Places That Hire at 16 in IL, Illinois

Places That Hire at 16 in IL, Illinois: Key Takeaways

Common entry-level jobs for 16-year-olds in Illinois restaurants include cashier, host/hostess, busser, and food runner.
Hourly wages typically range from $12 to $15 depending on location and employer.
Popular fast-food and fast-casual chains in Illinois hire 16-year-olds for crew member and cashier roles.

Looking for a job at 16 in Illinois? Many restaurants offer entry-level positions that can help you gain work experience.

This article covers where 16-year-olds can work, especially in the restaurant industry.

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

At age 16, teens can often find positions like cashier, host/hostess, busser, and food runner in restaurants. These roles provide a good introduction to customer service and teamwork.

Positions typically involve assisting with food prep, serving customers, clearing tables, and handling transactions. Pay usually varies between $12 and $15 per hour.

For employers looking to hire younger staff, understanding how to tailor a cashier hiring process and effectively recruit for roles like busser and food runner can improve staffing success.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in IL, Illinois

Several well-known fast-food chains welcome 16-year-olds to join their teams. These jobs often offer flexible hours and valuable experience in a fast-paced environment.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires crew members who provide customer service, food preparation, and maintain cleanliness in the restaurant.

Employers can benefit from our restaurant staff hiring strategies to attract and retain motivated young workers at McDonald's and similar chains.

Burger King

Burger King employs 16-year-olds as team members and cashiers responsible for taking orders, assembling food, and ensuring a clean dining area.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers crew member and cashier roles, involving tasks both at the front counter and behind the scenes.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell hires team members and cashiers focusing on food prep, order accuracy, and interacting with customers.

Subway

At Subway, 16-year-olds can work as sandwich artists and cashiers, preparing customized sandwiches and handling sales.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A team members assist with food prep, maintaining the dining space, and customer service tasks.

KFC

KFC offers team member and cashier roles focused on food assembly and guest assistance.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen hires crew members and cashiers who help with ice cream preparation and customer transactions.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in IL, Illinois

Fast-casual dining options also provide good job opportunities for teens looking to work at 16 in Illinois.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires 16-year-olds as crew members to assist with food prep and serve customers in a fast-casual setting.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread employs 16-year-olds as associates and cashiers, helping with bakery items, food service, and checkout.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company offers team member positions where teens can help prepare and serve menu items efficiently.

Five Guys

Five Guys hires teen crew members to assist with cooking duties and customer service responsibilities.

Panda Express

Panda Express provides 16-year-olds opportunities to work as team members involved in meal preparation and guest service.

Restaurant owners can learn best practices on how to hire cooks and kitchen staff to complement these fast-casual teams effectively.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in IL, Illinois?

Illinois labor laws provide specific rules about the working hours for minors, including 16-year-olds. While younger teens face stricter limits, 16-year-olds have more flexibility but must still follow certain regulations.

Federal child labor laws set minimum standards, but Illinois may have additional provisions that impact work hours. It is important for employers and young workers to consult the Illinois Department of Labor for the latest rules to ensure compliance. Also, see our guide on age requirements in job postings for more insights.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in IL, Illinois

For young job seekers, reviewing best summer jobs for teens can provide additional ideas beyond the restaurant industry.

01. What jobs can a 16-year-old work in Illinois restaurants?

Common jobs include cashier, busser, host/hostess, and food runner roles in various restaurant types.

02. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Illinois?

Chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and Subway are known to hire 16-year-olds.

03. What are typical hourly wages for 16-year-olds in Illinois restaurants?

Hourly pay ranges from $12 to $15 depending on location and the employer.

04. How many hours can a 16-year-old legally work in Illinois?

Illinois labor laws provide regulated limits for minors; 16-year-olds have more flexibility but must follow safety rules and maximum hour restrictions.

05. Where can I find official information on child labor laws in Illinois?

The Illinois Department of Labor website offers comprehensive resources and the latest rules.