Places That Hire at 16 in Columbia, SC

Places That Hire at 16 in Columbia, SC: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Columbia, SC, can work in various entry-level restaurant roles such as Crew Member, Cashier, Host, or Busser.
Fast food chains like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell hire 16-year-olds for Team Member and related positions.
Fast casual restaurants including Chili's, Panera Bread, and Chipotle also employ individuals aged 16 and up.
In South Carolina, 16 and 17-year-olds have no hourly work limits but are restricted from hazardous jobs.

Finding a job at 16 in Columbia, SC, is achievable with many restaurant options welcoming young workers.

For restaurant owners looking to hire young employees efficiently, our restaurant staff hiring guide offers valuable tips and strategies.

This guide explores where teens can work, types of roles available, and work hour rules in the area.

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

At 16, teens can start in entry-level positions that build valuable skills and experience. Common roles include Crew Member, Cashier, Host/Hostess, and Busser.

If you're interested in understanding the specific expectations and interview questions for roles like hostess or busser job description, check out our detailed career pages.

Responsibilities typically involve customer service, food preparation, and maintaining a clean environment, making these roles great for first-time workers.

Many of these jobs offer wages ranging from $9 to $12 per hour depending on duties and employer.

For those looking to jumpstart a career as a fast food worker, understanding these entry-level duties can help you make a strong application.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Columbia, SC

Columbia has a variety of fast food chains that hire 16-year-olds, offering opportunities to gain work experience in customer-facing roles.

Employers interested in recruiting young staff efficiently can benefit from reading our spotlight on how to hire a fast food worker.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires Crew Team Members who assist with order taking, food prep, and cleaning tasks.

Krispy Kreme

The popular doughnut chain employs Team Members for customer service and maintaining operations.

Pelican's SnoBalls

Pelican's recruits Team Members to handle customer orders and provide quality service.

Sonic Drive-In

Sonic offers positions for Team Members focused on food preparation and customer assistance.

Chick-fil-A

Known for its welcoming culture, Chick-fil-A employs 16-year-olds as Team Members in various service roles.

Wendy's

Wendy's hires Crew Members at 16 to support kitchen and front-of-house activities.

Burger King

At Burger King, 16-year-olds can work as Crew Members performing typical fast food tasks.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell offers Team Member jobs to 16-year-olds, involving food preparation and customer service.

Explore how to effectively hire restaurant managers to enhance the team environment.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Columbia, SC

Fast-casual dining also opens doors for younger workers seeking flexible restaurant jobs with interaction and experience.

Chili's

Chili's hires Hosts/Hostesses aged 16 and above to greet and seat diners.

Looking for insights on the meaning of DOE in job postings can help young applicants understand wage expectations.

Panera Bread

At Panera Bread, Associates aged 16+ help with food prep, customer service, and store maintenance.

Chipotle recruits Crew Members starting at age 16 to support kitchen tasks and front-line service.

Moe's employs 16-year-olds as Team Members preparing food and assisting guests.

Zaxby's welcomes 16-year-olds to work in various restaurant positions focused on customer satisfaction.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Columbia, SC?

South Carolina law exempts 16 and 17-year-olds from the hourly restrictions applying to younger teens.

They may work unlimited hours per day and week as required by the employer or job demands.

However, work involving hazardous activities defined by the Secretary of Labor is prohibited.

This means 16-year-olds in Columbia can often take on fuller shifts, ideal for summer or part-time work.

Employers should review advice in how to hire reliable kitchen staff to ensure safe and compliant workforce management.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Columbia, SC

Parents and teens can also find support in understanding places that hire at 16 to get started in the hospitality industry fast.

01. What types of restaurant jobs are available for 16-year-olds in Columbia, SC?

Entry-level roles such as Crew Member, Cashier, Host, and Busser are common for 16-year-olds in Columbia, SC.

02. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Columbia, SC?

McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Wendy's, and Burger King are among fast-food chains hiring teenagers in Columbia.

03. Are there fast-casual restaurants that employ 16-year-olds?

Yes, chains such as Chili's, Panera Bread, Chipotle, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Zaxby's hire teens aged 16 and above.

04. What are the work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds in South Carolina?

16 and 17-year-olds may work unlimited hours, but hazardous jobs are prohibited.

05. Where can I find resources about child labor laws in Columbia, SC?

Official resources like the South Carolina Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Labor websites provide detailed information.