Places That Hire at 16 in Des Plaines, IL

Places That Hire at 16 in Des Plaines, IL: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Des Plaines can work in various entry-level restaurant roles such as cashier, crew member, and food preparer.
Fast food and fast casual restaurants like McDonald's, Chipotle, and Panera Bread hire at age 16.
Illinois minimum wage is $13.00 per hour as of 2025 for these positions.

Many fast food and fast casual restaurants in Des Plaines hire 16-year-olds for entry-level positions.

Learn more about places that hire at 16 to expand your options.

These jobs provide good experience and pay the current Illinois minimum wage.

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

At 16, teenagers looking to work in Des Plaines restaurants often find roles like cashier, crew member, or food preparer accessible.

For employers considering hiring young workers, how to hire high performers can provide valuable tips.

These positions typically involve customer service, taking orders, preparing food, and maintaining cleanliness.

Such jobs build valuable skills for future employment and offer a flexible way to earn money.

Understanding the cashier job description can help teens prepare for these roles.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Des Plaines, IL

Several well-known fast-food chains actively employ 16-year-olds for various roles, making these spots good options for teen workers.

Those interested in starting a fast food career may want to review the fast food worker job description.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires crew members and cashiers, offering training in customer service and food handling.

Burger King

Positions at Burger King include team member and cashier roles suitable for 16-year-olds starting out.

Wendy's

Wendy's employs young workers primarily as crew members in front and back-of-house positions.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell hires team members and food service workers, providing experience with fast food preparation and order taking.

KFC

KFC offers jobs like team member and cashier, ideal for teens interested in the food industry.

Subway

At Subway, 16-year-olds can work as sandwich artists and cashiers, focusing on food prep and customer interactions.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen hires crew members and cashiers, offering a great environment for first-time workers.

Arby's

Arby's provides team member and cashier positions that teens can fill starting at 16.

For restaurant owners, strategies outlined in restaurant staffing can help manage hires.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Des Plaines, IL

Fast-casual restaurants also welcome 16-year-olds, often for positions similar to those in fast food but sometimes with additional customer interaction.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires crew members at 16, offering experience in food preparation and customer service.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires associates and cashiers, where teens can develop food service skills.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company offers team member and cashier jobs suitable for those 16 and older.

Five Guys

Five Guys employs crew members and cashiers, providing a team-oriented work environment.

Panda Express

Panda Express hires team members and cashiers, making it accessible for young workers starting out.

Teens looking to advance might explore the how to become a cook guide.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Des Plaines, IL?

Illinois labor laws are relatively flexible for 16-year-olds compared to those under 16.

At 16, teens can work in non-hazardous jobs without strict hour limits, but their work must not interfere with school attendance.

Employers must ensure the work environment is safe and does not involve hazardous duties.

This flexibility helps 16-year-olds balance work and education effectively while gaining experience.

Employers can benefit from guidelines in HR policies for restaurant to comply with labor laws.

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

For additional hiring support, see guide to hiring a restaurant consultant.

01. What types of jobs can 16-year-olds get in Des Plaines restaurants?

16-year-olds can typically work as cashiers, crew members, and food preparers in fast food and fast casual restaurants in Des Plaines.

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

Popular fast-food employers include McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, KFC, Subway, Dairy Queen, and Arby's.

03. Are there opportunities for advancement for teen workers?

While these roles are entry-level, many restaurants provide training and the chance to advance to supervisory positions over time.

04. What are the work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds in Des Plaines?

Teens aged 16 can work without strict hour limits in non-hazardous jobs, but their work cannot interfere with school attendance.

05. Where can I find official resources about child labor laws in Illinois?

Official information is available from the Illinois Department of Labor and the Illinois General Assembly websites.