Places That Hire at 16 in Dayton, OH

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

16-year-olds in Dayton can work primarily in entry-level restaurant positions like cashier, host/hostess, and crew member.
Common fast food chains hiring at 16 include McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Chick-fil-A.
Ohio law limits work hours for 16-year-olds during school sessions, including no work before 7 a.m. or after 11 p.m. on school nights.

For teens looking for work in Dayton, OH, the restaurant industry offers a variety of entry-level opportunities. Knowing where to apply and understanding local labor laws can help 16-year-olds find suitable jobs.

Employers looking to staff their restaurants efficiently may find our restaurant staff hiring guide very useful for hiring young workers.

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

At 16, Dayton teens typically qualify for entry-level jobs in restaurants that involve customer service, food preparation, and maintenance tasks.

Popular roles include cashier, host/hostess, server assistant, and various crew member positions. These jobs pay hourly wages usually between $10 and $12 depending on the employer and tasks.

Many young workers start in roles similar to a fast-food worker, which serve as a stepping stone to more specialized hospitality careers.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Dayton

Many national fast-food chains welcome 16-year-olds eager to start working. These employers provide structured roles suitable for young workers beginning their job journey.

McDonald's

McDonald’s hires crew members to assist with customer service, food prep, and cleanliness. This role helps teens develop communication and teamwork skills.

If you're an employer looking to attract young talent in fast food, see our how to hire fast food workers guide.

Burger King

Burger King offers team member positions involving order taking, food assembly, and dining area maintenance, making it a popular spot for teens.

Wendy's

Wendy’s employs crew members who interact with customers, prepare food, and keep the restaurant clean.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell hires service champions primarily focused on customer service and food champions involved in meal preparation.

Chick-fil-A

Team members at Chick-fil-A deliver customer service, prepare food, and maintain cleanliness — great roles to build responsibility and work ethic.

KFC

At KFC, team members handle food preparation, customer service, and hygiene standards.

Arby's

Arby’s hires crew members to take customer orders, prepare foods, and foster a welcoming environment.

Subway

Subway’s sandwich artists work on food prep, customer service, and store cleanliness.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Dayton

Besides fast food, some fast-casual eateries also hire 16-year-olds for entry-level jobs that mix food prep with strong customer service.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread associates handle customer service, prepare food, and ensure clean dining spaces.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle offers crew member positions focused on fresh food preparation and assisting guests.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company hires team members for food prep, customer interaction, and maintaining restaurant cleanliness.

For those managing fast-casual restaurants, our guide to hiring restaurant staff quickly might provide valuable insights.

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

Ohio sets clear limits on work hours for 16- and 17-year-olds during school sessions to protect their education and well-being.

On school days, work cannot begin before 7:00 a.m. unless the teen did not work past 8:00 p.m. the previous night, in which case a 6:00 a.m. start is allowed. Teens also cannot work past 11:00 p.m. on nights before school.

During non-school sessions, there are no daily or weekly hour restrictions.

Additionally, employers must provide a 30-minute uninterrupted break for minors working more than five consecutive hours.

For hospitality employers, understanding these rules is crucial to complying with labor laws, as outlined in our HR policies for restaurants.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Dayton

Teens can also benefit from reviewing common interview questions and answers to prepare when applying for their first hospitality jobs.

01. What types of jobs can a 16-year-old get in Dayton's restaurant industry?

16-year-olds in Dayton often work as cashiers, host/hostesses, and crew members in fast-food and fast-casual restaurants.

02. Which fast-food places hire 16-year-olds in Dayton?

Chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell commonly employ 16-year-olds in entry-level roles.

03. What are Ohio’s work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds?

During school sessions, teens cannot work before 7 a.m. or after 11 p.m. on school nights. Non-school periods have no hourly limits.

04. Can 16-year-olds work in fast-casual restaurants in Dayton?

Yes, many fast-casual restaurants like Panera Bread and Chipotle hire 16-year-olds for customer service and food prep roles.

05. Are there breaks required for minors working in Dayton?

Employers must provide a 30-minute uninterrupted break for minors working more than five consecutive hours.