Places That Hire at 16 in Chicago, IL: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds can work entry-level positions such as cashier, host/hostess, busser, and food runner in Chicago restaurants
- Fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's commonly hire 16-year-olds for crew and cashier roles
- Illinois labor laws limit 16-year-olds to 4 hours per school day and 9 p.m. evening work during the school year
Finding a job at 16 in Chicago, IL offers teens a great starting point for gaining work experience. The restaurant industry provides several roles suited for young workers.
This article outlines key places hiring 16-year-olds in Chicago and reviews important labor law restrictions.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Chicago, IL?
At 16, teens are generally eligible for entry-level restaurant positions that do not require advanced skills or licensing. Common jobs include:
- Cashier: Handling payment transactions and customer service.
- Host/Hostess: Greeting guests and managing seating.
- Busser: Clearing and setting tables to assist servers.
- Food Runner: Delivering orders from the kitchen to guests efficiently.
These positions typically pay hourly wages from $12 to $15, which vary by employer and experience.
Employers looking to recruit young talent can benefit from reviewing places that hire at 16, which offers insights on suitable roles and hiring practices.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Chicago
Below are some fast-food establishments that offer job opportunities for teens.
McDonald's
At McDonald's, 16-year-olds can work as crew members or cashiers, performing duties such as food prep, customer service, and operating the register.
Burger King
Burger King employs 16-year-olds as team members and cashiers responsible for order taking, food assembly, and maintaining cleanliness.
Wendy's
Wendy's hires teens for crew member and cashier roles, where they assist with various front- and back-of-house tasks.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell offers team member and cashier positions for 16-year-olds, focusing on food preparation, order accuracy, and customer interaction.
Subway
Subway hires 16-year-olds as sandwich artists and cashiers, creating customized sandwiches and managing point-of-sale operations.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A employs 16-year-olds as team members assisting in food prep, dining area upkeep, and customer service.
KFC
KFC provides 16-year-olds with team member and cashier opportunities centered on food assembly and guest service.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen hires 16-year-olds for crew member and cashier roles involving ice cream preparation and customer transactions.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Chicago
As an upgrade from fast food places, you can consider one of these fast-casual restaurants if you're looking for career opportunities in Chicago.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle hires 16-year-olds as crew members, where they help with food prep and customer orders in a fast-casual setting.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread employs 16-year-olds as associates and cashiers, assisting with food service, bakery prep, and checkout.
Noodles & Company
At Noodles & Company, 16-year-olds work as team members to help prepare and serve food efficiently.
Five Guys
Five Guys hires teen crew members who assist with cooking and customer service responsibilities.
Panda Express
Panda Express offers team member roles for 16-year-olds to participate in meal preparation and guest service.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Chicago?
Illinois state labor laws impose specific limits on working hours for minors. For 16-year-olds, the restrictions during the school year include:
- Up to 4 hours of work on school days.
- Up to 20 hours during school weeks.
- No work past 9:00 p.m. on school nights.
On non-school days and during summer vacations, 16-year-olds may work up to 8 hours per day and up to 40 hours per week, with evening work allowed until 11:00 p.m.
Employers and youth workers should check the Illinois Department of Labor for the latest regulations to ensure compliance.
To better understand hiring younger workers, check out this spotlight on places that hire at 16, which covers important regulations and job opportunities for teens.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Chicago
For teens exploring various restaurant roles, reviewing interview preparation can boost confidence. See this resource on busser interview questions to get started.
.webp)
.webp)
