Places That Hire at 15 in Salem, MA

Places That Hire at 15 in Salem, MA: Key Takeaways

• 15-year-olds in Salem, MA can work in non-hazardous restaurant roles like cashier, host/hostess, busser, dishwasher, and food prep assistant.
• Fast food and fast-casual chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Panera Bread, and Chipotle hire workers at 15 for entry-level positions.
• Massachusetts limits work hours for 14- and 15-year-olds during the school year to 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week, with permits required before employment.

In Salem, Massachusetts, teens aged 15 have opportunities to work in various restaurant jobs that offer basic experience and skill building.

This guide outlines common positions, employers, legal working hours, and helpful resources for young workers.

What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Salem, MA?

At age 15 in Salem, MA, minors can work in several non-hazardous entry-level restaurant roles focused on customer service and support tasks.

Typical job titles include:

• Host/Hostess: Greeting guests and managing seating arrangements. For insights on excelling in this role, explore our hostess interview questions.
• Cashier: Handling customer transactions and operating registers. Learn more about becoming a successful cashier job description.
• Busser: Clearing and setting tables to support the dining area. Hiring managers might find useful tips in our best restaurants for bussers to make money spotlight.
• Dishwasher: Cleaning dishes and kitchen utensils. New dishwashers can prepare by reviewing commonly asked dishwasher interview questions.
• Food Prep Assistant: Assisting with basic food preparation under supervision.

Massachusetts law prohibits 15-year-olds from performing potentially dangerous duties such as operating machinery, cooking on open flames, baking, or working in freezers.

These roles offer teens a chance to develop customer service, teamwork, and basic food handling skills in a supervised setting.

For restaurant owners, ensuring proper hiring and training strategies can improve retention and performance. Check out our restaurant staff hiring guide for effective methods.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Salem, MA

Several popular fast-food chains in Salem, MA hire 15-year-olds for crew member jobs involving food prep and customer service. Understanding the role of a fast food worker job description can help teens and employers better prepare for the position.

McDonald's

McDonald's employs 15-year-olds as crew members responsible for cashier duties, food preparation, and front counter service.

Burger King

Burger King hires young employees for kitchen tasks and cashiering, emphasizing teamwork and quick service.

Wendy's

Wendy's provides opportunities for 15-year-olds to work as crew members in roles including order-taking and food prep.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen hires 15-year-old cashiers and customer service associates focused on serving and maintaining store cleanliness.

Subway

Subway employs sandwich artists at age 15 who assemble sandwiches and help with customer orders.

For those interested in moving beyond entry-level roles, understanding how to hire and retain kitchen staff is crucial. Our guide to hiring reliable kitchen staff offers valuable resources.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Salem, MA

Fast-casual dining spots also welcome 15-year-olds in entry-level roles that build experience in food preparation and customer interaction.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 15-year-olds as associates responsible for taking orders, cashiering, and assisting in the kitchen.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle offers crew member roles suitable for teens that involve food prep and customer service tasks.

Five Guys

Five Guys employs young workers in positions such as cashier and food preparation helping deliver quick, quality service.

Employers in fast-casual restaurants can explore guide to hiring a restaurant consultant to optimize staffing.

How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Salem, MA?

Massachusetts enforces strict work-hour limits for 14 and 15-year-olds to protect their education and health.

During the school year, teens may not work while school is in session and are limited to a maximum of 3 hours on school days.

They can work up to 18 hours per week, with no more than 8 hours allowed on weekends or holidays.

Permitted work hours run between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. when school is in session.

When school is not in session, 15-year-olds may work up to 8 hours per day and a maximum of 40 hours per week.

During summer (July 1–Labor Day), work hours extend to 7 a.m. through 9 p.m., and the maximum is 6 days per week.

All minors under 18 must obtain a youth employment work permit from their school superintendent before starting employment. This permit requires employer info, job description, and a doctor’s certificate if under 16.

Employers should be aware of these restrictions when hiring young workers. Our age requirement job posting spotlight provides guidelines on compliance and best practices.

Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Salem, MA

• Massachusetts Attorney General's Fair Labor Division - Working Under 18
• Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards - Youth Employment Permit Information
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health - Guide for Working Teens

Young workers can gain valuable skills for future hospitality careers by starting in these roles. For a broader perspective, see our best summer jobs for teens spotlight.