Places That Hire at 15 in Harrisburg, PA: Key Takeaways
- 15-year-olds in Harrisburg, PA can get entry-level restaurant jobs such as cashier job description, host/hostess, busser, and food preparer, typically earning around $7.25/hour.
- Fast-food chains like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, and Wendy's hire 15-year-olds for crew and customer service roles.
- Pennsylvania limits work hours for 15-year-olds to 3 hours on school days and 18 hours during school weeks, with extended hours allowed when school is not in session.
Many restaurants in Harrisburg, PA welcome 15-year-olds seeking work in entry-level positions to build skills and earn income.
This article details common job types, top employers, labor hour limits, and helpful resources for young job seekers.
Employers looking to build their team might find our restaurant staff hiring spotlight useful for effective strategies when bringing on new hires.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Harrisburg, PA?
At age 15, employment in the restaurant industry usually involves entry-level positions focused on customer service and basic food preparation.
Typical roles include cashier, host or hostess, busser, and food preparer.
In these jobs, 15-year-olds assist with taking orders, serving customers, cleaning dining areas, and helping with simple kitchen tasks under supervision.
Many employers provide on-the-job training to build skills like communication, teamwork, and food safety awareness necessary for these positions.
To help employers refine their hiring process, the guide to creating restaurant job descriptions is an excellent resource.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Harrisburg, PA
Numerous prominent fast-food chains in Harrisburg hire 15-year-old workers for crew member and customer-facing roles.
McDonald's
McDonald's regularly employs 15-year-olds as crew members responsible for order taking, food preparation, and maintaining cleanliness in the restaurant.
Employers interested in hiring at McDonald's and similar settings can see the best ways to hire a fast food worker.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A hires 15-year-olds to join their team for roles focused on excellent customer service and assisting in food prep.
Burger King
At Burger King, 15-year-olds can work as cashiers or kitchen staff, handling order processing and food assembly duties efficiently.
Wendy's
Wendy's offers crew member positions suitable for 15-year-olds involving order taking, food preparation, and upkeep of dining areas.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen provides opportunities for young workers to engage in customer service roles and assist with food preparation tasks.
Arby's
Arby's employs 15-year-olds in team member roles focusing on customer service and food prep responsibilities.
KFC
KFC hires 15-year-olds as team members to help with order taking, preparing food, and keeping the workplace clean.
Subway
Subway looks for 15-year-olds to fill sandwich artist roles, preparing sandwiches and managing customer transactions.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Harrisburg, PA
Fast-casual dining restaurants also offer part-time job options for 15-year-olds to gain food service experience.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires 15-year-olds for associate positions focused on customer service and food preparation duties.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle employs 15-year-olds as crew members, assisting with food preparation and maintaining excellent customer service.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company provides opportunities for 15-year-olds as team members handling food prep and customer interactions.
Employers and managers aiming to hire quality kitchen staff might reference how to hire reliable kitchen staff for practical tips.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Harrisburg, PA?
Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act regulates work hours for 14 and 15-year-olds to ensure safety and prioritize education.
When school is in session, 15-year-olds can work:
- Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Maximum 3 hours per school day
- Up to 18 hours during the school week (Monday through Friday)
- Up to 8 hours on weekends
When school is not in session (summer or holidays), the rules allow:
- Work between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- Up to 8 hours per day
- Maximum 40 hours per week
Minors must also have a 30-minute meal break after 5 consecutive hours worked and cannot be employed more than 6 consecutive days.
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) aligns closely with Pennsylvania’s limits, and employers must adhere to the stricter of the two.
For more details on employment laws and hiring in hospitality, consider reading about HR policies for restaurants.
Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Harrisburg, PA
- Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry - Child Labor Act
- U.S. Department of Labor - YouthRules!
- Pennsylvania Department of Education - Child Labor Law
Young workers and their guardians may find the best summer jobs for teens article helpful for exploring other opportunities beyond fast food and restaurants.