Places That Hire at 16 in Allentown, PA

Places That Hire at 16 in Allentown, PA: Key Takeaways

Many fast-food and fast-casual restaurants in Allentown hire 16-year-olds for entry-level roles such as cashier, crew member, and food preparer.
Hourly wages typically range from $7.25 (federal minimum wage) up to about $10, depending on the employer and job role.
Pennsylvania law restricts work hours for 16-year-olds during school and non-school periods, with specific daily and weekly limits.

Looking for a job at 16 in Allentown, PA? Many local eateries offer great opportunities for young workers. Understanding available positions, employers, and work-hour rules helps teens find suitable jobs.

This article outlines common job options in the restaurant industry and explains legal work hour limitations for 16-year-olds in Allentown, PA.

What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Allentown, PA?

Sixteen-year-olds in Allentown often find employment in customer-facing and food service roles within fast food and fast casual restaurants. Common positions include:

Cashier: Handling customer orders and payments.
Crew Member or Team Member: Assisting with food preparation, order assembly, and cleanliness.
Dining Area Attendant: Cleaning tables and maintaining a welcoming dining environment.

These jobs provide valuable work experience and skills like customer service, teamwork, and time management.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Allentown

Many national fast-food chains actively hire 16-year-olds for entry-level positions. Roles usually involve order taking, food prep, and maintaining store cleanliness.

McDonald's

McDonald’s hires 16-year-olds as crew members responsible for customer service, preparing food items, and keeping the restaurant clean and safe.

Burger King

Burger King offers team member positions to 16-year-olds that include taking orders, assembling food, and ensuring a sanitary dining space.

Wendy's

Wendy's employs crew members at 16, focusing on customer interaction, food preparation, and general restaurant upkeep.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell provides opportunities for 16-year-olds as team members tasked with order processing, food prep, and maintaining cleanliness standards.

Chick-fil-A

At Chick-fil-A, 16-year-olds can work as team members emphasizing friendly customer service, food prep, and ensuring a welcoming environment.

KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)

KFC hires 16-year-olds as team members who interact with customers, prepare food, and keep the restaurant clean.

Subway

Subway employs 16-year-olds as sandwich artists, responsible for assembling sandwiches, serving customers, and cleaning.

Dunkin'

Dunkin' provides crew member roles to 16-year-olds involving customer service, food and beverage preparation, and store maintenance.

Employers looking to optimize their hiring processes can explore best practices in restaurant staff hiring to attract young workers efficiently.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Allentown

In addition to fast food establishments, various fast-casual restaurants also offer jobs to 16-year-olds, often with slightly elevated responsibilities.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 16-year-olds as associates who provide customer service, prepare menu items, and help maintain a clean dining environment.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle offers crew member roles to 16-year-olds involving food preparation, customer service, and restaurant cleanliness.

Five Guys

Five Guys employs 16-year-olds as crew members who assist with food prep, order taking, and maintaining the cleanliness of the outlet.

To better manage your kitchen staff, you might find insights on how to hire reliable kitchen staff very useful.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Allentown?

Work hours for 16-year-olds in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Child Labor Act, designed to ensure minors maintain a balance between work and education.

When school is in session, 16-year-olds may work:

Between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m.
Up to 8 hours per day.
Up to 28 hours per school week (Monday through Friday).

When school is not in session, 16-year-olds may work:

Between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m.
Up to 10 hours per day.
Up to 48 hours per week, with hours exceeding 44 requiring the minor’s voluntary agreement.

Additionally, minors are entitled to at least a 30-minute meal break for every five consecutive hours worked.

Employers can learn more about age requirements in job postings to ensure compliance with labor laws.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Allentown

For teens starting out in the food service industry, reviewing fast food worker job descriptions can be helpful in understanding expectations.

01. What kind of restaurants hire 16-year-olds in Allentown?

Fast-food franchise locations such as McDonald’s, Burger King, and Taco Bell frequently hire 16-year-olds in Allentown. Additionally, fast-casual restaurants like Panera Bread and Chipotle offer jobs for teens.

02. What are common job roles for 16-year-olds in restaurants?

Typical positions include Cashier, Crew Member, and Dining Area Attendant. These roles focus on customer service, food prep, and maintaining cleanliness.

03. Are there legal restrictions on work hours for 16-year-olds?

Yes. Pennsylvania state law places limits on daily and weekly work hours for 16-year-olds during school and non-school times to protect their education and well-being.

04. What is the hourly wage for teen jobs in Allentown?

Hourly wages often start at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 and can go up to $10 or more depending on the employer and job duties.

05. Where can I find official resources about teen labor laws in Pennsylvania?

Official information can be found on the websites of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Labor.