Places That Hire at 16 in Huntsville, AL: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Huntsville can find entry-level jobs in various restaurant positions including cashier, host/hostess, server assistant, and kitchen staff.
- Popular fast food and fast casual restaurants hiring 16-year-olds include McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Chipotle, and Five Guys.
- Alabama law restricts work hours for 16- and 17-year-olds during school terms (no work between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. before school days), but no hour limits apply during summer or school breaks.
If you’re 16 and looking for a job in Huntsville, AL, especially in restaurants, there are ample opportunities to gain experience.
For employers, understanding how to attract young workers can be guided by places that hire at 16 insights.
This guide highlights where 16-year-olds can work, laws about hours, and useful resources for young job seekers.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Huntsville, AL?
Most 16-year-olds start in entry-level roles that do not require serving alcohol, handling advanced cooking equipment, or working late night shifts.
Common job titles include:
- Cashier
- Host or hostess
- Server assistant or food runner
- Kitchen staff such as dishwasher or prep cook
Wages vary depending on the restaurant but generally range from $8 to $12 per hour.
Employers looking to hire for these roles might find helpful tips in how to hire a cashier.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Huntsville
Many fast-food chains in Huntsville hire 16-year-olds due to the high demand for frontline workers in cashier and kitchen roles.
McDonald's
McDonald's regularly employs 16-year-olds in crew member positions where they can work cash registers or assist in food preparation.
Burger King
Burger King hires young workers to fill roles including cashier, drive-thru attendant, and kitchen staff.
Those interested in fast-food careers can learn more about the fast-food worker role.
Wendy's
Wendy's looks for 16-year-old employees to work as cashiers and food prep assistants.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell offers opportunities for younger employees in customer service and kitchen support positions.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A employs 16-year-olds as team members in front-line and kitchen roles but does not allow minor employees to handle alcohol.
For employers, the restaurant staff hiring spotlight can provide effective strategies for recruiting young talent.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Huntsville
Fast-casual dining spots also provide part-time jobs appropriate for 16-year-olds, commonly in front-of-house and kitchen assistant roles.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires young workers to work as cashiers and bakery associates.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle offers roles such as service line workers and food prep for 16-year-olds.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Five Guys employs 16-year-olds usually as crew members who help prepare and serve food.
Understanding how to hire kitchen staff effectively is key for these roles; see how to hire reliable kitchen staff for guidance.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Huntsville?
Under Alabama labor laws, 16- and 17-year-olds enrolled in school cannot work between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on school nights.
This restriction ensures that work does not interfere with educational requirements.
However, during summer vacation or school breaks, minors aged 16 and 17 have no restrictions on work hours.
Employers must also obtain a Class II Child Labor Certificate from the Alabama Department of Labor before hiring 16- and 17-year-olds.
It is important to note that minors are permitted to work in restaurants that serve alcohol, but they cannot serve or dispense alcoholic beverages themselves. Roles allowed include busboys, dishwashers, janitors, cooks, hostesses, or seaters.
For information on hiring compliant staff, employers might refer to restaurant staff hiring advice.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Huntsville
- Alabama Department of Labor: Child Labor Laws
- U.S. Department of Labor: State Child Labor Laws
- Alabama Code Title 25: Industrial Relations and Labor