Places That Hire at 15 in St. Paul, MN: Key Takeaways
- 15-year-olds in St. Paul can find entry-level positions like cashier, host/hostess, and dining attendant mainly in fast food and fast casual restaurants.
- Fast food chains hiring 15-year-olds include McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, Dairy Queen, and Culver's with starting wages near Minnesota's $10.85 minimum wage (2025).
- Minors under 16 in Minnesota can work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, but not before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and need an employment certificate to work during school hours.
Finding a job at 15 in St. Paul is possible in several restaurant chains offering roles suited for teens.
Employers seeking to understand restaurant staff hiring can find valuable insights to help fill these entry-level roles effectively.
This article explores common job types, key employers, work hour restrictions, and resources to help youth employment.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in St. Paul, MN?
At 15, teens typically qualify for entry-level roles that introduce them to customer service and food handling practices.
Popular positions include cashier, host/hostess, dining area attendant, and sometimes food preparation assistant.
These roles often require basic skills like taking orders, managing cash registers, serving customers, and maintaining clean dining spaces while complying with health and safety standards.
For employers, using a job description template can expedite the process of defining expectations for these entry-level roles.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in St. Paul, MN
Several national fast-food restaurants provide employment opportunities for 15-year-olds, usually in crew or team member roles.
These positions are ideal for teens starting their careers and gaining valuable experience in a fast-paced environment.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members and cashiers who assist with customer orders, food prep, and dining area upkeep.
Managers interested in recruitment might benefit from reading how to hire a fast food worker to attract and retain young talent.
Burger King
Burger King offers team member roles including taking orders and attending to dining areas, ideal for young workers starting their careers.
Subway
Subway employs 15-year-olds as sandwich artists and customer service staff responsible for preparing sandwiches and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen hires teens as cashiers and ice cream servers, engaging them in customer interaction and food service duties.
Culver's
Culver’s offers team member positions for 15-year-olds, focusing on assisting in dining areas and food preparation support.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in St. Paul, MN
Fast-casual establishments also provide roles to teens eager to gain food service experience.
Panera Bread
Panera hires 15-year-olds as cashiers and dining room attendants who help with customer orders and maintaining a welcoming environment.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company offers guest service team member roles focused on greeting customers and assisting with orders.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle hires crew members aged 15 for positions involving food prep and serving, ideal for those developing culinary skills.
Employers looking for advice on how to hire a cook might find helpful tips to prepare teens for kitchen duties as they grow in experience.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in St. Paul, MN?
Minnesota law limits the hours a 15-year-old minor can work to protect their education and well-being.
Teens under 16 cannot work before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and are restricted to a maximum of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
Work during school hours is prohibited unless the teen holds an employment certificate issued by their school district superintendent.
Certain hazardous jobs, such as operating heavy machinery, construction work, or handling alcohol, are prohibited for minors under 18.
For hospitality managers, understanding HR policies for restaurants can ensure compliance and smooth operations when employing younger staff.
Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in St. Paul, MN
- Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry - Age, Hours Restrictions
- Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry - Child Labor FAQs
- Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry - Tips for Employers Hiring Teens
Employers may also want to explore tips to hire high performers to identify and retain the best young talent in hospitality.