Places That Hire at 16 in Cleveland, OH: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Cleveland can work in various restaurant roles such as crew member, cashier, or food preparer.
- Ohio minimum wage is $10.45/hr, with many employers paying between $10.50 and $16.50 per hour for entry-level roles.
- Legal work hours for 16-year-olds are restricted during school sessions but open during breaks, with mandatory breaks after 5 hours.
For teens looking for their first job in Cleveland, OH, the restaurant industry offers numerous opportunities. From fast food to fast casual spots, 16-year-olds can gain valuable experience in various roles.
Understanding the types of jobs available and the work hour rules helps teens balance school and employment effectively.
Employers looking to build a strong team can benefit from tips on restaurant staff hiring.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Cleveland, OH?
At age 16, many restaurants hire teens as crew members, cashiers, or food preparers. These roles generally involve taking customer's orders, handling cash or card transactions, preparing or assembling food items, and maintaining cleanliness around the dining and kitchen areas.
Hourly pay usually aligns with Ohio’s $10.45 minimum wage, although some places offer higher wages or additional perks, such as discounts or flexible shifts, especially for employees who show reliability and good work ethic.
Positions like these provide entry-level experience and can be stepping stones to more advanced responsibilities later on.
Employers should consider checking out how to hire a cashier effectively to improve their hiring process.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Cleveland
The fast-food sector is a great entry point for 16-year-olds in Cleveland, OH. Many popular chains hire teens for a variety of customer-facing and kitchen roles.
Dunkin'
Hiring crew members aged 16 and above, Dunkin' offers competitive pay from $10.50 to $14.00 per hour. Crew members assist with order taking, beverage preparation, and maintaining clean workspaces.
Burger King
Burger King employs 16-year-olds as team members who support daily operations, including food prep and cashier duties.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell hires younger workers for crew and cashier roles, sometimes paying up to $13.50 hourly. Employees gain valuable experience in fast-paced customer service environments.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
At Chipotle, 16-year-olds can work as crew members. Benefits include free meals during shifts and tuition assistance, enhancing job attractiveness for students.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen recruits 16-year-old crew members for varied shifts, with wages typically between $12.50 and $15.00 per hour, making it a well-paying option for teen workers.
Fast food workers can find detailed job expectations and career advice on the fast-food worker job description page.
Arby's
Arby's team member roles are open to 16-year-olds and include training as well as discounted menu items. Positions involve food prep, customer service, and maintaining cleanliness.
Raising Cane's
Raising Cane's hires young cooks starting at age 16, with hourly pay ranging impressively from $15.00 to $16.50, which is above typical minimum wage rates.
Jimmy John's
Jimmy John's offers team member positions to 16-year-olds, where they contribute to sandwich preparation, delivery coordination, and customer interaction.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Cleveland
Fast-casual dining establishments also welcome 16-year-olds, providing roles that often blend customer service with food preparation in a slightly more upscale environment compared to fast food.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread employs 16-year-olds as salad and sandwich makers. The job offers flexible scheduling and pay that can reach up to $14.00 per hour, appealing to students.
Jersey Mike's
Jersey Mike's hires teens as team members who prepare food and assist customers, allowing young workers to develop valuable multitasking and customer service skills.
Those aiming for cooking roles can explore how to hire a cook from a strategic perspective.
Bubbles The Tea and Juice Co.
Bubbles The Tea and Juice Co. offers barista roles to workers 16 and older, with starting pay beginning at $10.75 per hour, a competitive rate for beginners.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Cleveland?
Ohio law sets specific restrictions for 16 and 17-year-olds during the school year to balance employment with education.
When school is in session, 16-year-olds cannot work before 7:00 a.m. or after 11:00 p.m. on nights before school days. However, if they did not work after 8:00 p.m. the previous night, they may start at 6:00 a.m.
There are no federal or state limits on the number of hours a 16-year-old can work per day or week while school is in session, but all minors must receive a 30-minute uninterrupted rest break after working over five consecutive hours.
During school breaks or when school is not in session, these time restrictions on working hours do not apply, allowing more flexibility.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Cleveland
- Ohio Revised Code Section 4109.07: Restrictions on hours of employment
- Ohio Minor Wage Law: Break requirements and employment hours
- Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4109: Employment of Minors
For employers and teens wanting to understand the process better, places that hire at 16 offers valuable insights.