Places That Hire at 16 as a Dishwasher

If you’re 16 and searching for an entry-level restaurant job that offers steady work and requires no prior experience, becoming a Dishwasher can be the perfect way to break into the hospitality industry. This role provides hands-on experience, teaching you the basics of restaurant operations while laying the foundation for future career growth.

The role of a Dishwasher is essential to the smooth operation of any establishment that serves food or drinks. As a critical part of the team, Dishwashers help maintain cleanliness and keep the kitchen running efficiently. Over time, this position can open doors to higher-paying roles or other key positions in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

If you’re wondering, “Where can I get hired as a Dishwasher at 16?” – read on! Below, we explore entry-level opportunities and the best places to start your career in hospitality.

Fast Food Places That Hire Dishwashers at 16

While many fast-food restaurants focus on disposable materials to streamline service, Dishwashers are still essential for cleaning kitchen equipment, prep tools and reusable utensils. Fast food chains offer a great entry point into the workforce, providing straightforward tasks and achievable responsibilities.

Here are some of the top fast-food places that hire Dishwashers at 16:

1. McDonald’s

Many McDonald’s locations hire Dishwashers, though the role may sometimes overlap with general crew member responsibilities. McDonald’s offers entry-level kitchen positions that are easy to apply for and often involve light food preparation tasks alongside dishwashing duties.

Check out McDonald’s careers page.

2. Burger King

Burger King frequently hires crew members for cleaning, maintenance and dishwashing roles. These entry-level positions provide valuable experience and are accessible to first-time job seekers, making it a great environment to learn the basics of kitchen operations.

Check out Burger King’s careers page.

3. Taco Bell

Certain Taco Bell locations have designated Dishwasher positions focused on maintaining sanitary kitchen conditions. In addition to dishwashing, these roles may involve supporting general kitchen upkeep as part of a well-rounded set of responsibilities.

Check out Taco Bell’s careers page.

4. Chick-Fil-A

While Chick-fil-A is known for its exceptional customer service, their kitchens rely heavily on behind-the-scenes staff. Dishwashing is a core part of their kitchen crew roles, offering job stability and the opportunity to grow within the company.

Check out Chick-Fil-A’s careers page.

Fast food chains provide a reliable starting point for young workers. These roles help develop responsibility, teamwork and valuable experience in the hospitality industry.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire Dishwashers at 16

Casual dining restaurants often handle higher volumes of customers than fast-food chains, resulting in a greater need for consistent Dishwasher services to keep operations running smoothly. These restaurants offer not only steady work but also valuable opportunities to progress into higher-responsibility roles within the kitchen or front of house.

Here are popular casual dining restaurants that hire dishwashers at 16:

1. Chipotle Mexican Grill

While Chipotle primarily focuses on food preparation stations, some locations hire Dishwashers to maintain kitchen cleanliness — particularly during closing shifts. Dishwashers play a key role in ensuring the kitchen is tidy and ready for the next service day.

Check out Chipotle’s careers page.

2. Panera Bread

Although Panera Bread staff often work front-of-house, certain high-traffic locations hire Dishwashers to manage back-end cleaning tasks. These roles support the washing of dishes and food service equipment, ensuring smooth operations during peak times and at closing.

Check out Panera Bread’s careers page.

3. Noodles and Company

Similar to Panera, Noodles & Company hires Dishwashers in some locations to focus on kitchen cleanup and equipment maintenance. This entry-level position offers opportunities to learn kitchen operations and advance within the company.

Check out Noodles and Company’s careers page.

Fast-casual restaurants provide a structured environment with opportunities for growth, making them a great stepping stone for young workers looking to start their hospitality careers.

Casual Dining Restaurants Hiring Dishwashers at 16

Casual dining restaurants rely heavily on dedicated dishwashing teams to maintain smooth operations. With a broader range of tableware, ingredients and complex dishes, the dishwashing role is essential. These restaurants often have structured schedules and provide long-term career growth opportunities in the hospitality industry.

Here are some casual dining restaurants that frequently hire dishwashers at 16:

1. Olive Garden

As a national brand with consistently high customer volume, Olive Garden often hires Dishwashers to support its fast-paced kitchen operations. The steady workload provides an excellent entry point for teens looking to develop hospitality skills. Dishwashing roles here can open doors to Line Cook or Prep Cook positions over time.

Check out Olive Garden’s careers page.

2. Applebee’s:

Applebee’s requires dishwashing and kitchen assistance to manage the high turnover of tableware and service items during busy operational hours. Dishwashing positions offer stable entry-level employment with room for growth in a large hospitality chain.

Check out Applebee’s careers page.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work as a Dishwasher?

In the U.S., federal labor guidelines limit the number of hours minors under 18 can work to protect their health and education.

• During School Days:
  • Maximum 3 hours per day
  • Up to 18 hours per week when school is in session.
• Non-School Days (Weekends, Holidays, Summer Break):
  • Up to 8 hours per day
  • A maximum of 40 hours per week.
• Work Hours:
  • Permitted to work after 7 AM and until 7 PM on school days.
  • Extended to 9 PM during summer or public holidays.

Important: Always verify the local and state labor laws, as some regions may have different regulations or stricter guidelines than federal standards. Individual employers may also have their own policies, so check with management during the application process. and there can be specific alterations to minimum compensation standards per given state jurisdiction.

How To Find Dishwashing Positions at 16 Near You

Finding dishwasher positions at 16 can be simple if you take a proactive approach. Here are key steps to help you land a role:

1. Visit Local Restaurants in Person:

• Approach restaurants within a 5–10-mile radius. Ask directly if they are hiring Dishwashers or kitchen staff.
• Request to speak to the manager during off-peak hours to show initiative and genuine interest.

2. Use Word-of-Mouth Networks:

• Talk to family, friends, or acquaintances in the restaurant or hospitality industry.
• Let them know you’re looking for work and express a strong desire to learn and grow within the industry.

3. Attend Local Job Fairs and Career Events:

• Many cities host business expos and hospitality job fairs where local restaurants look for new staff. This is a great way to network and apply directly to hiring managers.

4. Search Online Job Boards:

• Check local job boards and national career platforms such as OysterLink.
• Apply through chain restaurants’ official career pages like Olive Garden, Applebee’s, or Chili’s.

Most national chains post dishwashing positions online, making digital applications an essential part of your job hunt.

What Does a Dishwasher Do and What Skills Are Needed?

Dishwashers are the backbone of any kitchen, ensuring smooth service by keeping the kitchen and dining areas clean and organized. Their contributions directly impact the efficiency of the entire restaurant.

Dishwasher Responsibilities:

• Operating industrial dishwashers to clean plates, silverware and kitchen tools.
• Hand-washing pots, pans and larger items that cannot go through the machine.
• Keeping kitchen pathways clear to ensure efficient movement between the front and back of the house.
• Maintaining cleanliness in dishwashing stations and work areas.
• Organizing cleaned dishes and utensils in designated storage areas.
• Emptying kitchen trash and ensuring waste disposal follows health and safety regulations.
• Assisting with basic kitchen tasks as needed.

Key Skills for Success as a Dishwasher:

• Physical stamina – Ability to handle long periods of standing and repetitive tasks.
• Attention to detail – Ensuring items are properly cleaned and organized.
• Team player – Willingness to collaborate and assist the kitchen staff.
• Time management – Handling high volumes efficiently during peak hours.
• Reliability and strong work ethic – Showing up consistently and ready to work.

Starting as a Dishwasher can lead to valuable opportunities in food prep, line cooking, or management roles, making it a great first step in the restaurant industry.