Places That Hire at 16 in Durham, NC: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds can find work mainly in fast food and fast casual restaurant roles like cashier, cook, and server
- Typical hourly wages range from $8 to $15 depending on the employer and job type
- North Carolina law restricts work between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during school days without special permission
Looking for jobs at 16 in Durham, NC? There are many opportunities in local restaurants, especially in fast food and fast casual places.
This guide highlights where teens can work, typical jobs available, wages, and work hour rules for 16-year-olds.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Durham, NC?
At age 16, teens can expect to work in roles such as cashier, crew member, cook, or server within Durham’s culinary establishments. Learn more about the fast food worker job description for young entrants to the industry.
These positions typically involve activities such as taking orders, preparing food, managing cash transactions, and ensuring cleanliness and order in the dining environment.
Wages for these positions generally range from $10 to $15 per hour, but can vary based on the employer and specific job duties.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Durham
Numerous fast-food chains in Durham hire 16-year-olds for entry-level positions that provide valuable experience and competitive pay. For tips on how to successfully interview for these positions, see fast food worker interview questions.
Domino's Pizza
Domino's offers team member roles where young workers assist with order taking and food preparation.
Hourly wages typically range from $10 to $12, providing a fair starting point for teen employees.
Chick-fil-A
As a popular fast-food option, Chick-fil-A hires front of house team members focusing on customer service and order fulfillment.
Some positions offer up to $14 per hour, reflecting Chick-fil-A’s competitive wage offerings.
Zaxby's
Zaxby's employs cashiers and cooks, with pay ranging between $8 and $15 depending on experience and specific job roles.
Understanding how to effectively hire a cook can help employers find suitable talent for such roles.
Little Caesars
Litte Caesars hires crew members responsible for food prep and customer engagement, with pay rates competitive within the local fast-food industry.
McDonald's
McDonald's typically offers crew team member positions involving cooking and cashier duties, with starting pay near $10.50 per hour.
For hiring managers wanting to find the best cashiers, this how to hire a cashier guide is essential reading.
Burger King
Burger King hires crew members, particularly for morning cashier roles, with wages ranging from $9 to $14 hourly.
Dunkin'
Dunkin' employs crew members who handle food and beverage preparation alongside customer service tasks, providing steady opportunities for teens.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy's offers cooking roles for 16-year-olds, pairing competitive pay rates with a fast-paced work environment.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Durham
Fast-casual restaurants in Durham also provide excellent part-time opportunities for teens looking to develop skills.
Noodles & Company
This chain hires restaurant team members for cashier and server positions, often complementing wages with tips to boost earnings.
Learn about becoming a successful server, a popular choice for teens entering hospitality.
Tazza Kitchen
Tazza Kitchen hires hosts with starting hourly wages between $13 and $15, providing strong pay for younger workers.
Dave & Buster's
Dave & Buster's offers host and front desk positions with pay rates ranging from the minimum wage of $7.25 up to $11 per hour.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Durham?
North Carolina has specific labor laws to protect young workers aged 16 and 17, focused on balancing job experience with education and safety.
During the school term, 16-year-olds are prohibited from working between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. if they have school the next day, unless the employer obtains written consent from both a parent and the school principal.
Additionally, individuals under 18 may not work in hazardous occupations to prevent exposure to dangerous conditions.
These restrictions help ensure that employment complements rather than conflicts with educational priorities.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Durham
- North Carolina Department of Labor: Youth Employment Rules
- North Carolina General Statutes: § 95-25.5. Youth Employment








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