Places That Hire at 16 in Buffalo, NY

Places That Hire at 16 in Buffalo, NY: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Buffalo can work as crew members, cashiers, and food prep staff in restaurants
Fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Taco Bell hire at 16
New York State labor laws limit work hours for minors to protect their education and well-being

Many restaurants in Buffalo, NY, provide job opportunities for 16-year-olds looking to enter the workforce.

This article explores places hiring teens, types of jobs available, and legal work hour limits.

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

At age 16, Buffalo teens can qualify for various entry-level restaurant positions ideal for gaining work experience.

Common roles include:

Crew Members: Take customer orders, prepare food, and keep the dining area clean.
Cashiers: Handle sales transactions and assist customers.
Food Preparation Staff: Support kitchen operations by preparing and assembling menu items.

With New York State's minimum wage at $15.50 as of 2025, many establishments pay competitive wages, potentially more for experienced and reliable workers.

Employers looking to hire at entry-level should consider how to hire fast food staff effectively to reduce turnover and improve training outcomes.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Buffalo, NY

Fast food restaurants are among the most accessible employers for 16-year-olds due to high turnover and flexible scheduling.

McDonald's

McDonald's frequently hires crew members and cashiers aged 16 and up, offering training and advancement opportunities.

Burger King

Burger King employs team members in both customer-facing and kitchen roles suitable for teens 16 years old.

Wendy's

Wendy's hires 16-year-olds as crew members responsible for both front and back-of-house tasks.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell offers positions including team members and food prep workers for young employees starting at age 16.

KFC

KFC employs cashiers and cooks, providing job experience to 16-year-olds in a fast-paced environment.

Subway

Subway hires sandwich artists and customer service representatives starting at 16 years old.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen offers crew member and cashier roles that are accessible to young workers aged 16.

Arby's

Arby's employs team members in operational roles suitable for teens.

If you're an employer, learning restaurant staff hiring strategies can help attract motivated young employees and improve retention.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Buffalo, NY

Fast-casual dining chains in Buffalo also hire 16-year-olds, usually for roles involving customer service and food prep.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires associates as cashiers and food prep staff, welcoming applicants aged 16 and above.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle offers crew member positions responsible for food preparation and assisting customers, open to 16-year-olds.

Five Guys

Five Guys employs team members for a range of duties suitable for entry-level workers aged 16.

Understanding the pros and cons of being a fast food worker can help young workers make informed decisions about their first jobs.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Buffalo, NY?

State labor laws strictly regulate the working hours of minors to ensure school attendance and rest.

When school is in session:

Up to 4 hours on school days (Monday-Thursday).
Up to 8 hours on Fridays, weekends, and holidays.
No more than 28 hours per week.
Allowed work hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., except with special permission to work until midnight.

When school is not in session:

Up to 8 hours per day.
Maximum 48 hours per week.
Work hours allowed 6 a.m. to midnight.

Written parental consent and academic certificates are required to extend work hours past 10 p.m. on school nights.

Employers should familiarize themselves with age requirements in job postings to ensure compliance with labor laws.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Buffalo

For young workers interested in hospitality careers, exploring how to become a server can be a good starting point.

01. What workplaces in Buffalo hire 16-year-olds?

Fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Taco Bell are common employers for 16-year-olds in Buffalo, NY.

02. What are typical jobs for 16-year-olds in the restaurant sector?

Common roles include crew members, cashiers, and food prep staff who gain valuable work experience.

03. What are the legal work hour limits for minors in Buffalo, NY?

Minors can work up to 4 hours on school days and up to 8 hours on non-school days, with weekly maximums in place.

04. Do 16-year-olds need special permission to work late?

Yes, extending work hours past 10 p.m. on school nights requires parental consent and academic certification.

05. Are wages competitive for teen workers in Buffalo?

With New York State's minimum wage at $15.50 as of 2025, many workplaces offer competitive pay for reliable young employees.