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Places That Hire at 16 in Denver, CO

Discover where 16-year-olds can find jobs in Denver's fast food and fast casual restaurants.

teen working at a fast food restaurant in Denver

Places That Hire at 16 in Denver, CO: Key Takeaways

  • 16-year-olds in Denver can find jobs primarily in fast food and fast casual restaurant roles such as cashier, server, and crew member.
  • Hourly wages for these entry-level positions range from approximately $18.29 to $26.00 per hour depending on employer and duties.
  • Colorado law permits 16-year-olds to work up to 40 hours weekly with a maximum of 8 hours per day, ensuring work doesn't interfere with school or health.

Looking for work at 16 in Denver? The restaurant industry offers solid opportunities for teens, especially in fast food and fast casual venues.

Employers looking to hire young workers may find valuable advice in our guide to places that hire at 16.

This guide covers what jobs are available, where to find them, and the legal work hour limits for young workers in Denver, CO.

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

At age 16, many can secure entry-level positions in restaurants focused on fast dining or casual environments. Common roles include cashier, server, front desk host, and general crew member duties.

These jobs usually involve customer service, food preparation, and maintaining a clean working area while offering valuable work experience and the chance to earn competitive wages for teens.

Employers seeking to attract the best candidates should consider reviewing tips on how to hire a server to improve their recruitment efforts.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Denver

Several well-known fast food chains in Denver specifically hire 16-year-olds for various front-line roles. Below are some popular options with pay details where available.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle offers crew member positions starting at age 16. These roles pay between $19.00 and $20.00 per hour, involving food preparation, customer service, and cleaning duties.

Fast food employers can learn more about the fast food worker job description to clearly outline expectations and duties.

Raising Cane's

Raising Cane's employs 16-year-olds as cashiers with hourly wages ranging from $18.30 to $19.00, allowing teens to gain experience in customer interaction and cash handling.

Smashburger

Smashburger hires those 16 and older for cashier roles. While compensation specifics are generally disclosed during the application process, teens can expect competitive pay and training opportunities.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company offers positions for restaurant team members starting at age 16, with hourly compensation between $19.00 and $25.00 depending on exact duties and experience.

Panera Bread

At Panera Bread, 16-year-olds can work as team members earning approximately $18.81 per hour, engaging in food preparation and customer service roles within a fast-casual environment.

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Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Denver

Fast-casual restaurants often have slightly elevated pay scales and offer positions requiring friendly customer interactions and some food service skills.

Businesses aiming to hire for these positions may benefit by utilizing our tips on how to hire a restaurant manager to better manage their teams.

Dave & Buster's

Dave & Buster's hires teens aged 16 for front desk or host positions. Pay ranges from $18.29 to $19.79 per hour, with roles involving greeting guests and managing seating.

This may include roles similar to a hostess or receptionist, which 16-year-olds might pursue.

Smoothie King

Smoothie King employs 16-year-olds as team members, offering one of the higher pay ranges from $19.00 up to $26.00 per hour, focusing on beverage preparation and customer service.

Brothers Bar & Grill

Brothers Bar & Grill offers restaurant host positions to those 16 and older, with pay details typically provided during the application process.

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

Under the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act (CYEOA), 16 and 17-year-olds are allowed to work any hours during the day but must adhere to weekly and daily limits.

Specifically, they may not work more than 40 hours per week or exceed 8 hours in any 24-hour period. These laws aim to balance work experience with health and educational priorities.

Employers should understand these legal limits and review our age requirement job posting guide to stay compliant.

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

Additionally, employers can discover practical advice with our how to hire high performers spotlight to improve their hiring process for younger workers.

FAQs About Places That Hire at 16 in Denver, CO

Teens aged 16 can work as cashiers, servers, crew members, and hosts in both fast food and fast casual dining establishments in Denver.

Popular fast food chains hiring 16-year-olds in Denver include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Raising Cane's, Smashburger, Noodles & Company, and Panera Bread.

Under Colorado law, 16-year-olds can work up to 40 hours per week and a maximum of 8 hours per day.

Yes, wages typically range from $18.29 to $26.00 per hour, which is quite competitive for entry-level teen positions.

Official resources include the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment websites, which provide detailed info on youth labor laws and regulations.