Places That Hire at 16 in Cedar Rapids, IA: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Cedar Rapids can work in positions such as cashier, server, cook, and team member, earning between $10 and $16 per hour.
- Popular fast-food employers hiring at 16 include Pretzelmaker, Popeyes, Freddy's, Raising Cane's, and Chipotle.
- Iowa's child labor laws limit working hours for 16-year-olds to a maximum of 4 hours/day and 28 hours/week during school sessions, and up to 8 hours/day and 40 hours/week when school is not in session.
16-year-olds in Cedar Rapids have access to many entry-level job opportunities, especially in restaurants. These roles provide valuable experience and flexible schedules.
Employers looking to hire young workers can benefit from our guide on places that hire at 16 to find suitable candidates.
This article explores where teens can work at 16 in Cedar Rapids, IA, the types of jobs available, and labor regulations guiding their work hours.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Many local dining establishments hire 16-year-olds for a range of roles. These typically include cashier positions, servers, cooks, and general team members who assist with various tasks.
Those interested can learn more about the cashier job description to understand responsibilities before applying.
These roles often offer flexible hours suitable for high school students, with hourly wages that vary depending on the job and employer, generally from $10 to $16 per hour.
For teens aiming to become servers, this guide to becoming a server is a helpful resource.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Cedar Rapids, IA
Several well-known fast-food chains in Cedar Rapids welcome 16-year-old employees, providing some of the most accessible job opportunities for teens.
Learn about the essential strategies to become a successful restaurant owner if you aim to open a franchise or fast-food outlet in the future.
Pretzelmaker
Pretzelmaker hires team members and offers paid training along with flexible working hours. The hourly wages typically range from $10 to $12.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Positions such as Batter Fry are open to 16-year-olds at Popeyes, with a favorable pay scale between $12 and $16 per hour.
Freddy's of Iowa
Freddy's hires team members for both part-time and full-time roles, paying between $10 and $15 hourly, depending on the position.
Raising Cane's
Raising Cane's offers restaurant crewmember jobs to 16-year-olds with hourly wages generally in the $14.00 to $15.50 range.
Chipotle
Chipotle hires crew members, paying between $13 and $14 per hour, making it a good option for motivated teens seeking fast-casual experience.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Cedar Rapids, IA
Fast-casual restaurants also provide employment opportunities for 16-year-olds, often with competitive wages and tips.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company hires restaurant team members for cashier and server roles, offering competitive pay plus the chance to earn tips.
Panera Bread
Positions at Panera Bread include cashier and line cook roles, with wages typically ranging from $10 to $12 per hour.
If interested in kitchen roles, 16-year-olds can explore the line cook job description which details skills and duties.
Culver's
Culver's hires team members for various jobs, paying between $11 and $13 hourly.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Iowa's child labor laws updated in May 2023 specify strict limits on working hours for 16-year-olds in Cedar Rapids to protect their education and well-being.
When public school is in session, teens may not work during school hours, and are limited to working no more than 4 hours a day and 28 hours per week. Their shifts cannot start before 7 a.m. or end after 7 p.m. Additionally, a 30-minute break is mandatory if working five or more consecutive hours.
Employers must understand these restrictions to ensure legal compliance. Our spotlight on HR policies can help restaurant managers manage teen workers appropriately.
During periods when public school is not in session, 16-year-olds can work up to 8 hours daily and 40 hours weekly, within the same 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. window. The 30-minute break applies here as well.
Both state and federal regulations apply, so employers and young workers in Cedar Rapids must adhere to these standards to remain compliant.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Cedar Rapids
- Iowa Department of Workforce Development - Child Labor
- U.S. Department of Labor - YouthRules!
- Iowa Capital Dispatch - Child Labor Law Updates
For teens interested in hospitality careers beyond entry-level roles, check out the career page on how to become a cook to learn about career progression.
Those considering the server position can explore this interview guide for servers to prepare better.








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