Places That Hire at 16 in Birmingham, AL: Key Takeaways
- Many fast food and fast casual restaurants in Birmingham hire 16-year-olds for entry-level roles like cashier, crew member, and hostess
- Hourly wages for 16-year-olds typically range from $8 to $12, depending on the job and experience
- Alabama restricts working hours for 16 and 17-year-olds during school sessions, forbidding work between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. before a school day
If you are 16 and looking for your first job in Birmingham, AL, there are plenty of opportunities especially in the restaurant industry.
This article outlines where to find jobs, typical roles, and work hour rules for young workers in Birmingham.
Employers looking to fill positions efficiently can refer to our restaurant staff hiring guide for top strategies.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Birmingham, AL?
Sixteen-year-olds are generally hired for entry-level positions that do not require prior extensive experience or specialized skills. These roles help gain work experience and develop customer service and teamwork skills.
Common job titles available to 16-year-olds in Birmingham restaurants include:
- Cashier – handling transactions and customer orders
- Host/Hostess – greeting and seating customers
- Busser – clearing and cleaning tables
- Food Runner – delivering food to tables
- Crew Member – assisting in food preparation and customer service
- Customer Service Representative – engaging with customers and managing orders
Learn more about what it takes to excel as a hostess or a food runner with our in-depth career guides.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Birmingham
Many well-known fast-food chains in Birmingham welcome 16-year-old applicants for various positions. Here are some popular options:
McDonald's
McDonald’s hires 16-year-olds for roles such as crew members and cashiers, providing a supportive environment for first-time workers.
For employers, our guide on how to hire a cashier can streamline your recruitment process at fast-food outlets.
Burger King
Burger King offers team member and cashier positions that 16-year-olds can fill, focusing on customer service and food preparation.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s employs 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers, emphasizing teamwork and fast-paced service.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell hires 16-year-olds mainly as team members or cashiers, providing an opportunity to work in a popular fast-food setting.
Chick-fil-A
Known for strong employee development, Chick-fil-A employs 16-year-olds as team members and cashiers.
KFC
KFC hires young workers for team member and cashier roles, offering training in food service and customer interaction.
Subway
Subway provides opportunities for 16-year-olds to work as sandwich artists and cashiers, engaging with customers and preparing food orders.
Domino's Pizza
Domino’s hires 16-year-olds as customer service representatives and in other entry-level roles focused on order management.
Explore the responsibilities and skills needed for a busser or a fast food worker to better understand roles you can offer or apply for.
The Fastest Growing
Restaurant & Hospitality Job Platform
Looking for top paid jobs? Or Hiring for your business?
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Birmingham
In addition to fast food, some fast-casual restaurants also offer opportunities for 16-year-old workers.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires associates and cashiers at 16+, providing a friendly workplace and experience in a fast-casual environment.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle employs 16-year-olds as crew members, emphasizing quality food preparation and customer service.
Zaxby's
Zaxby's hires young employees for team member and cashier positions, offering experience in a fast-casual chicken restaurant.
Moe's Southwest Grill
Moe’s hires 16-year-olds mainly as crew members, helping with food prep and customer interaction.
Five Guys
Five Guys offers crew member and cashier roles for 16-year-olds in a popular burger-focused fast-casual chain.
For employers expanding their team, check out our guide to hiring a restaurant consultant to improve operational success.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Birmingham?
Alabama law places specific restrictions on the working hours of minors aged 16 and 17 who attend school.
During the school year, 16-year-olds may not work between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on nights before school days. Exceptions can be made by local school officials if it benefits the minor.
Outside of school sessions, such as during summer or holiday breaks, there are no specific state restrictions on work hours, so 16-year-olds can work more flexible schedules.
Additionally, employers must obtain a Class II Child Labor Certificate to legally employ minors ages 16 and 17.
Also, minors cannot serve or handle alcoholic beverages in establishments that sell alcohol for onsite consumption but can work in non-alcohol serving roles at these venues.
If you're an employer, understanding recruitment compliance is crucial when hiring young workers.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Birmingham
- Alabama Department of Labor: Child Labor Laws
- Alabama Code Title 25. Industrial Relations and Labor § 25-8-36
- Alabama Retail Association: Child Labor Law Penalties
To help young employees prepare for the workplace, see our how to get a restaurant job with no experience tips.
Loading comments...