Places That Hire at 16 in Iowa City, IA: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Iowa City can find jobs in fast food and fast casual restaurants with wages typically ranging from $10 to $15 per hour.
- Iowa law allows 16-year-olds to work the same hours as adults without daily or weekly hour restrictions as of May 2023.
- Popular employers hiring at 16 include Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Burger King, Popeyes, Wilson's Orchard, and Panera Bread.
For 16-year-olds in Iowa City seeking employment, the restaurant industry offers a variety of accessible opportunities. From fast food to fast casual dining, multiple establishments hire youth, providing both work experience and earnings.
This article explores what positions are available, where to apply, and the legal framework governing work hours for young workers in Iowa City, IA.
Employers interested in filling positions efficiently can benefit from restaurant staff hiring strategies tailored to the hospitality industry.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Iowa City, IA?
At 16, individuals can work in customer-facing and kitchen roles that are suitable for entry-level workers. Common positions include:
- Cashier
- Cook
- Server
- Host/Hostess
Typical wages for these roles range between $10 and $15 per hour, varying by employer and job duties. Some positions may offer opportunities for advancement and skill development.
Understanding cashier job descriptions can help young workers prepare for these roles.
For those interested in kitchen roles, learning how to become a cook or exploring hostess interview questions can give helpful insights.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Iowa City
Several well-known fast-food chains in Iowa City hire 16-year-olds, often for positions such as team members or cashiers. Here are some notable options:
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy's hires team members and cashiers at competitive wages between $10 and $15 per hour. These roles involve customer service and food preparation.
Burger King
Burger King offers team member positions starting at $12 per hour for 16-year-olds, with responsibilities such as order taking and food assembly.
For employers, how to hire a fast food worker effectively can improve staff retention and service quality.
Popeyes
Popeyes hires team members aged 16 and up, paying between $11 and $16 per hour. Job duties typically include cooking, cleaning, and customer service.
McDonald's
McDonald's regularly employs 16-year-olds in various roles, although specific wage details are not publicly stated. Positions often include cashier and crew member.
Wendy's
Wendy's hires 16-year-olds for multiple roles, generally starting at an hourly wage of about $10. Jobs may involve customer service and kitchen tasks.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Iowa City
Beyond fast food, fast-casual dining chains also offer entry-level positions for young workers aged 16 and older. Noteworthy employers include:
Wilson's Orchard
Wilson's Orchard hires farm market staff aged 16 and above, paying wages ranging from $11 to $20 per hour. These roles may include cashiering, stocking, and customer assistance.
30hop
At 30hop, 16-year-olds can apply for host positions. Wage information is not specified, but the role involves greeting and seating customers in a fast-casual environment.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread offers roles suitable for 16-year-olds, often starting around $10 per hour. Positions include cashier, food preparation, and customer service.
Employers seeking to attract talent may want to consult tips on promoting restaurant jobs for effective outreach.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Iowa City?
As of May 2023, Iowa law permits 16-year-olds to work the same hours as adults without restrictions on maximum hours per day or week. This change allows teenagers to have greater flexibility in scheduling.
Additionally, 16-year-olds may perform jobs in manufacturing and other sectors if part of an approved work-based learning program through the Iowa Department of Education or Iowa Workforce Development.
It is important to note that federal labor laws may still impose stricter rules, so employers must comply with whichever regulations are more protective of the young worker.
Understanding age requirements in job postings can assist employers in remaining compliant with labor laws.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Iowa City
- Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing - Child Labor
- U.S. Department of Labor - State Child Labor Standards
- Iowa Capital Dispatch - Reynolds signs law loosening Iowa’s child labor restrictions
Employers can learn valuable strategies on how to hire reliable kitchen staff with free templates to streamline recruitment for young workers.