Places That Hire at 16 in Des Moines, IA

Places That Hire at 16 in Des Moines, IA: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Des Moines can work roles like cashier, cook, dishwasher, and server, earning $14-$17 per hour.
Both fast food and fast casual restaurants commonly hire at 16, including Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Panera Bread, and Chipotle.
Iowa law allows 16-year-olds to work unlimited hours and night shifts, matching adult work hour standards.

Young workers aged 16 in Des Moines, IA, have multiple job opportunities, especially within the restaurant industry. Jobs range from entry-level kitchen roles to customer-facing positions.

Understanding which employers hire at this age and the legal work limits can help teens transition smoothly into the workforce.

For employers, effective strategies are essential in restaurant staff hiring to find the right young talent.

What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Des Moines, IA?

At 16, Des Moines teenagers can pursue several restaurant jobs. Common roles include cashier, cook, dishwasher, and server.

Wages for these jobs typically range between $14 and $17 per hour, depending on the employer and specific job duties.

These positions provide valuable experience in customer service, food preparation, and teamwork, which are essential skills for future employment.

Understanding duties in these roles can be helped by reviewing our how to become a cook guide, dishwasher job description, and server career overview.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Des Moines, IA

Many popular fast-food chains welcome 16-year-old employees in various roles, such as front counter service, cooking, and dishwashing.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A hires 16-year-olds as Back of House Team Members, with wages reaching up to $17 per hour. This position involves food preparation and maintaining kitchen cleanliness.

Papa John's Pizza

Papa John's offers Pizza Team Member roles to 16-year-olds. While specific wage details are not listed, these jobs typically include pizza preparation and customer service duties.

Pizza Ranch

Pizza Ranch employs 16-year-olds primarily as dishwashers, offering wages between $14 and $17 per hour, providing a solid entry point into the restaurant workforce.

Employers looking to hire these positions efficiently can benefit from our spotlight on how to hire a cook and how to hire a cashier.

McDonald's

McDonald's commonly hires 16-year-olds for a variety of positions including cashier and crew member. Wage information varies by store, but experience is widely accessible.

Burger King

Burger King offers roles such as cashier and cook to 16-year-olds, with wages depending on location and responsibilities.

Wendy's

Wendy's hires 16-year-olds as crew members to assist with customer service, food preparation, and maintaining cleanliness.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell employs 16-year-olds as team members, engaging them in various kitchen and service tasks with wages depending on location.

Subway

Subway offers 16-year-olds positions as sandwich artists, focusing on customer service and food assembly, though specific wage data is not detailed.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Des Moines, IA

Aside from traditional fast food, fast-casual restaurants also provide employment opportunities for 16-year-olds, often with more varied job roles.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 16-year-olds for positions such as cashier and line cook. Wage scales depend on location but offer valuable experience in a fast-casual setting.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle employs 16-year-olds as crew members. These roles involve food preparation and customer service, fostering skill development, though specific wages vary.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company hires 16-year-olds as cashiers and cooks. Compensation depends on location, but the roles provide hands-on restaurant experience.

For young job seekers, learning about fast-food worker duties and line cook interview questions can give a competitive edge.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Des Moines, IA?

As of July 1, 2023, Iowa law permits 16-year-olds to work the same hours as adults. This means there are no restrictions on the maximum hours they can work, including night shifts.

This expanded flexibility allows 16-year-olds in Des Moines to seek varied work schedules without legal limitation on hours or times of day.

Employers and young workers should still ensure work does not interfere with schooling and health.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Des Moines

Employers can find helpful guidance on how to hire high performers even among young workers to optimize workforce quality.

01. What types of jobs are available for 16-year-olds in Des Moines?

Common jobs for 16-year-olds include cashier, cook, dishwasher, and server, primarily in the restaurant industry.

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

Popular fast food chains hiring 16-year-olds include Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, Papa John's, and Burger King.

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

As of July 2023, Iowa law allows 16-year-olds to work unlimited hours, including night shifts, similar to adults.

04. What skills do restaurant jobs at 16 help develop?

Jobs at 16 help develop customer service, teamwork, food preparation, and time management skills.

05. Where can I find resources for youth employment laws in Des Moines?

Resources include the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing, U.S. Department of Labor, and Iowa League of Cities websites.