Places That Hire at 16 in Iowa, IA

Places That Hire at 16 in Iowa: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Iowa can find jobs in various restaurant roles including cashier, cook, dishwasher, and server.
Wages for these positions generally range from $12 to $17 per hour depending on the employer and job specifics.
Iowa’s updated labor laws allow 16-year-olds to work limited hours during the school year and increased hours over summer break.

Discover where 16-year-olds can find employment in Iowa’s fast food and fast casual restaurant sectors, along with wage ranges and work hour regulations.

This guide highlights key opportunities for youth employment and legal work hour limits effective as of 2023.

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

In Iowa, 16-year-olds can hold multiple positions across the restaurant industry. Typical roles include cashier, cook, dishwasher, and server, which provide valuable experience with customer service and food preparation.

These roles often involve tasks such as taking orders, preparing meals, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting customers, offering a solid foundation for young workers entering the labor market.

For restaurant owners looking to hire effectively, our restaurant staff hiring guide is a valuable resource to ensure you attract and retain the right candidates.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Iowa

Several popular fast-food chains in Iowa actively hire 16-year-olds for entry-level positions with competitive pay rates.

Culver's

Culver’s hires crew members starting at $12 per hour. These roles typically involve taking orders, cooking, and customer interaction in a fast-paced environment.

Popeyes

Popeyes offers team member positions paying between $13.50 and $17 per hour. Employees help in food preparation, customer service, and maintaining store cleanliness.

Chick-fil-A

At Chick-fil-A, 16-year-olds can work as Back of House Team Members earning up to $17 hourly. Responsibilities tend to focus on food prep and kitchen duties behind the scenes.

Employers can benefit from tips on how to hire a cook efficiently for positions like these to reduce turnover and improve kitchen performance.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen employs 16-year-olds in various capacities such as servers and cooks. Although specific wage information varies by location, it is a popular option among youth looking for flexible restaurant jobs.

Papa John's Pizza

Papa John’s welcomes team members aged 16 and over to assist with order assembly and delivery preparation in a friendly, team-oriented setting.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Iowa

Youth employment opportunities also extend to fast-casual restaurants that often provide a slightly different dining experience and roles.

Pizza Ranch

Pizza Ranch hires dishwashers and other positions, offering wages from $14 to $17 per hour. This venue provides a dynamic working environment with opportunities to learn kitchen operations.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread employs 16-year-olds in diverse roles including cashiering and food preparation; wage details fluctuate but positions encourage customer service skill development.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires crew members aged 16+, where employees contribute to food prep, customer orders, and maintaining a clean workspace.

If you're interested in gaining insights on the role of a line cook or learning how to prepare for interviews in the kitchen, we have detailed guides to support career development in these positions.

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

Iowa updated its child labor laws as of May 2023 to provide clear guidelines for the permitted working hours of 16-year-olds.

During the school year (Labor Day through June 1), 16-year-olds can work from 7 a.m. up to 9 p.m.

Shift restrictions include a maximum of six hours on school days and up to eight hours on weekends, with an overall weekly limit of 28 hours.

Over the summer break (June 1 through Labor Day), the allowed working hours extend from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., with a daily maximum of eight hours and a weekly cap of 40 hours.

Employers and young workers should also ensure compliance with federal child labor laws, which apply alongside these state regulations.

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

For more guidance on effective hiring, check out our spotlight on how to hire server or waiter which offers practical tips for employers in the hospitality sector.

01. What types of jobs can a 16-year-old hold in Iowa’s restaurant industry?

They can work as cashiers, cooks, dishwashers, and servers, gaining experience in customer service and food prep.

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

Popular chains like Culver's, Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen, and Papa John's actively hire young workers for entry-level roles.

03. What are Iowa’s work hour limits for 16-year-olds?

During the school year, young workers can work up to 6 hours a day on school days and 8 on weekends, with a 28-hour weekly maximum. In summer, up to 8 hours daily and 40 weekly are allowed.

04. Do 16-year-olds in Iowa receive competitive wages?

Yes, wages range from $12 to $17 per hour depending on employer and job role, which is competitive for entry-level positions.

05. Where can I find more information about youth labor laws in Iowa?

Helpful resources include the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing, U.S. Department of Labor’s YouthRules!, and Iowa Workforce Development.