Places That Hire at 16 in Cupertino, CA: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Cupertino can find entry-level jobs in fast food and fast casual restaurants such as cashier and crew member.
- California's minimum wage is $15.50 per hour as of August 2025, applying to these young workers.
- Work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds limit shifts during school periods to a maximum of 4 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days.
Looking for a job at 16 in Cupertino? There are many fast food and fast casual spots hiring teens for various entry-level roles.
California labor laws provide clear guidelines on how many hours teens can work while balancing school commitments.
For employers looking to understand labor regulations, places that hire at 16 insights offer valuable information on suitable roles.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Cupertino, CA?
Opportunities for 16-year-olds in Cupertino’s restaurant scene typically include roles such as cashier, crew member, food preparer, and associate positions.
These jobs help young workers gain customer service experience and develop workplace skills in a friendly environment.
Employers can benefit from a guide to restaurant staff hiring to better attract and retain young workers entering the hospitality workforce.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Cupertino
Several prominent fast-food chains in Cupertino welcome 16-year-olds. These positions often involve front-line customer interaction or kitchen support.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers, providing training in food preparation and customer service.
For more details on roles, check the fast-food worker job description to understand expectations and duties.
Burger King
Burger King offers roles such as team member and cook for teens, focusing on food assembly and customer service duties.
Wendy's
At Wendy's, 16-year-olds can work as crew members and cashiers, gaining experience in fast-paced food service.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell hires 16-year-olds as service champions and food champions, roles centered around customer interaction and food prep.
Subway
Subway invites teens 16 and over to be sandwich artists, preparing orders and engaging with customers.
KFC
KFC employs 16-year-olds as team members and cooks, focusing on food preparation and customer service.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box offers team member and cashier positions for teens seeking fast-food experience.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger hires 16-year-olds for associate and cashier roles, emphasizing quality service and teamwork.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Cupertino
Fast casual dining establishments also provide work opportunities to 16-year-olds, with roles similar to fast food but sometimes with more customer interaction.
Employers might want to explore restaurant consultants who can advise on hiring the right young talent.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle welcomes crew members and cashiers aged 16 and up, focusing on food assembly and customer service.
Panda Express
Panda Express employs service team members and kitchen team members as entry roles for 16-year-olds.
Panera Bread
Panera offers associate and cashier jobs, ideal for teens looking to build interpersonal skills in a bakery-cafe setting.
Five Guys
Five Guys hires 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers, focusing on food prep and customer engagement.
Jamba Juice
Jamba Juice provides team member roles to 16-year-olds, involving smoothie preparation and customer service.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Cupertino?
California law strictly regulates work hours for 16 and 17-year-olds to balance school and work.
When school is in session, 16-year-olds may work up to 4 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days, and no more than 48 hours per week.
Permitted work hours are 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., extending to 12:30 a.m. on nights before non-school days.
During school breaks, teens can work up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours weekly, with allowable working hours from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., except on school prep days.
Special exceptions apply to teens in approved work experience programs, allowing longer hours and later shifts.
Employers should be aware of California overtime and worker rights regulations to maintain compliance.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Cupertino
- California Department of Industrial Relations: Child Labor Laws
- California Labor Code Sections 1391 and 1392
- California Department of Education: Work Experience Education
To assist new hires, managers can use the server training manual template which is also adaptable for entry-level workers like 16-year-olds.