Places That Hire at 16 in Ann Arbor, MI: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds can work entry-level roles like cashier, crew member, host/hostess, and dishwasher in many Ann Arbor restaurants
- Fast food and fast casual restaurants such as McDonald's, Chipotle, and Panera Bread commonly hire workers aged 16 and above
- Hourly wages typically range from $12.48 to $16 depending on the job and employer
- Michigan law limits work hours and sets specific regulations for minors under the Youth Employment Standards Act
Finding a job at 16 in Ann Arbor, MI, is quite possible, especially in the restaurant industry. Many employers welcome young workers for various entry-level positions.
This article outlines job options available, popular fast food and fast casual chains hiring 16-year-olds, work hour limits, and helpful resources for youth employment.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Ann Arbor, MI?
Sixteen-year-olds commonly find roles suitable for their age and experience in restaurants. Positions often include:
- Cashier: Taking customer orders and handling payments
- Crew Member/Team Member: Assisting with food preparation and cleaning
- Host/Hostess: Greeting guests and managing seating
- Dishwasher: Cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment
These roles help young workers develop important customer service and teamwork skills while earning wages that range between $12.48 and $16 per hour depending on the employer and responsibilities.
Employers looking to streamline their hiring process for these entry-level roles can benefit from our restaurant staff hiring strategies.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Ann Arbor
Several well-known fast-food chains in Ann Arbor offer employment opportunities to 16-year-olds. These franchises provide valuable work experience and flexible hours.
McDonald's
Burger King
Burger King employs young workers for team member and cashier roles, perfect for learning fast-paced restaurant work.
Wendy's
Wendy's offers 16-year-olds positions like crew member and cashier suitable for beginners in food service.
Taco Bell
At Taco Bell, team member and cashier roles are available to 16-year-olds, providing experience in customer service and food preparation.
KFC
KFC invites 16-year-olds to join as team members or cashiers, with focus on teamwork and efficiency.
Subway
Subway hires 16-year-olds as sandwich artists and cashiers, offering hands-on food assembly and cash handling tasks.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen has positions like crew member and cashier for 16-year-olds, ideal for gaining experience in fast food.
Arby's
Arby's employs 16-year-olds for team member and cashier positions, focusing on friendly customer service.
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Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Ann Arbor
Fast-casual dining spots also welcome 16-year-olds for entry-level roles. These establishments often have a slightly different atmosphere compared to fast food.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle hires crew members aged 16 and up, who engage in food preparation, assembly, and customer service.
Panera Bread
Panera employs teens as associates and cashiers, helping with bakery and café service duties.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company offers team member and cashier jobs to 16-year-olds, ideal for learning service and kitchen basics.
For employers interested in maximizing employee retention and effectiveness, see our guide on restaurant staffing solutions.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Ann Arbor?
Michigan’s Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) regulates work hours for minors aged 16 and 17.
During the school year:
- Maximum 24 hours per week
- No more than 10 hours per day
- Work allowed between 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. Sunday–Thursday
- Work allowed until 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
When school is not in session:
- Maximum 48 hours per week
- No more than 10 hours per day
- Work allowed between 6 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.
A 30-minute break must be provided after 5 consecutive hours worked. These regulations help ensure minors balance employment with education and rest.
Employers can find helpful advice on employment laws and labor regulation compliance in our HR policies for restaurants spotlight.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Ann Arbor
- Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity - Youth Employment
- Michigan Department of Education - Youth Employment Standards Act
- U.S. Department of Labor - YouthRules!
Individuals interested in pursuing a restaurant career can explore opportunities for advancement, like moving from entry-level roles to managerial positions. For example, learning about how to become a restaurant manager can be beneficial.
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