Places That Hire at 16 in Independence, MO: Key Takeaways
- Missouri’s minimum wage is $10.30/hour, with tipped employees guaranteed at least half the minimum wage plus tips.
- Common job roles for 16-year-olds include cashiers, servers, kitchen staff, and bussers in fast-food and fast-casual restaurants.
- Missouri law restricts work during school hours for minors, but allows 16-year-olds to work without strict hour limits outside school time.
Looking for a job at 16 in Independence, MO? There are various restaurant opportunities available. Teen workers can find roles in both fast food and fast casual restaurants.
This guide covers the types of jobs open to 16-year-olds and details places actively hiring in Independence, MO.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Independence, MO?
Sixteen-year-olds typically work as cashiers, servers, kitchen staff, and bussers in restaurants. These roles involve taking orders, handling payments, preparing food, and maintaining cleanliness. The standard pay aligns with Missouri’s minimum wage laws.
Missouri’s $10.30 hourly minimum wage applies, with tipped employees earning at least half that base wage plus tips. Employers must cover any shortfall to ensure workers meet minimum wage standards.
For employers looking to find and hire the right team, our restaurant staff hiring spotlight offers valuable tips and strategies.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Independence
Several fast-food chains in Independence hire 16-year-olds for entry-level roles. These jobs typically include crew members handling cash registers, food prep, and customer service.
Understanding the fast-food worker job description can help young applicants and employers know what to expect from these roles.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A hires Front of House Team Members aged 16 and over. These employees engage with customers, operate cash registers, and maintain a clean dining area.
Subway
Subway offers positions for Sandwich Artists starting at age 16. Workers gain experience assembling sandwiches, taking orders, and working in a fast-paced environment, with competitive pay and raises possible shortly after hire.
McDonald's
McDonald's regularly employs 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers. Employees perform tasks such as food preparation, order processing, and customer service.
Burger King
Burger King hires 16-year-olds for roles including team members and kitchen staff, providing hands-on experience in food service and operations.
Wendy's
Wendy’s offers opportunities for young workers as crew members and cashiers, focusing on customer service and fast food preparation skills.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell recruits 16-year-olds as team members who assist in food prep, cashier duties, and maintaining dining areas.
KFC
KFC hires individuals 16 and older for cashiers and kitchen staff roles, providing culinary and customer service experience.
Arby's
Arby's welcomes 16-year-olds as team members engaging in food service and customer interactions.
Employers interested in efficient hiring can find guidance in the how to hire a cashier spotlight.
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Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Independence
Fast-casual restaurants also provide employment for 16-year-olds, often in more specialized roles like bussing or baking, alongside customer service positions.
For more detailed information on the role, see busser job description.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company hires Restaurant Team Members starting at age 16. Positions include cashiers and servers offering a chance to build customer service skills.
Young servers can learn more about the profession and career path at how to become a server.
Crumbl Cookies
Crumbl Cookies employs 16-year-old bakers. Prior customer service experience benefits applicants interested in this role.
Check out the baker job description for insights on what this role entails.
Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom
Old Chicago hires bussers aged 16 and over. Experience in restaurant settings can be helpful but is not always required.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Independence?
Missouri’s child labor laws do not restrict the number of hours a 16-year-old may work. However, minors cannot be employed during school hours.
While state law is more lenient, federal regulations prohibit minors from working in hazardous occupations and require compliance with specific rules related to hours and safety.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Independence
- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Youth Employment
- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Acceptable Work and Hours for Youth
- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Work Certificates and Work Permits
Employers can benefit from the places that hire at 16 spotlight to better understand the youth labor market.
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