Places That Hire at 16 in ME

Places That Hire at 16 in ME: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in ME can work in various restaurant roles such as cashier, food prep, and host positions
Maine's minimum wage is $13.00 per hour as of 2025, with teen workers earning around $13-$15/hour
Work hour limits for 16-year-olds vary based on school attendance, with restrictions to protect education and well-being

Discover job opportunities for 16-year-olds in Maine, focusing on restaurants where youths can gain valuable work experience.

This guide outlines suitable positions, hiring fast-food and fast-casual restaurants, work hour rules, and useful resources for young job seekers.

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

Sixteen-year-olds often find roles in restaurants tailored to their age and experience levels. Common entry-level jobs include cashiering, assisting with food prep, and customer service positions.

Fast food restaurants typically hire young workers as cashiers, crew members, or drive-thru operators. Meanwhile, fast-casual places often employ 16-year-olds as hosts, server assistants, or food runners.

For employers, the restaurant staff hiring spotlight offers valuable insights into effectively recruiting young workers.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in ME

Several well-known fast-food chains in Maine welcome 16-year-olds for various roles. These companies offer flexible positions suitable for young workers starting their employment journey.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 16-year-olds for roles such as crew member and cashier, providing valuable customer service experience.

Burger King

Burger King offers team member positions including drive-thru operators, ideal for teens interested in fast-paced work.

Wendy's

Wendy's employs crew members and customer service representatives allowing 16-year-olds to develop communication and multitasking skills.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell hires food service team members at 16, enabling teens to work in food prep and customer-facing roles.

KFC

KFC offers cashier and kitchen staff positions to 16-year-olds interested in the food industry.

Subway

Subway employs sandwich artists and customer service staff, making it a good entry point for young employees.

Dunkin' Donuts

Dunkin' welcomes 16-year-olds as crew members and baristas, suitable for those looking to gain experience in beverage preparation and retail service.

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut hires 16-year-olds for server and kitchen roles, offering exposure to a team environment in a restaurant setting.

Employers can benefit from the guide to creating job descriptions to attract the right candidates quickly.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in ME

Beyond fast food, fast-casual establishments also provide opportunities for 16-year-olds to gain workplace skills in customer interaction and food service.

Panera Bread

Panera employs associates and cashiers, leveraging young workers' abilities in customer service and order handling.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires crew members at 16, offering hands-on experience with food preparation and teamwork.

Five Guys

Five Guys hires crew members and cashiers, suitable for teen workers eager to engage directly with customers and kitchen duties.

Managers aiming to improve retention might explore the strategies to reduce employee turnover in hospitality.

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

Maine establishes specific work hour limits to balance 16-year-olds’ jobs with their schooling and health needs.

When school is in session, young workers may work up to 6 hours on a school day, with an 8-hour allowance on the last school day of the week, and a maximum of 24 hours per week if there are three or more school days.

Work hours during school days must not begin before 7 a.m. or end after 10:15 p.m. the night before school.

When school is not in session, teens can work up to 10 hours per day and up to 50 hours during weeks with fewer than three school days.

During these breaks, work may start as early as 5 a.m. and end at midnight if the following day is not a school day.

Employers should also be aware of HR policies for restaurants to ensure compliance with labor laws for young employees.

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

01. What types of jobs can 16-year-olds get in ME restaurants?

Common jobs include cashier, crew member, host, food prep assistant, and customer service roles in both fast food and fast-casual restaurants.

02. Which fast-food places hire 16-year-olds in ME?

Chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, KFC, Subway, Dunkin', and Pizza Hut are known to hire 16-year-olds for entry-level roles.

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

During school sessions, teens can work up to 6 hours on school days, with up to 24 hours weekly. When school isn't in session, work hours increase to 10 hours daily and 50 hours weekly.

04. Are there good resources for teens seeking jobs in ME?

Yes, the Maine Department of Labor provides various guides and resources to assist young workers and employers.

05. What skills can teens gain from restaurant jobs in ME?

Teens develop important skills like customer service, communication, multitasking, and teamwork through these entry-level positions.