Places That Hire at 16 in Kansas City, MO: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Kansas City, MO can work in multiple entry-level restaurant jobs such as cashier, host/hostess, and crew member.
- Hourly wages typically range from $13.75 to $16.00 depending on the position and employer.
- Missouri state law has no specific hour or nightwork limits for 16-year-olds, but federal labor laws may apply.
Looking for jobs at 16 in Kansas City, MO? The city offers many entry-level opportunities, especially in fast food and fast casual restaurants. These are good starting points for young workers.
Read on to explore the types of jobs available, popular employers, and labor rules you need to know.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Kansas City, MO?
At 16, many young workers start with basic positions in restaurants. Common roles include cashier, host or hostess, and crew member. These positions provide valuable experience in customer service and food handling.
Some 16-year-olds may work as carhops or team members depending on the establishment. These jobs typically offer hourly wages ranging from $13.75 up to $16.00 or slightly higher.
For employers interested in recruiting young talent effectively, consulting our restaurant staff hiring guide can provide best practices and strategies.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Kansas City
Many well-known fast food chains in Kansas City welcome 16-year-old applicants. These locations often have flexible hours and entry-level roles perfect for young workers.
Wendy's
Wendy's employs crew members aged 16 and above. Hourly pay ranges from $13.75 to $14.75, making it a solid choice for teens entering the workforce.
Go Chicken Go
This local fast food chain hires 16-year-olds for crew member roles with wages between $14.00 and $15.00 hourly.
McDonald's
McDonald's offers various positions such as cashier and crew member to 16-year-olds regularly. It's one of the most accessible options.
Chick-fil-A
Known for good employee experiences, Chick-fil-A hires team members aged 16 and up for roles involving customer service and food prep.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic offers 16-year-olds jobs like carhop and crew member, providing a unique drive-in restaurant environment.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell accepts 16-year-old employees for team member and cashier positions, often with flexible scheduling.
Burger King
Burger King hires individuals aged 16 and older for crew positions that help with food prep and customer service.
Arby's
Arby's is another option that hires 16-year-olds for various team member roles.
Employers looking to improve hiring results might explore our how to hire a fast food worker resource.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Kansas City
Besides traditional fast food, several fast-casual dining spots offer employment to 16-year-olds, often in slightly more customer-facing duties.
Panera Bread
Panera hires 16-year-olds for roles such as cashier and bakery-café associate, combining customer service with food prep tasks.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle offers crew member jobs to individuals 16 and older, focusing on food prep and customer engagement.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company hires teens for team member roles, providing experience in a casual dining environment.
For young workers aspiring to enter the kitchen side of hospitality, our guide to hiring a kitchen manager can be helpful to employers aiming to build strong teams.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Kansas City?
Missouri state law does not impose limits on the hours a 16-year-old can work per day or week. There are also no specific restrictions on night work for minors aged 16 and 17 under state law.
However, federal regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) may apply especially if the employer is covered under this act. In cases where federal law is stricter, it will take precedence.
Younger workers and employers should be aware of these distinctions to ensure compliance, especially during school sessions or public holidays.
Employers should also review advice on restaurant staffing to understand labor laws and worker management better.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Kansas City
- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Youth Employment
- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Acceptable Work and Hours for Youth
- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Work Certificates and Work Permits