Places That Hire at 15 in Portland, OR: Key Takeaways
- 15-year-olds in Portland, OR, can work in entry-level restaurant roles such as cashier job description, host/hostess, and busser earning minimum wage of $14.75 per hour as of 2025.
- Several fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and Subway hire workers at age 15 for various customer service and food prep positions.
- Oregon restricts teen work hours for 14- and 15-year-olds to 3 hours on school days and 18 hours per week when school is in session with extended hours in summer.
For 15-year-olds in Portland, Oregon, the restaurant industry offers various part-time job opportunities. Fast food and fast casual restaurants provide many entry-level positions suitable for young workers eager to gain work experience.
This article details common job types, notable employers, legal working hours for minors, and resources for teen job seekers in Portland.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Portland, OR?
Fifteen-year-olds seeking work in Portland’s restaurant sector typically fill entry-level roles that involve customer interaction and basic food service tasks.
Common positions include cashier, host or hostess, and busser. These jobs teach vital skills such as customer service, cash handling, order assembly, and maintaining a clean dining environment.
Learn more about the busser job description and what to expect in this role as a starting position in the hospitality industry.
The minimum wage in Portland as of 2025 is $14.75 per hour, ensuring that teen workers earn a fair wage for their contribution.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Portland, OR
Young workers in Portland can find opportunities at major fast-food chains which hire at age 15 for various roles primarily focused on customer service and food preparation.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members who assist customers, serve food, and help keep the restaurant clean and organized.
Discover insights on how to hire a cashier, a critical role for fast-food establishments like McDonald's.
Burger King
At Burger King, teens aged 15 can work as cashiers or kitchen staff, learning food safety and customer service skills.
Wendy's
Wendy's offers roles for young workers in cashier and food handling positions supporting fast service in a busy environment.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell employs 15-year-olds to work as cashiers and food assemblers, focusing on quick and friendly service.
Subway
Subway hires teens in roles like sandwich artist, where they prepare customer orders and maintain fresh ingredients.
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Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Portland, OR
In addition to fast food, fast casual restaurants in Portland also offer job opportunities ideal for 15-year-olds looking to build experience in food service.
For example, the food runner job description outlines the responsibilities that are often part of these fast-casual roles emphasizing speed and customer interaction.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread employs 15-year-olds as cashiers and dining room attendants responsible for order taking and maintaining a welcoming environment.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle offers crew member positions to teens, emphasizing food preparation with fresh ingredients and quality customer service.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company hires 15-year-olds as cashiers and food runners, providing experience in a fast-paced kitchen and dining setting.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Portland, OR?
Oregon law sets clear restrictions on work hours for 14- and 15-year-olds to protect their education and well-being.
When school is in session, 15-year-olds may not work more than 3 hours on school days, up to 8 hours on non-school days, and no more than 18 hours in a week. Work must occur between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and working during school hours is prohibited.
When school is not in session, the maximum daily hours increase to 8 hours and weekly hours to 40. Between June 1 and Labor Day, teens can work as late as 9:00 p.m.
These rules ensure that young workers can safely balance job experience with schooling and rest.
Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Portland, OR
- Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries: Minor Workers
- Oregon Occupational Safety and Health: Young Workers
- Portland.gov: Employment of Minors
Employers looking to hire in the restaurant industry can benefit from our restaurant staff hiring guide that covers tips to attract and retain great candidates.
Other helpful insights for employers include guidance on hiring a restaurant consultant to improve operations and staff performance.
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