Places That Hire at 15 in Paterson, NJ: Key Takeaways
- 15-year-olds in Paterson, NJ can work in entry-level restaurant roles like cashiers, bussers, and hosts earning a minimum wage of $15.49/hour.
- Popular fast-food and fast-casual chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, Chipotle, and Panera Bread hire 15-year-olds for food prep and customer service positions.
- New Jersey limits work to 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day for minors under 16, with work only allowed outside school hours during the school year.
Many restaurants in Paterson offer job opportunities for 15-year-olds seeking early work experience.
This article covers typical job types, top employers, legal work hours, and helpful resources for teen job seekers.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Paterson, NJ?
At age 15, teens can hold entry-level restaurant jobs where they interact with customers and support dining operations.
Common roles include bussers who clear tables, cashiers who handle transactions, and hosts who seat guests.
These jobs teach communication skills, responsibility, and work ethics important for future employment.
New Jersey mandates that minors obtain employment certificates before starting work, ensuring compliance with labor laws.
Employers looking to hire young hospitality staff can benefit from our restaurant staff hiring guide to find effective strategies.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Paterson, NJ
Paterson has various fast-food chains that welcome 15-year-old employees to join their teams, offering hands-on service experience.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members who prepare food, provide customer service, and maintain a clean environment.
Burger King
At Burger King, team members aged 15 engage in cashiering and food preparation duties.
Wendy's
Wendy's offers opportunities for 15-year-olds to take orders, prepare food, and keep dining areas tidy.
KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
KFC employs team members to assist in food service, cashiering, and restaurant sanitation.
Dunkin'
Dunkin' crew members aged 15 partake in customer service and beverage preparation while helping with store upkeep.
Subway
Subway hires sandwich artists who prepare foods, manage customer transactions, and ensure cleanliness.
Popeyes
Popeyes offers roles for 15-year-olds in food prep, customer service, and restaurant maintenance.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell engages 15-year-olds as team members focused on taking orders, preparing food, and maintaining a clean space.
Employers seeking to improve team efficiency can consult our spotlight on restaurant staffing best practices.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Paterson, NJ
Fast-casual dining restaurants also hire young teens, providing a slightly different dining experience with varied duties.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle recruits 15-year-old crew members for food prep, customer service, and restaurant cleanliness.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires associates to serve customers, prepare food, and maintain store cleanliness.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack employs team members aged 15 for food preparation, cash handling, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Five Guys
Five Guys offers crew member roles for taking orders, preparing food, and cleaning duties suitable for 15-year-olds.
Qdoba Mexican Eats
Qdoba hires team members aged 15 to assist with food prep, service, and restaurant upkeep.
Learn more about how to hire a cook to support your kitchen staff effectively.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Paterson, NJ?
New Jersey limits teen work to support education and well-being.
Minors under 16, including 15-year-olds, may not work more than 40 hours per week or 8 hours per day.
During the school year, work is only permitted outside scheduled school hours.
Employers must also provide a 30-minute meal break for shifts lasting over 6 continuous hours.
These regulations balance work experience with schooling and rest.
Employers can reference tips on hiring high performers to find reliable young staff within these limits.
Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Paterson, NJ
- New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Youth Employment
- New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development - For Employers of Workers Under 18
- New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Child Labor Laws and Regulations
For more insights on recruiting staff effectively, read our spotlight on hiring a restaurant consultant to enhance your recruitment strategy.