Places That Hire at 15 in Tacoma, WA

Places That Hire at 15 in Tacoma, WA: Key Takeaways

15-year-olds in Tacoma can work entry-level jobs like cashier, host/hostess, and crew member in restaurants earning starting wages at the state's $15.74/hr minimum.
Popular fast food restaurants hiring at 15 include McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Subway, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, KFC, and Wendy's.
Washington State work hour limits for 15-year-olds restrict school week hours to 3 per day and 16 per week, with wider limits on non-school weeks to 8 hours/day and 40 hours/week.

Teenagers aged 15 in Tacoma have access to various job opportunities primarily in the restaurant industry, offering valuable early work experience.

This article outlines typical job roles, well-known restaurants hiring at 15, legal work hour restrictions, and helpful state resources.

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

Youth aged 15 typically qualify for entry-level positions in the restaurant sector that involve customer service and food handling.

Common roles include cashier, host/hostess, team or crew member, and food prep assistants. For more insights on hosting roles, employers may find useful guidance in how to hire a restaurant manager.

These jobs help young workers develop interpersonal skills like communication and teamwork while learning basic operational tasks such as order taking and maintaining cleanliness.

Wage rates for these positions start at the state minimum wage, which as of 2025 in Washington is $15.74 per hour, offering meaningful compensation for teens entering the workforce. Employers seeking to post these jobs might benefit from creating restaurant job descriptions fast.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Tacoma, WA

Several major fast-food chains in Tacoma welcome 15-year-olds to join their teams in customer service and food preparation roles. For details on hiring practices, see how to hire a fast-food worker.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members responsible for tasks like assisting customers, preparing food, and maintaining store cleanliness. Learn more about roles and expectations in the fast food worker job description.

Burger King

Burger King employs youth aged 15 as team members who focus on order taking, assembling food items, and ensuring a hygienic work environment.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A provides opportunities in team member roles, emphasizing friendly customer service and efficient food preparation.

Subway

Subway hires 15-year-olds to work as sandwich artists, combining food prep responsibilities with customer interaction and cleanliness duties.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen offers crew member positions to 15-year-olds that include customer service, assisting with food prep, and maintaining restaurant tidiness.

Taco Bell

At Taco Bell, team members aged 15 handle order taking, food preparation, and upkeep of a clean work space to support fast service.

KFC

KFC welcomes 15-year-olds to its team member roles focused on customer service and basic food preparation tasks.

Wendy's

Wendy's hires 15-year-olds for crew member roles that involve assisting customers, preparing menu items, and keeping the store environment clean.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Tacoma, WA

Beyond fast food, fast-casual restaurant chains also provide employment avenues for 15-year-olds seeking food service experience.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 15-year-olds as associates to assist with customer orders, food preparation, and maintaining cleanliness standards.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle employs 15-year-olds as crew members involved in preparing fresh ingredients, serving customers, and cleaning their work areas.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company offers team member jobs to 15-year-olds focused on customer service and assisting with food prep tasks. Restaurant owners looking for guidance can refer to how to hire reliable kitchen staff.

How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Tacoma, WA?

Washington State law sets specific limits to ensure youth employment does not interfere with education and well-being.

During weeks when school is in session, 15-year-olds may work up to 3 hours on school days and up to 8 hours on non-school days, with a maximum of 16 hours per week.

Permitted working hours during school weeks are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

During non-school weeks such as summer or holidays, teens can work up to 8 hours per day and no more than 40 hours weekly.

The allowable workday in these periods extends from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

These restrictions help balance work opportunities with schooling and rest. Employers might also benefit from understanding how to hire Gen Z in hospitality.

Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Tacoma, WA

To help young hospitality workers prepare for their roles, resources like hostess interview questions and cashier job descriptions offer valuable insights.

01. What types of jobs can a 15-year-old get in Tacoma?

15-year-olds typically qualify for entry-level restaurant roles such as cashier, host/hostess, team member, and food prep assistant in Tacoma.

02. Which fast-food restaurants hire 15-year-olds in Tacoma?

Popular fast-food employers for 15-year-olds in Tacoma include McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Subway, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, KFC, and Wendy's.

03. How many hours can a 15-year-old work in Washington State?

During school weeks, teens may work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with a max of 16 hours weekly. Limits extend during non-school weeks.

04. What is the minimum wage for 15-year-olds in Tacoma, WA?

Washington State's minimum wage is $15.74 per hour in 2025, applicable to 15-year-old workers.

05. Where can I find resources for youth employment in Tacoma?

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries website provides guidelines and information on work hour restrictions and youth hiring requirements.