Places That Hire at 15 in West Des Moines, IA

Places That Hire at 15 in West Des Moines, IA: Key Takeaways

15-year-olds in West Des Moines, IA commonly find entry-level jobs as cashiers, hosts, and bussers in restaurants, earning $8 to $10 per hour.
Popular fast food and fast casual restaurants hiring at 15 include McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Culver's, Dairy Queen, Panera Bread, Chipotle, and Jimmy John's.
Iowa law allows 15-year-olds to work up to 28 hours per week during the school year, and up to 40 hours per week in summer, with strict daily hour and time restrictions.

Teenagers aged 15 in West Des Moines have various job opportunities primarily in the restaurant sector. Employment often starts with customer service and food handling roles.

Employers looking to build effective teams may want to check our guide on restaurant staff hiring for best practices.

This article covers available job types, top employers, legal work hours, and useful local resources.

What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in West Des Moines, IA?

At 15, you can expect to fill roles that introduce you to the workforce with basic responsibilities. Common positions include cashier, host or hostess, and busser.

Explore the job description and responsibilities of a busser to better understand this entry-level role.

Cashiers handle transactions and customer interactions, hosts greet and seat customers, and bussers assist with clearing tables and keeping dining areas clean.

These roles build foundational skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management while ensuring compliance with safety and hygiene standards.

If you're interested in starting as a hostess, consider reviewing the advice on common hostess interview questions.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in West Des Moines, IA

Several fast-food chains in West Des Moines welcome 15-year-olds to join their teams, often filling crew member and customer service positions.

For employers, this guide to hiring fast-food workers can be invaluable in recruiting young talent effectively.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 15-year-olds as crew members who assist with food preparation, order assembly, and friendly customer service.

Burger King

Burger King offers positions as team members responsible for taking orders, maintaining cleanliness, and helping customers efficiently.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A employs 15-year-olds for front-of-house roles such as cashiers and dining room attendants, focusing on customer care and order accuracy.

Culver's

Culver's provides opportunities for team members to engage in food service tasks and interact with customers in a fast-paced environment.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen team members at 15 help with customer service and product preparation, such as making ice cream treats and handling orders.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in West Des Moines, IA

Fast-casual eateries in West Des Moines also offer roles suited for teenagers starting their work experience.

Those interested in kitchen roles can learn more from the how to hire a cook spotlight, which includes hiring young kitchen staff.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires associates aged 15 who assist with customer orders, food handling, and maintaining clean dining spaces.

Chipotle

Chipotle employs 15-year-old crew members to aid in preparing fresh ingredients and serving customers with a focus on quality and speed.

Jimmy John's

At Jimmy John's, 15-year-olds can work as sandwich makers or cashiers, contributing to quick service and order accuracy.

How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in West Des Moines, IA?

Iowa labor laws set clear regulations for the employment of 14- and 15-year-olds to protect their education and well-being.

During the school year, 15-year-olds may work up to 28 hours per week, with a maximum of six hours on school days and up to eight hours on weekends.

Working hours are restricted to between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. while school is in session. Shifts lasting five hours or more require a half-hour break.

From June 1 through Labor Day, teens can work up to 40 hours per week with shifts not exceeding eight hours per day. During this period, evening work hours extend to 11 p.m.

Federal regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) also apply and often overlap with Iowa rules, so employers must follow the stricter guidelines.

Employers can benefit from understanding the age requirements for job postings to ensure compliance with labor laws.

Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in West Des Moines, IA

01. What types of jobs can a 15-year-old get in West Des Moines?

Common jobs include cashier, host or hostess, busser, and crew member roles at local restaurants.

02. Which fast-food places hire 15-year-olds in West Des Moines?

Popular chains include McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Culver's, and Dairy Queen.

03. How many hours can a 15-year-old legally work in Iowa?

During the school year, the limit is 28 hours per week, and during summer it increases to 40 hours per week.

04. What are the legal working hours for 15-year-olds in West Des Moines?

Work hours run from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the school year and extend to 11 p.m. in summer.

05. Where can I find resources about child labor laws in Iowa?

Resources are available from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, and the U.S. Department of Labor.