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Places That Hire at 16 in Bakersfield, CA

Discover top jobs and employers hiring 16-year-olds in Bakersfield for flexible and entry-level work.

Teen working at fast-food restaurant in Bakersfield

Places That Hire at 16 in Bakersfield, CA: Key Takeaways

  • Common entry-level jobs for 16-year-olds include cashier, team member, host/hostess, and food prep positions with wages from $16 to $23 per hour.
  • Fast food giants like McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Burger King hire workers aged 16 for various roles.
  • California law limits working hours for 16-year-olds, especially during school days, with specific time and hour restrictions.

Job opportunities for 16-year-olds in Bakersfield, CA, are plentiful, particularly in the restaurant sector. Teens can start with roles like cashier and team member to get valuable work experience.

For employers looking to hire effectively in this sector, check out our guide on restaurant staff hiring strategies to attract the best candidates.

Understanding the types of jobs available and work hour regulations is essential for teens and their parents when seeking employment at this age.

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

At 16, teens often find accessible positions that build customer service and teamwork skills. Typical roles include:

  • Cashier: handling transactions and customer interactions.
  • Team Member: supporting kitchen and dining operations.
  • Host/Hostess: greeting guests and managing seating.
  • Food Preparation: assisting in meal assembly or ingredient prep.

These entry-level roles offer flexible hours and hourly pay ranging between $16 to $23, providing a good starting point for youth employment.

If you're considering a role like hostess, learn more about the position with our detailed hostess job description and interview tips.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Bakersfield, CA

Many well-known fast-food chains in Bakersfield welcome 16-year-old employees eager to work in entry-level positions. Here are some popular employers:

Jack in the Box

This chain hires 16-year-olds as team members, involving food prep, customer service, and maintaining cleanliness.

McDonald's

Known for hiring teens, McDonald's offers crew member and cashier roles suitable for 16-year-olds.

Burger King

Burger King recruits young workers for positions like kitchen staff and team members, providing fast-paced work experience.

Wendy's

Hiring crew members and cashiers aged 16+, Wendy's supports flexible scheduling around school commitments.

Taco Bell

Positions available to 16-year-olds include team member and food preparation roles at Taco Bell.

Subway

Subway employs 16-year-olds as sandwich artists and cashiers, offering experience in food service and customer care.

For teens interested in fast food roles, our fast food worker job description can give a clearer picture of the responsibilities and opportunities.

Carl's Jr.

Carl's Jr. gives opportunities to 16-year-olds as team members covering diverse tasks in the restaurant.

KFC

KFC hires 16-year-old team members and kitchen staff, ideal for teens interested in a fast-food setting.

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Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield also has fast-casual dining options that welcome opportunities for young workers aged 16 and up.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires cashiers and salad or sandwich makers at 16 years old, offering wages typically between $20 and $23 per hour.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

At Chipotle, 16-year-olds can apply for crew member and cashier positions, gaining fast-casual dining experience.

Panda Express

Panda Express provides roles such as team member and kitchen staff suitable for workers aged 16 and older.

Employers looking to improve hiring can benefit from tips on hiring restaurant staff fast and effectively.

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

California has specific labor laws regulating the working hours of 16- and 17-year-olds to ensure school attendance and well-being.

When school is in session, 16-year-olds may work up to 4 hours on school days and up to 8 hours on non-school days or days before non-school days. They can work a maximum of 48 hours weekly.

Work hours during school days are restricted to between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., extended to 12:30 a.m. on nights before non-school days.

When school is not in session, they may work up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week, with permissible hours from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., as long as the day does not precede a school day.

Additionally, if a 16-year-old has graduated or received a certificate of proficiency, they may work the same hours as adults without these restrictions.

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

For young job seekers interested in starting a career in food service, check out our easy jobs that pay well guide to find the best entry-level roles.

FAQs About 16 Year Old Places That Hire in Bakersfield, CA

Popular fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Burger King, and Wendy’s regularly hire 16-year-olds in Bakersfield, CA.

Entry-level positions such as cashier, team member, host/hostess, and food prep roles are common and provide opportunities to gain valuable work skills.

Yes, California labor laws regulate the number of hours and times 16-year-olds may work to protect their health and ensure school attendance.

If a teen has graduated or earned a certificate of proficiency, they may work adult hours without the usual restrictions.

Official websites like the California Department of Industrial Relations provide detailed information and resources on child labor laws.