Places That Hire at 16 in Austin, TX

Places That Hire at 16 in Austin, TX: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Austin, TX can find employment primarily in fast food and fast casual restaurants
Common positions include crew members, cashiers, hosts, and service assistants with wages between $7.25 and $16.50 per hour
Texas law does not restrict the number of hours 16- and 17-year-olds may work, but school attendance and local curfews must be considered

For teenagers aged 16 in Austin, TX, there are several job opportunities in the restaurant industry. These jobs offer an excellent start for gaining work experience while earning a competitive wage.

Employers looking to hire teens might find our places that hire at 16 spotlight useful for guidance.

Below is an overview of the types of jobs 16-year-olds can pursue along with popular employers in Austin welcoming young workers.

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

Sixteen-year-olds frequently begin with entry-level positions that don’t require prior experience. Jobs include:

Crew Member: Assisting with food preparation and customer service
Cashier: Handling transactions and customer orders
Host or Front Desk: Greeting and seating guests
Restaurant Expeditor / Service Assistant: Supporting wait staff and ensuring smooth service

These roles are often available in fast food and fast casual chains and offer wages ranging from minimum wage to over $15/hour depending on the employer.

Employers looking to create an effective job description can refer to our guide on creating restaurant job descriptions.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Austin

Austin’s fast-food restaurants are key employers for teens, offering accessible roles with flexible hours.

Raising Cane's

Raising Cane's hires 16-year-olds as Restaurant Crewmembers, offering starting pay between $15.00 and $16.50 per hour, which is competitive for entry-level positions.

For tips on hiring fast food workers effectively, see our spotlight on how to hire a fast food worker.

Zaxby's

At Zaxby's, Cashier positions are available to those 16 and older. This role focuses on customer service and order handling.

Learn more about cashier roles and interviewing tips here.

Freebirds World Burrito

Freebirds hires Crew Members starting at $12 up to $16 per hour, depending on experience and responsibilities.

IHOP

IHOP welcomes 16-year-olds in roles such as Restaurant Expeditor or Service Assistant, with hourly wages ranging from $10 to $11.

For employers interested in developing service assistant roles, see food expeditor job description guide.

Dave & Buster's

Dave & Buster's offers Front Desk and Host positions to 16-year-olds, with pay ranging from the federal minimum wage of $7.25 up to $13.25 depending on duties and shift.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Austin

Fast-casual dining options also provide numerous opportunities for young workers.

Chi'Lantro

Chi'Lantro hires Crew Members aged 16 and above, paying around $15 per hour, making it a strong option for teens seeking competitive pay.

Those interested in how to hire effectively for fast casual roles can refer to our spotlight on how to hire restaurant staff fast.

BJ's Restaurants

BJ's Restaurants offers Host and Busser positions to those 16 and older, along with benefits and competitive compensation.

If you're hiring bussers, check out our detailed busser job description to understand the role better.

Cinepolis USA

Cinepolis USA has Runner roles suited for 16-year-olds, providing experience in fast-paced service environments.

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

Texas has no restrictions on the number of hours that 16- and 17-year-olds may work or on work times during the day.

However, employers must ensure that work schedules do not interfere with school attendance or violate local curfew laws. This gives young workers in Austin more flexibility compared to some other states.

The Texas Workforce Commission provides detailed child labor laws and guidelines to help employers and employees remain compliant.

Employers can learn about hiring younger employees and managing their schedules efficiently.

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

01. What types of jobs are available for 16-year-olds in Austin?

Entry-level positions such as Crew Member, Cashier, Host, and Service Assistant are commonly available to 16-year-olds in Austin’s restaurant industry.

02. Are there restrictions on how many hours a 16-year-old can work in Texas?

Texas law does not limit the number of hours 16- and 17-year-olds may work, but employers must consider school attendance and local curfew laws.

03. What fast-food places in Austin hire 16-year-olds?

Fast-food chains such as Raising Cane's, Zaxby's, and Freebirds World Burrito offer job opportunities for 16-year-olds in Austin.

04. Do fast-casual restaurants in Austin hire 16-year-olds?

Yes, fast-casual restaurants like Chi'Lantro, BJ's Restaurants, and Cinepolis USA hire 16-year-olds for a variety of entry-level roles.

05. Where can I find information on child labor laws in Texas?

The Texas Workforce Commission and U.S. Department of Labor websites provide detailed information on child labor laws and regulations for young workers.