Places That Hire at 15 in Syracuse, NY: Key Takeaways
- 15-year-olds in Syracuse, NY can secure entry-level restaurant jobs such as cashier, host/hostess, and dining room attendant earning $10-$12 per hour.
- Fast food and fast casual restaurants like McDonald's, Panera Bread, and Chipotle commonly hire workers at 15 for customer service and food prep roles.
- New York State law restricts 15-year-olds to work a maximum of 18 hours per week during school and up to 40 hours per week during breaks with specified daily hour limits.
Young job seekers in Syracuse, NY have several opportunities to work in restaurants offering valuable experience.
For employers looking to understand how to hire effectively, see our restaurant staff hiring guide.
This article covers typical jobs, notable employers hiring at 15, work hour rules, and helpful resources for youth employment.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Syracuse, NY?
At 15, job options in Syracuse’s restaurant sector mostly consist of entry-level roles focused on customer service and support tasks.
Typical positions include cashier, host/hostess, and dining room attendant.
These jobs involve greeting and seating customers, processing orders, handling payments, and maintaining the cleanliness of dining areas.
Working in these roles helps teens develop communication skills, responsibility, and a foundation in basic food service protocols.
Learn more about the hostess job description to understand the duties and expectations for this entry-level position.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Syracuse, NY
Several fast-food franchises in Syracuse are known to welcome workers as young as 15 for team member positions.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members focusing on customer service and food preparation duties.
For owners looking to improve hiring processes, check out how to hire a fast food worker for actionable tips.
Burger King
Burger King offers team member roles centered on order taking and maintaining cleanliness within the restaurant.
Wendy's
Wendy's crew members at 15 assist with food service and customer interaction throughout shifts.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell employs 15-year-old team members in food prep and cashier tasks.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen offers positions for crew members who focus on customer service and preparing products.
Subway
Subway hires sandwich artists aged 15 to prepare food and serve customers.
KFC
KFC team member roles include food preparation and customer service for employees aged 15 and older.
Arby's
Arby's employs 15-year-olds as crew members performing cashier duties and food prep.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Syracuse, NY
Youth can also find jobs in fast-casual spots providing quality food and dining experiences.
Check out the food runner job description for roles common in fast-casual settings like Panera Bread and Chipotle.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread offers associate roles for 15-year-olds that involve taking orders, customer service, and food preparation.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle hires crew members aged 15 to assist with fresh food prep and customer interaction.
Five Guys
Five Guys employs 15-year-old crew members focused on food prep and cleanliness.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Syracuse, NY?
New York State sets work hour limits for minors to protect their education and well-being.
When school is in session, 15-year-olds may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, totaling no more than 18 hours weekly.
Work is permitted between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year.
Outside of the school term, teens can work up to 8 hours daily and 40 hours weekly.
During summer (June 21 to Labor Day), allowable work hours extend to 9 p.m.
Employers must comply with these restrictions to maintain lawful employment practices for youth workers.
Employers can review age requirements in job postings to ensure compliance with youth labor laws.
Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Syracuse, NY
- New York State Department of Labor: Hours of Work for Minors
- New York State Department of Labor: Youth Worker Information Hub
- New York State Education Department: Working Papers Hours for Minors
For youth exploring career paths in hospitality, the best summer jobs for teens article offers additional ideas and insights.