9 min read

Places That Hire at 15 in Paterson, NJ

Discover entry-level jobs and popular employers hiring 15-year-olds in Paterson, NJ’s restaurant industry.

teen working at fast food restaurant in Paterson NJ

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.

Need to hire employees?
OR
Looking for top paid jobs?

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

For more insights on recruiting staff effectively, read our spotlight on hiring a restaurant consultant to enhance your recruitment strategy.

FAQs About Places That Hire at 15 in Paterson, NJ

15-year-olds can find entry-level positions in restaurants such as cashiers, bussers, hosts, and food prep roles.

Chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, KFC, Dunkin', Subway, Popeyes, and Taco Bell actively hire 15-year-olds.

15-year-olds cannot work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week, and must only work outside school hours during the school year.

Yes, minors must obtain employment certificates to comply with state labor laws before starting work.

Fast-casual spots like Chipotle, Panera Bread, Shake Shack, Five Guys, and Qdoba offer positions suitable for 15-year-olds.