Places That Hire at 15 in Wilkes-Barre, PA: Key Takeaways
- 15-year-olds in Wilkes-Barre can find entry-level jobs in the restaurant industry including cashier, host/hostess, and busser roles.
- Fast-food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Chick-fil-A, and Dairy Queen frequently hire 15-year-olds for crew member and customer service positions.
- Pennsylvania law limits 15-year-olds to working up to 3 hours on school days and 18 hours per school week, with extended hours allowed during school breaks.
Young teens in Wilkes-Barre have several options for part-time work, particularly in restaurants that provide team member positions suitable for their age.
This article explores job types, notable employers, hourly work restrictions, and useful resources to help 15-year-olds start working in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
At age 15 in Wilkes-Barre, common restaurant jobs include entry-level positions that offer valuable experience in customer service and food handling.
Typical roles are cashier, host/hostess, and busser. These jobs involve taking orders, greeting customers, clearing tables, and maintaining cleanliness.
Positions usually start at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour but may vary based on employer policies and job duties.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 15 in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Several fast-food restaurants in Wilkes-Barre are known to hire 15-year-olds for various crew member roles that combine food preparation and customer service.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires 15-year-old crew members who perform order taking, prepare food, and ensure the restaurant is clean and welcoming.
Burger King
Burger King offers team member positions to 15-year-olds, including tasks such as food prep, customer interaction, and maintaining a sanitary environment.
Wendy's
Wendy's employs 15-year-olds mainly as crew members who handle order taking, cooking support, and keeping the dining area tidy.
Chick-fil-A
Some Chick-fil-A locations hire 15-year-olds for cashier and dining room attendant roles focused on customer service and cleanliness.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen often hires 15-year-olds as team members who help with food preparation, customer service, and general upkeep of the store.
Arby's
Arby's crew member roles at 15 involve order taking, food prep, and ensuring the restaurant's cleanliness standards are met.
KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
KFC sometimes employs 15-year-olds as team members to provide customer service and basic food preparation assistance.
Subway
Some Subway restaurants allow 15-year-olds to work as sandwich artists, preparing food, managing cash transactions, and cleaning tables.
Employers interested in effective strategies can refer to our restaurant staff hiring spotlight for tailored hiring tips.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 15 in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Fast-casual chains often have openings for young workers interested in gaining food service experience.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread occasionally hires 15-year-olds for associate roles focused on customer service and helping with food prep and cleanliness.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Some Chipotle locations may hire 15-year-olds as crew members, involving food prep, customer service, and maintaining sanitary conditions.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company sometimes offers jobs to 15-year-olds as team members handling food prep, customer interactions, and dining area maintenance.
For employers looking to refine job descriptions, see our guide on creating restaurant job descriptions effectively.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act regulates work hours for 14- and 15-year-olds to protect their education and wellbeing.
When school is in session, 15-year-olds can work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., up to 3 hours on school days, 18 hours per school week, and 8 hours on non-school days.
When school is not in session (such as during summer vacation), permitted work hours expand to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., allowing up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
Minors must receive a 30-minute meal break after 5 consecutive hours of work.
Federal law mirrors these Pennsylvania restrictions closely; employers must follow the stricter rule of the two.
Employers can learn about age requirements in job postings to ensure compliance when hiring minors.
Resources for 15-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry - Child Labor Act
- Pennsylvania Department of Education - Child Labor Law Information
- U.S. Department of Labor YouthRules! Program
If you're a restaurant owner seeking to manage staff effectively, consider our insights on reducing employee turnover to retain talent.








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