Places That Hire at 16 in Irvine, CA

Places That Hire at 16 in Irvine, CA: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Irvine can work entry-level jobs like cashier, crew member, and food preparer in fast food and fast casual restaurants.
California’s minimum wage is $15.50 per hour as of August 2025, which applies to these young workers.
Work hour limits for 16-year-olds are regulated strictly to protect schooling and wellbeing, including a max of 4 hours on school days and 48 hours weekly.

For teenagers in Irvine looking to earn money, a variety of restaurant jobs await, especially in popular fast food and fast casual spots.

These roles offer valuable work experience while respecting labor laws designed to balance work and education.

Employers interested in hiring young workers can benefit from guides on places that hire at 16 and strategies to attract reliable teenage employees.

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

Most 16-year-olds entering the workforce in Irvine find positions that focus on customer service and food handling.

Common roles include cashier, where they handle transactions and customer interactions; crew member, assisting in food prep and restaurant upkeep; and food preparer, involved in basic cooking or assembly.

These roles do not typically require prior experience and offer flexible hours, making them well suited for teens.

For employers, understanding the responsibilities in fast food worker job descriptions can help when scheduling and training young employees.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Irvine, CA

Fast food restaurants in Irvine widely hire 16-year-olds, offering consistent opportunities for new workers.

McDonald's

McDonald’s offers crew member and cashier positions to those 16 and older, providing training and friendly work environments.

Burger King

Burger King hires team members and cashiers aged 16+, helping teens develop customer service skills in a fast-paced setting.

Wendy's

Wendy’s employs 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers, focusing on teamwork and food safety.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell offers roles such as team member and cashier to teens, ideal for gaining experience in food service.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A hires team members aged 16+, emphasizing hospitality and customer engagement.

In-N-Out Burger

At In-N-Out Burger, 16-year-olds can work as associates and cashiers, enjoying a strong training program and supportive environment.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box welcomes 16-year-olds as team members and cashiers, providing flexible scheduling.

Carl's Jr.

Carl’s Jr. offers crew member and cashier positions to teens, focusing on fast and friendly service.

Restaurant owners aiming to recruit and retain young employees can explore restaurant staff hiring strategies for success.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Irvine, CA

Fast casual dining options also give teens job opportunities with slightly more upscale environments than traditional fast food.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires crew members aged 16+, involved in food prep and customer service in a fresh, fast-casual setting.

Panda Express

Panda Express employs 16-year-olds as team members and cashiers, focusing on efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread provides roles for teens as associates and cashiers, offering experience in a bakery-cafe atmosphere.

Managers interested in best practices may review restaurant management styles to improve the work environment and retention.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Irvine, CA?

California labor laws place clear limits on work hours for minors aged 16 and 17 to protect their schooling and health.

When school is in session, teens can work up to 4 hours on school days and up to 8 hours on non-school days, with a maximum of 48 hours per week. They may work between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., or until 12:30 a.m. on evenings before non-school days.

During school breaks or when school is not in session, 16-year-olds can work up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week, with permissible hours from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Additionally, all minors under 18 must obtain a work permit from their school before beginning employment.

Understanding California overtime laws can also help employers ensure compliance in work hour regulations for young workers.

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

Job seekers and employers can also benefit from reading about how to hire a cashier effectively in California.

01. What jobs can a 16-year-old get in Irvine restaurants?

Teens aged 16 can secure roles such as cashier, crew member, and food preparer in Irvine’s fast food and fast casual restaurants.

02. What are the work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds in California?

Minors aged 16 and 17 can work up to 4 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with a total maximum of 48 hours per week as per California labor laws.

03. Which fast-food chains in Irvine hire 16-year-olds?

Popular chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, and In-N-Out Burger offer entry-level positions to 16-year-olds.

04. Do 16-year-olds in Irvine need a work permit?

Yes, all minors under 18 must obtain a work permit from their school before starting employment.

05. What is the minimum wage for 16-year-olds in Irvine, CA?

California’s minimum wage is $15.50 per hour as of August 2025, applying to all workers including minors.