Places That Hire at 16 in Fresno, CA

Places That Hire at 16 in Fresno, CA: Key Takeaways

Fast food and fast casual restaurants are the most common employers hiring 16-year-olds in Fresno
The California minimum wage is $15.50/hour as of January 2023, with some employers offering up to $20/hour for entry-level teen positions
Work hour limits for 16-year-olds in California vary based on whether school is in session, from 4 to 8 hours per day with specific permitted hours

Young job seekers in Fresno, CA have promising options in the restaurant industry with various entry-level roles available.

This article explores places that hire 16-year-olds locally, along with wage info and labor law basics.

For employers interested in recruitment strategies, see our restaurant staff hiring guide to attract the best candidates effectively.

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

At 16, teens typically find entry-level restaurant roles focused on customer interaction, food prep, and order management.

Common positions include:

Crew Member: Involves food preparation, serving customers, and maintaining cleanliness on the premises.
Cashier: Handles transactions efficiently, assists customers, and manages cash accurately.
Host/Hostess: Greets and seats guests, manages reservations, and communicates with waitstaff for smooth service flow.

These roles provide valuable work experience and develop interpersonal and multitasking skills.

Learn more about the hostess interview questions to prepare for this typical entry-level role.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Fresno, CA

Fresno houses many national fast food chains willing to employ 16-year-olds. These restaurants often advertise competitive wages and flexible schedules.

If you are an employer, check out our how to hire a cashier guide to optimize your hiring process.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires Crew Team Members from age 16, offering a variety of responsibilities from food prep to customer service.

Little Caesars Pizza

Little Caesars employs 16-year-olds as Crew Members with advertised wages up to $20/hour in Fresno locations.

Popeyes

Popeyes also hires Team Members aged 16+, offering wages that can reach up to $20/hour.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell provides Crew Member positions to 16-year-olds, with pay ranges of $20 to $21 per hour, one of the higher rates for teen jobs.

Burger King

Burger King typically recruits 16-year-olds for entry roles such as cashiers and cooks.

Wendy's

Wendy's hires crew members and cashiers aged 16 and above, focusing on fast-paced customer service roles.

Subway

Subway offers positions like Sandwich Artist, where 16-year-olds prepare food and serve customers.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box employs Team Members aged 16+ for various fast food duties across Fresno.

Employers looking to improve hiring outcomes can consult our insight on how to hire a fast food worker.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Fresno, CA

Besides fast food, several fast casual restaurants also hire 16-year-olds, offering slightly different work environments often focused on fresh ingredients and counter service.

For fast-casual restaurant employers, our guide to hiring a restaurant consultant can help optimize your team and service.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle employs Crew Members aged 16+ who assist in food prep, customer service, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness.

Panda Express

Panda Express hires 16-year-olds for service and kitchen roles, offering a dynamic environment in Fresno locations.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread recruits 16-year-olds for cashier and line cook positions, combining food prep with direct customer interaction.

Many of these roles can be stepping stones to careers explored in our line cook interview questions resource.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Fresno, CA?

California child labor laws regulate work hours for 16 and 17-year-olds nationally and locally.

When School is in Session:

Up to 4 hours per school day.
Up to 8 hours on non-school days or on days preceding non-school days.
Maximum 48 hours per week.
Permitted work hours between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., extending to 12:30 a.m. on evenings before a non-school day.

When School is Not in Session:

Up to 8 hours per day.
Up to 48 hours per week.
Work hours allowed between 7:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. if not preceding a school day.

Additionally, teens employed regularly must attend continuation school for at least 4 hours weekly if they have not completed high school or its equivalent.

Employers must remain aware of these regulations to maintain compliance, as discussed in California overtime law 2025.

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

New workers can also benefit from exploring best summer jobs for teens to find good opportunities in hospitality.

01. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Fresno, CA?

Popular fast-food chains like McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Burger King frequently hire 16-year-olds in Fresno, offering roles such as Crew Member and Cashier.

02. What is a common job for 16-year-olds in restaurants?

Common entry-level jobs for 16-year-olds in restaurants include Crew Member, Cashier, and Host/Hostess, which help develop customer service skills.

03. How many hours can a 16-year-old legally work in Fresno, CA?

California law allows up to 4 hours during school days and up to 8 hours on non-school days, with a maximum of 48 hours per week.

04. Are wages higher for 16-year-olds in Fresno restaurants?

Some Fresno restaurants offer wages up to $20/hour for entry-level teen positions, above the California minimum wage of $15.50/hour.

05. Where can 16-year-olds find resources about labor laws in Fresno?

Resources include the California Department of Industrial Relations and official state regulations available online.