuable customer service and operational skills.
For restaurant owners, understanding how to hire reliable kitchen staff can make a big difference in managing teen employees effectively. How to hire reliable kitchen staff provides useful templates and tips.
This article covers typical job types, major fast-food and fast casual employers, work hour rules, and helpful resources for youth job seekers.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Des Moines, IA?
At 15, most job opportunities in Des Moines' restaurant industry are entry-level roles. These jobs provide a great introduction to the workforce with skills like customer interaction and teamwork.
Common positions include cashier, host/hostess, and dining area attendant. These involve taking orders, serving customers, and maintaining the dining area’s cleanliness and organization.
Some roles also include basic food preparation and operating registers under supervision while adhering to hygiene and safety standards.
For teens interested in host or hostess roles, it's helpful to review hostess interview questions to prepare for job interviews.
And for those applying as cashiers, knowing typical job descriptions helps them better understand employer expectations. See here for a detailed cashier job description.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Des Moines, IA
Many popular fast-food chains in Des Moines welcome 15-year-olds to join their teams. These roles often involve front-line customer service and food preparation in a fast-paced environment.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members and cashiers. These positions focus on taking orders, preparing food, and maintaining customer satisfaction.
Burger King
Burger King offers positions such as team member and cashier for 15-year-olds, emphasizing efficient customer service and working in kitchen prep.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A employs 15-year-olds as team members who handle customer service and help with restaurant operations.
Culver's
At Culver's, 15-year-olds can take on crew member roles involving serving customers and assisting with food prep duties.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen hires 15-year-olds as crew members or cashiers with responsibilities for customer service and product preparation.
Arby's
Arby's offers team member roles suitable for 15-year-olds, including assisting with both customer service and food assembly.
Wendy's
Wendy's welcomes 15-year-olds as crew members and cashiers working in food prep and front counter service.
Subway
Subway hires 15-year-olds as sandwich artists who prepare food and serve customers efficiently.
Management looking to hire and train staff at these chains may find valuable insights in restaurant staff hiring, which covers industry-specific hiring challenges and methods.
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Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Des Moines, IA
Fast-casual restaurants also provide meaningful employment for 15-year-olds, focusing on casual dining experiences with a slightly higher service level than typical fast food.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires 15-year-olds as associates, involving tasks like customer service and food preparation.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company offers team member roles for 15-year-olds focused on assisting customers and contributing to food service.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle employs 15-year-olds as crew members who participate in food preparation and customer service, emphasizing quality and efficiency.
For those interested in kitchen roles, understanding how to become a cook can provide a helpful career path. Check out how to become a cook for more information.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Des Moines, IA?
Iowa labor laws define specific limits on working hours for 15-year-olds to prioritize education and well-being.
During school sessions (Labor Day through June 1), 15-year-olds may work from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for up to 6 hours on school days and 8 hours on weekends, with a maximum of 28 hours per week.
During school breaks (June 1 through Labor Day), permitted hours extend 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with up to 8 hours per day and a maximum of 40 hours per week.
Additionally, a half-hour meal break is required for shifts of five hours or more, either paid or unpaid.
Federal child labor laws impose stricter constraints during school sessions, limiting work to 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week, with allowable work hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Employers must comply with both federal and state laws, adhering to the stricter rules when they differ.
Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Des Moines, IA
- Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing – Child Labor
- U.S. Department of Labor – YouthRules!
- Iowa Workforce Development – Child Labor
Employers can also benefit from this insight on hiring costs in the hospitality industry to better budget their staffing needs.
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