Places That Hire at 16 in Jersey City, NJ

Places That Hire at 16 in Jersey City, NJ: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds can work in various entry-level restaurant jobs like cashier, host, server assistant, and food runner earning $12-$15 per hour.
Popular fast-food chains hiring at 16 include McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and KFC; fast-casual spots include Chipotle, Panera Bread, Shake Shack, and Five Guys.
New Jersey law permits 16-year-olds to work up to 40 hours/week during school, extending to 50 hours/week during summer with specific hour restrictions and requirements.

Finding a job at 16 in Jersey City, NJ, opens up several opportunities especially in the food service industry.

Understand the legal work hour limits and paperwork required to start working as a minor.

For employers, places that hire at 16 provide insight into the best venues to recruit young workers.

What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Jersey City, NJ?

At 16, many entry-level restaurant positions are available that provide valuable experience in customer service and teamwork.

Common roles include cashier where you handle payments and greet customers, host/hostess managing seating and customer flow, server assistant tasks such as refilling drinks and bussing tables, and food runner delivering meals to tables.

If you are managing hiring, learn how to hire a cashier effectively to find the right fit for your restaurant.

These positions provide flexible schedules and often pay between $12 and $15 an hour depending on the restaurant and your experience level.

Understanding the food runner interview questions can help prepare young applicants for these roles.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Jersey City, NJ

Several well-known fast-food chains in Jersey City welcome 16-year-old applicants, offering a great starting point for young workers.

McDonald's

McDonald's offers various entry-level jobs including cashier and crew member, providing training and flexible hours to accommodate school schedules.

Employers looking to improve hiring can consult the guide to hiring fast-food workers for actionable tips.

Burger King

Burger King hires young teens for positions such as cashier and kitchen helper, offering employee discounts and advancement opportunities.

Wendy's

Wendy's hires 16-year-olds as cashiers and team members, with a focus on customer service excellence.

Discover insights on managing servers with resources like managing servers in a restaurant.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell provides entry-level roles in fast-paced environments, great for gaining communication skills.

KFC

KFC hires 16-year-olds for front counter and kitchen duties, supporting flexible hours required for students.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Jersey City, NJ

Fast-casual restaurants also offer positions for 16-year-olds looking for slightly different service experience.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires 16-year-olds as service staff and food prep workers, emphasizing a fast but friendly customer experience.

Those interested in kitchen roles should review how to hire a cook to attract the best candidates.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread employs young workers as cashiers and bakery associates, great for those interested in a food-focused role.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack offers opportunities as cashiers and hospitality team members, often providing a fun and supportive work environment.

Five Guys

Five Guys hires in entry-level positions such as cashier and cook assistant, ideal for teenagers learning kitchen operations.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Jersey City, NJ?

New Jersey's child labor laws regulate work hours for 16-year-olds to balance school and employment responsibilities.

During the school year, 16-year-olds may work up to 40 hours per week and 8 hours daily. Work hours are limited to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on school days and until midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and days not followed by school.

In summer months—from the last day of school to Labor Day—work limits increase to 50 hours per week and 10 hours per day. Plus, with written parental permission, they may work until 3 a.m. in restaurants and seasonal amusement jobs.

Employers aiming to retain young workers may benefit from reading about strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Jersey City, NJ

For additional help with restaurant staff hiring, see the restaurant staff hiring spotlight.

01. What kinds of restaurant jobs are available to 16-year-olds in Jersey City?

Common roles include cashier, host, server assistant, and food runner in entry-level restaurant positions.

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

Fast-food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and KFC are popular employers.

03. What are the legal working hours for 16-year-olds in Jersey City?

They can work up to 40 hours per week during the school year and up to 50 hours in the summer, with specific daily hour restrictions.

04. Do restaurants in Jersey City offer flexible hours for teens?

Many restaurants provide flexible scheduling to accommodate schooling and extracurriculars.

05. What resources are available to help 16-year-olds find jobs in Jersey City?

The New Jersey Department of Labor and the Business & Industry Association offer helpful information on youth employment and child labor laws.