Places That Hire at 15 in Jersey City, NJ

Places That Hire at 15 in Jersey City, NJ: Key Takeaways

15-year-olds in Jersey City can find jobs in entry-level restaurant roles like cashier, host/hostess, and busser earning $12-$15 per hour.
Fast-food chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Chick-fil-A, and Subway commonly hire at age 15.
New Jersey limits 15-year-olds to work a maximum of 18 hours per week during school and up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session, with specific daily hour caps.

Opportunities abound for 15-year-olds seeking employment in Jersey City's food service industry, particularly within fast-food and fast-casual restaurants.

This article covers typical job roles, prominent employers, work hour restrictions, and helpful resources for young job seekers in Jersey City, NJ.

What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Jersey City, NJ?

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Jersey City, NJ

Several major fast-food chains in Jersey City hire 15-year-olds for crew member and cashier positions involving food prep and customer service.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members and cashiers to assist with food preparation and serving customers efficiently.

Burger King

Burger King offers team member and cashier roles to young workers who handle order processing and maintain cleanliness.

Wendy's

Wendy's employs 15-year-olds primarily as cashiers and crew members focused on welcoming guests and preparing meals.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A recruits 15-year-old team members to support front counter service and assist customers with orders.

Subway

Subway provides opportunities as sandwich artists where teens can prepare custom orders under supervision.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen hires 15-year-olds for crew and cashier positions, involving customer interaction and food assembly.

KFC

KFC offers roles for team members and cashiers, focusing on customer service and basic kitchen tasks suitable for young workers.

Popeyes

Popeyes hires 15-year-olds as crew members assisting in food prep, order taking, and maintaining a clean workspace.

For businesses looking to recruit staff efficiently, our restaurant staff hiring guide offers valuable strategies and tips to attract young and capable employees.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Jersey City, NJ

Fast casual chains also present work options for 15-year-olds to develop skills in food service and customer care.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 15-year-olds as associates and cashiers who handle customer orders and support kitchen duties.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle offers crew member positions preparing fresh ingredients and serving customers in a fast-casual setting.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack allows 15-year-old team members to assist with order taking, food prep, and maintaining the dining area.

Five Guys

Five Guys hires crew members and cashiers at 15 to prepare meals, serve customers, and keep the work area clean.

Qdoba Mexican Eats

Qdoba offers team member and cashier roles to young workers focused on food assembly and customer service.

If you're interested in understanding the best practices for hiring high-performing restaurant employees, this can be a beneficial resource for new restaurant operators.

How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Jersey City, NJ?

New Jersey regulates working hours for 15-year-olds to ensure balance between employment and education.

When school is in session, 15-year-olds may work up to 3 hours on school days, and up to 8 hours on weekends.

Weekly work hours are capped at 18 during the school year, with permissible work hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

During school breaks, 15-year-olds can work up to 8 hours per day and a maximum of 40 hours per week.

Work hours during breaks extend from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., requiring parental approval for schedules between the last school day and Labor Day.

Additionally, minors under 18 must obtain employment certificates, known as working papers, before starting work.

Employers must also provide a 30-minute meal break after 5 consecutive hours of work to comply with labor laws.

For employers, knowing labor regulations is critical. Visit our HR policies checklist for restaurants to ensure compliance with all legal guidelines.

Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Jersey City, NJ

Young workers starting in fast-food roles can also benefit from exploring the fast-food worker job description to understand role expectations and growth opportunities.

01. What jobs are available for 15-year-olds in Jersey City restaurants?

Entry-level roles such as cashier, host/hostess, and busser are common for 15-year-olds in Jersey City.

02. Which fast-food chains hire 15-year-olds in Jersey City, NJ?

Popular fast-food employers include McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Chick-fil-A, and Subway.

03. What are the legal work hour restrictions for 15-year-olds in New Jersey?

During the school year, 15-year-olds can work up to 18 hours per week with specific daily limits, while during breaks they may work up to 40 hours per week.

04. Do 15-year-olds need employment certificates in New Jersey?

Yes, minors under 18 must obtain working papers before employment.

05. Are meal breaks required for young workers in Jersey City?

Employers are required to provide a 30-minute meal break after 5 consecutive hours of work.