Places That Hire at 16 in Federal Way, WA

Places That Hire at 16 in Federal Way, WA: Key Takeaways

Washington state minimum wage is $15.74/hour for workers 16 and older, including in Federal Way
Fast food and fast casual restaurants commonly hire 16-year-olds for entry-level roles like cashier and crew member
Work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds include maximum 20 hours per school week and 48 hours in non-school weeks

Federal Way offers several job opportunities for 16-year-olds, especially in the restaurant industry. These roles provide a great introduction to the workforce.

If you are 16 and eager to work, knowing which employers hire and the local labor laws is key to getting started smoothly.

For employers, understanding places that hire at 16 can help target the right candidates efficiently.

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

For 16-year-olds looking to work in restaurants, several entry-level positions are common. They include:

Cashier - handling customer transactions and orders
Host/hostess - greeting and seating guests
Server assistant - supporting servers by clearing tables and refilling drinks
Crew member - general roles including food preparation, cooking assistance, and cleaning

These roles focus on customer service, food prep basics, and maintaining hygiene standards. They provide valuable experience in fast-paced environments while adhering to youth employment laws.

If you want to understand how to hire these roles effectively, check out our guide on how to hire a cashier and tips for hiring servers or waiters.

If you're interested in these roles, gaining skills in communication and teamwork will stand out to potential employers.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Federal Way

Several well-known fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds for various positions such as crew member, cashier, and cook. Some popular options include:

McDonald's

McDonald's frequently hires 16-year-old crew members and cashiers. These positions involve taking orders, preparing food, and customer interaction.

Burger King

Burger King employs 16-year-olds as team members or cooks, where responsibilities include food prep and customer service tasks.

Employers wanting to enhance hiring strategies for fast food roles can learn from the how to hire a fast food worker spotlight.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers roles like crew member and cashier to 16-year-olds, providing experience in food service and front counter duties.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell hires team members and food service workers aged 16, focusing on assembling orders, cooking, and maintaining cleanliness.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Federal Way

Fast-casual dining establishments in Federal Way also hire 16-year-olds in entry-level roles, offering varied experience beyond traditional fast food.

Subway

Subway hires 16-year-olds as sandwich artists, where employees prepare sandwiches, assist customers, and maintain the store.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle employs 16-year-olds as crew members, with tasks including food prep, customer service, and cleaning.

For hiring guidance at fast-casual restaurants, see how to hire a restaurant manager and guide to hiring a restaurant consultant.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread offers positions such as associates, involving cashier work, food preparation, and customer assistance for those 16 and older.

Panda Express

Panda Express hires 16-year-olds for counter help and kitchen staff roles, focusing on food assembly and customer orders.

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

Washington State regulates work hours for minors aged 16 and 17 with specific limits during school and non-school weeks.

During school weeks:

Up to 4 hours per day on school days (Monday through Thursday)
Up to 8 hours per day on non-school days (Friday through Sunday)
A maximum of 20 hours per week in total
Work hours allowed between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on school nights, extended to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and school holiday eves

During non-school weeks (such as summer vacation):

Up to 8 hours per day
A maximum of 48 hours per week
Work hours allowed from 5 a.m. to midnight

Employers must also provide a 30-minute meal period for shifts longer than five hours and a 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked. These laws are designed to balance work and wellbeing for teen workers.

Adjusting work schedules according to legal limits can be simplified by using strategies from seasonal hiring strategies and restaurant staffing.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Federal Way

Additional insights for employers about compliance and hiring can be found in hospitality job posting compliance and steps in the hiring process.

01. What is the minimum wage for 16-year-olds in Federal Way, WA?

The Washington state minimum wage for workers 16 and older in Federal Way is $15.74 per hour.

02. What types of restaurant jobs can 16-year-olds get in Federal Way?

Common entry-level restaurant jobs include cashier, host/hostess, server assistant, and crew member.

03. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Federal Way?

Popular chains hiring teens include McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Taco Bell.

04. How many hours can a 16-year-old legally work in Federal Way during school weeks?

During school weeks, teens can work up to 4 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with a maximum of 20 hours per week.

05. Where can I find official labor law resources for teen workers in Federal Way?

Official information can be found through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and the Washington State Legislature.