Places That Hire at 16 in Indianapolis, IN

Places That Hire at 16 in Indianapolis, IN: Key Takeaways

Sixteen-year-olds can find employment mainly as crew members, cashiers, hosts, and dishwashers in restaurants around Indianapolis.
Entry-level wages in the restaurant industry typically range from $9.00 to $12.00 per hour, above the federal minimum wage of $7.25.
Indiana law as of 2025 places no restrictions on hours or times 16-year-olds may work, aligning with federal child labor regulations.

Finding jobs for 16-year-olds in Indianapolis is easier than ever in the restaurant sector.

This guide highlights common roles, employers, and legal work-hour details.

Employers interested in reliable young hires may benefit from our places that hire at 16 guide to attract motivated teen employees.

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

At age 16, many restaurant jobs are accessible, providing a great start to work experience.

Common positions include:

Crew Members: Handling customer orders, helping prepare food, and maintaining clean work areas.
Cashiers: Managing transactions and frontline customer service.
Host/Hostess: Greeting and seating customers in dining settings.
Dishwashers: Keeping kitchen utensils and dishes clean and sanitized.

While the federal minimum wage currently stands at $7.25, many Indianapolis restaurants offer competitive entry-level pay between $9.00 and $12.00 per hour depending on the role and employer.

Employers looking to improve retention should explore strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover for long-term success.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Indianapolis

Several nationally recognized fast-food chains offer employment opportunities suitable for 16-year-olds.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 16-year-olds primarily for crew member and cashier positions, focusing on customer service and food preparation tasks.

Hiring managers may benefit from our guide to hiring a cashier to select the best candidates.

Burger King

Burger King employs young workers as team members responsible for tasks including food prep, order taking, and maintaining cleanliness.

Wendy's

At Wendy's, 16-year-olds can work as crew members or cashiers, helping with front-end operations and kitchen support.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell hires team members to assist with food preparation and serving customers, suitable for teenagers starting out.

Chick-fil-A

This popular chain offers positions to 16-year-olds as team members in customer service and food prep.

Subway

Subway employs young workers as sandwich artists crafting customer orders and managing service areas.

KFC

KFC hires teens for a variety of team member roles involving food prep and customer interaction.

Arby's

Arby's provides opportunities for 16-year-olds to work as crew members assisting in fast-paced food service settings.

How to Hire Fast-Food Workers for Your Team

Managers aiming to attract young talent can learn practical tips from our how to hire a fast-food worker resource.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Indianapolis

The fast-casual dining sector also welcomes 16-year-old workers for various support roles.

Panera Bread

Panera hires associates and cashiers, providing café-style customer service duties suitable for younger staff.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle offers crew member positions focused on food assembly and guest service for 16-year-olds.

Qdoba Mexican Eats

Qdoba employs team members age 16+ who help prepare meals and interact with guests in a fast-casual environment.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company hires team members who assist in food prep, service, and cleaning duties.

Culver's

Culver's provides crew member roles well suited for young workers gaining experience in restaurants.

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

As of January 1, 2025, Indiana updated its youth employment laws for 16 and 17-year-olds.

Key changes include:

No restrictions on the number of hours or times of day that 16-year-olds may work.
Work hours are the same as adults with no parental permission required.

This aligns Indiana youth employment regulations more closely to federal child labor law standards, offering greater flexibility to young workers.

Employers can find guidance on compliance and hiring young workers in the article about how to hire Gen Z in hospitality.

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

Young job seekers can prepare for roles such as hosts by reviewing common hostess interview questions to improve their chances of success.

01. What types of jobs are common for 16-year-olds in Indianapolis?

Common jobs include crew members, cashiers, hosts, and dishwashers, especially in restaurant settings.

02. What fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Indianapolis?

Chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and Chick-fil-A commonly hire teens.

03. Are there restrictions on work hours for 16-year-olds in Indiana?

Since 2025, Indiana places no restrictions on work hours or times for 16-year-olds, matching federal standards.

04. What pay can 16-year-olds expect in Indianapolis restaurants?

Entry-level wages typically range from $9.00 to $12.00 per hour, higher than the federal minimum wage.

05. Where can teens find employment resources in Indianapolis?

The Indiana Department of Labor website offers youth employment information and updates on labor laws.