Places That Hire at 16 in Edmonds, WA

Places That Hire at 16 in Edmonds, WA: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds can work in roles such as cashier, food prep assistant, host/hostess, and server assistant in Edmonds, WA restaurants.
Washington State’s minimum wage is $15.74 per hour (2025), applicable to many teen jobs including those that are not tip-based.
Fast food and fast casual chains like McDonald’s, Panera Bread, and Chipotle commonly hire 16-year-olds in Edmonds.

For teenagers in Edmonds, WA looking for their first job, restaurant work offers many entry-level roles suited to age 16. Understanding hours, positions, and restaurants that hire young workers is key.

This guide covers places hiring at 16, job types available, work hour limits, and helpful state resources for young job seekers.

Employers interested in best practices can check out places that hire at 16 to optimize hiring young workers effectively.

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

At age 16, youth entering the restaurant workforce generally fill supportive and customer-service roles.

Common positions include cashiers who handle order taking and payments, food preparation assistants who help assemble meals, host or hostess roles greeting customers, and server assistants who may clear tables or deliver food.

These roles provide foundational experience in customer service, food safety, and teamwork, serving as springboards for future employment opportunities.

For an overview of some of these roles, employers may find the restaurant positions descriptions guide useful to align expectations and job responsibilities.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Edmonds, WA

Fast-food restaurants often have standardized hiring practices friendly to younger workers. They offer positions that are manageable for teenagers new to the workforce.

McDonald's

McDonald’s hires 16-year-olds as crew members. Responsibilities include taking orders, food preparation, and keeping the restaurant clean.

Learn about the role of a fast food worker job description to better understand duties at places like McDonald's.

Burger King

Burger King employs 16-year-olds as team members, focusing on customer service and food assembly.

Wendy's

Wendy's crew members at age 16 assist with cashier duties, food prep, and maintaining order accuracy and cleanliness.

Strategies for hiring and managing young workers efficiently can be found in how to hire restaurant staff fast.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell’s team members take orders, prepare food, and help keep the dining area tidy. They welcome 16-year-olds for these roles.

Subway

Subway hires sandwich artists aged 16 who prepare food sandwiches and provide front-line customer service.

KFC

As team members, 16-year-olds aid with food prep and serve customers at KFC in Edmonds.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box offers team member positions to 16-year-olds, involving cashier work and food production tasks.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen’s crew members include 16-year-olds helping with customer service and food prep.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Edmonds, WA

Fast-casual dining spots also employ many teens for positions balancing food assembly with customer interaction.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread associates aged 16 engage in food prep, serving customers, and maintaining restaurant cleanliness.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires crew members at 16 to prepare food and provide customer service.

Employers can explore how to hire a cook as preparation roles are common in fast-casual dining.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company offers team member roles for 16-year-olds that focus on food prep and friendly customer service.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Edmonds, WA?

Washington State enforces strict work hour limits for 16- and 17-year-olds to ensure young workers balance employment with schooling and rest.

During school weeks, 16-year-olds may work up to 4 hours per day on school days and 8 hours on Fridays through Sundays, with a maximum of 20 hours weekly. Work generally must occur between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., but extension to midnight applies on Fridays and Saturdays.

On non-school weeks and vacations, 16-year-olds can work up to 8 hours daily, up to 48 hours a week, between 5 a.m. and midnight.

Employers must obtain a minor work permit and have parent and school authorization forms on file. Additionally, minors working in restaurants require adult supervision after 8 p.m.

For guidance on employment compliance, see steps hiring process.

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

Here are some helpful state resources for teens seeking employment in Edmonds:

01. Which fast food places hire 16-year-olds in Edmonds, WA?

McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Subway, KFC, Jack in the Box, and Dairy Queen are some fast-food chains that hire 16-year-olds in Edmonds.

02. What are typical job roles for 16-year-olds in restaurants?

Common roles include cashiers, food prep assistants, hosts/hostesses, and server assistants, providing essential experience in customer service and teamwork.

03. What are the work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds in Washington State?

During school weeks, 16-year-olds can work a maximum of 20 hours across the week and up to 4 hours on school days. Work is restricted to specific times, with extended hours allowed on weekends.

04. Is a work permit required for minors in Edmonds?

Yes, minors need a work permit, parental consent, and school authorization to work. Restaurants also require adult supervision after 8 p.m.

05. What is the minimum wage for teen workers in Edmonds, WA?

Washington State’s minimum wage for 2025 is $15.74 per hour, applicable to many teen positions in restaurants, including those not based on tips.