Places That Hire at 15 in Houston, TX

Places That Hire at 15 in Houston, TX: Key Takeaways

15-year-olds in Houston, TX can work in entry-level restaurant roles such as cashier, host/hostess, and busser.
Popular fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A hire workers starting at age 15 for crew member and customer service jobs.
Texas labor laws limit work hours for 15-year-olds to no more than 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week, with federal FLSA rules adding restrictions during school time.

If you are 15 and looking for your first job in Houston, Texas, there are multiple opportunities available in restaurants and food service.

This guide highlights typical jobs, top employers that hire at 15, work hour regulations, and resources to help you get started.

For employers looking to efficiently staff their restaurants, restaurant staff hiring strategies offer great insights.

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

At 15, many jobs focus on entry-level positions that require minimal experience but provide valuable customer service and food handling skills.

You can expect to find roles such as cashier, host/hostess, busser, and food prep assistant. These jobs involve basic tasks like taking orders, serving customers, prepping food items, and maintaining cleanliness.

Typical wages align with the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour, though rates may vary depending on the employer and the specific duties assigned.

For more about bussers as part of the food service team, check out this detailed busser job description.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Houston, TX

Many popular fast-food chains in Houston welcome 15-year-olds as crew members and team helpers. These positions are a great way to gain work experience while learning customer service.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members responsible for taking orders, food prep, and keeping the restaurant clean, providing a structured training environment.

If you're an employer looking to optimize fast-food staffing, this guide to hiring fast-food workers can be very useful.

Burger King

Burger King offers positions like team member where you serve customers, prepare food, and help maintain a safe dining area.

Subway

At Subway, 15-year-olds can work as sandwich artists, making sandwiches to order, handling cash transactions, and keeping the store tidy and clean.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A hires team members at 15 to assist with food preparation, customer interactions, and maintaining high restaurant standards.

KFC

KFC employs 15-year-olds in team member roles focused on food prep, customer service, and cleaning duties.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen positions for 15-year-olds often include crew members who serve ice cream treats, prepare food, and handle cashier duties.

Learn more about cashier roles with this cashier job description.

Sonic Drive-In

Sonic offers carhop and crew member roles involving taking orders, delivering food to customers, and keeping the restaurant clean and orderly.

Whataburger

Whataburger allows 15-year-olds to work as team members assisting with food preparation, customer service, and maintaining restaurant upkeep.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Houston, TX

Several fast-casual restaurants also provide entry-level jobs suitable for 15-year-olds to gain food service experience.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires associates for cashier and food prep roles, emphasizing friendly customer service and kitchen assistance.

Jason's Deli

Positions such as busser and cashier are available for 15-year-olds, involving customer service and keeping dining areas clean and maintained.

Culver's

Culver's offers team member roles that cover food preparation, customer assistance, and maintaining a clean environment.

How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Houston, TX?

Texas state law sets specific limits on working hours for 14- and 15-year-olds to ensure a balance between work, school, and rest.

These include a maximum of 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week.

Additionally, working before 5 a.m. is prohibited, and work cannot extend past 10 p.m. on days before a school day or past midnight on days not followed by school.

Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations also apply and are sometimes stricter:

When school is in session, teens may work up to 3 hours per school day and 18 hours per school week, only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
When school is not in session, the limits increase to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week, with work allowed between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.

Employers and teens must always follow the more restrictive rule when state and federal laws differ.

Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Houston, TX

Employers hiring young workers can benefit from hospitality job posting compliance to ensure fair and legal recruitment practices.

01. What kind of jobs can 15-year-olds get in Houston restaurants?

15-year-olds can work as cashiers, bussers, hosts/hostesses, and food prep assistants in many Houston restaurants.

02. Which fast-food chains hire 15-year-olds in Houston?

Popular fast-food restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, and Subway offer entry-level roles for 15-year-olds.

03. What are the working hour limits for 15-year-olds in Texas?

Texas law limits work to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week, with stricter federal rules during school sessions.

04. Are there resources to help 15-year-olds find jobs in Houston?

Yes, the Texas Workforce Commission and U.S. Department of Labor offer guidance and resources for young workers.

05. Can 15-year-olds work night shifts in Houston?

No, working before 5 a.m. or after 10 p.m. (on school nights) is prohibited for 15-year-olds under Texas law.