Places That Hire at 15 in Rochester, NY: Key Takeaways
- 15-year-olds in Rochester, NY commonly find entry-level jobs as cashiers, hosts/hostesses, or dining attendants earning at least $15/hour.
- Fast food restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's hire 15-year-olds for crew and customer service roles.
- New York State limits work hours for 15-year-olds to 3 hours on school days and up to 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly limits of 18 hours during school.
There are many job opportunities in Rochester for teenagers 15 years old, especially in the restaurant sector.
This article covers job types, hiring restaurants, work hour rules, and resources for young job seekers.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Rochester, NY?
At age 15 in Rochester, typical restaurant jobs include entry-level positions ideal for gaining work experience.
Common roles are cashier, host/hostess, and dining area attendant, involving customer service, order taking, and maintaining clean dining spaces.
These jobs usually pay the New York state minimum wage, which is $15.00 per hour starting 2025.
Skills developed include communication, teamwork, and responsibility, which build a good foundation for future employment.
Employers looking to fill these roles can benefit from our guide on how to hire a cashier effectively.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Rochester, NY
Several popular fast-food chains in Rochester hire 15-year-olds for roles focused on customer service and food prep.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members who work on food preparation and serving customers efficiently.
Burger King
Burger King offers cashier and dining area maintenance positions for young employees age 15 and up.
Wendy's
Wendy's employs 15-year-olds to handle customer service tasks and assembling food orders.
Taco Bell
The team at Taco Bell includes 15-year-olds working as cashiers and lobby attendants.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen hires front counter staff who also assist with ice cream preparation duties for young workers.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A offers positions to 15-year-olds performing as team members focusing on friendly customer service.
Subway
Subway hires 15-year-old employees to help with sandwich preparation and cashier responsibilities.
KFC
KFC employs 15-year-olds for cashier and dining area maintenance roles to support smooth operations.
For restaurant owners and managers, learning about restaurant staff hiring strategies can help build a strong team.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Rochester, NY
Fast-casual dining establishments also extend job opportunities to 15-year-olds for customer service and food prep.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires 15-year-olds to work as cashiers and dining room attendants who assist customers and maintain cleanliness.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle offers cashier and food preparation assistant roles to young workers aged 15 and older.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company employs 15-year-olds in food assembly and customer service positions to help team operations.
Managers can gain insight on how to hire a kitchen manager to ensure smooth operations, even in fast-casual settings.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Rochester, NY?
New York State labor laws set strict limits on the hours 14- and 15-year-olds may work to ensure education is prioritized.
When school is in session:
- Up to 3 hours on a school day
- Up to 8 hours on a Saturday or non-school day
- A maximum of 18 hours per week
- Permitted work hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
When school is not in session (such as during summer vacation):
- Up to 8 hours per day
- Maximum 40 hours per week
- Permitted work hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
These guidelines help young workers balance employment with schooling while ensuring safety and rest.
Employers should familiarize themselves with hiring Gen Z hospitality employees effectively to create a positive work environment.
Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Rochester, NY
- New York State Department of Labor: Hours of Work for Minors
- New York State Education Department: Working Papers
- New York State Department of Labor: Youth Worker Information Hub
For teens interested in beginning their hospitality careers, exploring hostess interview questions can be a helpful preparation resource.




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