Places That Hire at 15 in Naperville, IL: Key Takeaways
- 15-year-olds in Naperville, IL can work entry-level restaurant roles such as cashier, host/hostess, or busser, earning around $13.00 per hour (Illinois minimum wage in 2025).
- Illinois law permits 15-year-olds to work limited hours in non-hazardous jobs excluding establishments serving liquor or involving heavy machinery.
- Work hour limits for 15-year-olds include up to 3 hours on school days and 24 hours per week during school; summer hours extend to 8 hours daily and 48 hours weekly.
Looking for a job at 15 in Naperville? There are various fast-food and fast-casual restaurants that hire teens for roles with flexible hours.
This article explains typical jobs for 15-year-olds in restaurants, lists employers that hire young workers, covers work hour regulations, and provides useful resources.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Naperville, IL?
At age 15, jobs in the Naperville restaurant industry are generally entry-level and involve customer interaction or support duties.
Common positions include:
- Cashier – handling payments and customer service
- Host/Hostess – greeting guests and managing seating
- Busser – clearing tables and helping maintain a clean environment
These roles typically require basic communication skills, the ability to stand for extended periods, and adherence to health and safety guidelines.
Employers can benefit from knowing how to hire young talent effectively; for guidance, see our how to hire a cashier resource.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Naperville, IL
Several popular fast-food chains in Naperville are known for hiring 15-year-olds for crew member or team roles that involve customer service and food preparation.
McDonald's
McDonald's employs 15-year-olds primarily as crew members involved in order taking, food prep, and maintaining cleanliness.
To successfully manage fast-food hiring, check our guide on how to hire a fast-food worker.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A hires teens to perform front counter duties and assist with food service, providing valuable customer interaction experience.
Culver's
Culver’s offers positions suitable for 15-year-olds, including cashier and dining area support roles, with a focus on hospitality.
Burger King
At Burger King, young workers may handle cash registers and basic food assembly responsibilities under supervision.
Wendy's
Wendy’s hires teens for team member roles that involve food prep and customer service, ideal for first job experiences.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Naperville, IL
Fast-casual restaurants provide additional opportunities for teens looking to build skills in a slightly more upscale environment.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread takes on young employees as cashiers and kitchen assistants aiding in food prep and order fulfillment.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle offers crew member roles where 15-year-olds help prepare fresh ingredients and serve customers efficiently.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company hires teens for entry-level roles such as cashier and food prep, encouraging teamwork and communication.
If you want tips on staff hiring in the hospitality industry, explore our restaurant staff hiring spotlight.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Naperville, IL?
Illinois regulates work hours for 15-year-olds to balance employment with education and health.
During the school year:
- Work is allowed between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Up to 3 hours on school days, ensuring total combined school and work hours do not exceed 8 hours daily.
- Up to 8 hours on non-school days.
- Maximum of 24 hours per week, and no more than 6 consecutive workdays.
During summer break (June 1 through Labor Day):
- Working hours extend from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Up to 8 hours daily.
- Maximum of 48 hours weekly, still not exceeding 6 consecutive days.
Additionally, minors working 5 or more continuous hours must receive a 30-minute meal break.
These rules ensure teens have time to focus on school while gaining work experience safely.
For employers managing teen workers, understanding interview questions is helpful; see common interview questions for hostess positions.
Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Naperville, IL
- Illinois Department of Labor - Child Labor Law
- Illinois Compiled Statutes - Child Labor Law (820 ILCS 205/)
To enhance your hiring strategy, consider our guide to hiring a restaurant manager, which is useful even for entry-level staff planning.