Places That Hire at 16 in Columbus, OH

Places That Hire at 16 in Columbus, OH: Key Takeaways

Common jobs for 16-year-olds in Columbus include cashier, host/hostess, server assistant, and crew member, with wages from $10 to $16 per hour.
Popular fast food and fast-casual chains like McDonald's, Chipotle, Wendy's, Panera Bread, and Five Guys hire 16-year-olds for entry-level roles.
Ohio law restricts work hours for 16-year-olds during school sessions, including start and end times, but fewer restrictions apply during school breaks.

Explore the main employers in Columbus, OH that hire 16-year-olds, focusing on restaurant industry opportunities and labor law guidelines.

This guide outlines suitable job types, top fast-food and fast-casual options, work hour regulations, and useful resources.

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

At age 16, you can start gaining work experience with entry-level restaurant jobs that often require no previous experience. Popular roles include cashier, who handles customer payments and orders; host or hostess, greeting guests and managing seating; server assistant, supporting servers with food delivery and cleanup; and crew member, performing various operational tasks.

Wages in these positions typically range from $10 to $16 per hour depending on the restaurant and responsibilities. These roles provide a foundation for developing customer service, teamwork, and time management skills.

Employers looking to attract young talent should consider a places that hire at 16 guide to better understand the potential of teen employees in hospitality settings.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Columbus

Many fast-food chains in Columbus hire 16-year-olds for entry-level jobs such as crew member and cashier, offering flexible shifts and competitive wages.

Penn Station East Coast Subs

Penn Station hires crew members at 16 who assist with food preparation and customer service, with pay reaching up to $16 per hour.

Chipotle

Chipotle offers 16-year-olds roles as crew members working in food preparation and customer interaction, paying between $14 and $15 an hour.

For employers interested in hiring strategies, the how to hire fast-food worker spotlight provides actionable tips.

McDonald's

McDonald's is well known for hiring 16-year-olds as cashiers and crew members, ideal for first-time job seekers.

Wendy's

Wendy's employs 16-year-olds primarily as crew members and cashiers, providing valuable work experience in a fast-paced environment.

Burger King

Burger King hires young workers for team member and cashier roles, focusing on quick service and customer satisfaction.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell offers team member roles to 16-year-olds involving order taking, food prep, and customer interaction.

KFC

KFC recruits 16-year-olds for team member and cashier positions, ideal for teens seeking flexible jobs.

Subway

At Subway, 16-year-olds can work as sandwich artists, helping prepare orders and serving customers.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Columbus

Several fast-casual dining establishments also provide hiring opportunities for 16-year-olds eager to build skills in customer service and food preparation.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 16-year-olds as associates, responsible for both customer service and food prep duties.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company offers team member positions to 16-year-olds, involving cooking and interacting with customers.

If you're interested in creating effective job postings for fast-casual roles, see create restaurant job description fast results for helpful guidance.

Five Guys

Five Guys employs 16-year-olds as crew members, providing on-the-job training in food service and team collaboration.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Columbus?

Ohio Revised Code Section 4109.07 regulates work hours for 16 and 17-year-olds who are required to attend school.

During school sessions:

Work cannot start before 7:00 a.m., unless the teen did not work past 8:00 p.m. the previous night, then 6:00 a.m. is allowed.
Work must end by 11:00 p.m. on nights before a school day.

During school breaks, no specific hourly restrictions apply, allowing teens to work more freely.

Employers and young workers must ensure compliance with both Ohio state and federal labor laws, as regulations may vary.

For more on legal age and labor requirements, check the how old to be to work at hotel spotlight, which also discusses related labor rules in hospitality.

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

Those looking to understand the best strategies on how to hire a cashier may find it useful when employing younger workers.

01. What are common jobs for 16-year-olds in Columbus, OH?

Common jobs include cashier, host/hostess, server assistant, and crew member, particularly in the fast-food industry.

02. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Columbus?

Chains like McDonald's, Chipotle, Wendy's, Burger King, and Taco Bell are known to hire teens for entry-level positions.

03. Are there restrictions on the hours 16-year-olds can work in Ohio?

Yes, Ohio law limits work hours during school sessions to ensure teens have adequate rest and schooling time.

04. What skills can a 16-year-old gain from restaurant jobs?

Jobs help develop customer service, teamwork, and time management skills important for future careers.

05. Where can 16-year-olds find resources about child labor laws in Ohio?

Official Ohio Revised Code websites and employment law handbooks offer detailed legal guidance for young workers.