Places That Hire at 16 in Kingsport, TN: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Kingsport commonly find work in restaurant roles such as cashier, crew member, and kitchen staff with wages between $9 and $13 per hour.
- Popular fast food and fast casual restaurants like Chick-fil-A, Hardee's, Five Guys, and Panera Bread hire workers aged 16 and older.
- Tennessee law restricts 16- and 17-year-olds from working during school hours and limits nighttime work, with certain exceptions via parental consent.
Finding job opportunities for 16-year-olds in Kingsport, TN, is possible with many restaurants offering entry-level positions. These jobs provide valuable work experience and a competitive hourly wage.
Explore effective places that hire at 16 for young workers to kickstart their hospitality career.
This guide explores typical jobs available, specific eateries that hire at 16, and the state’s regulations on working hours for minors.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Kingsport, TN?
In Kingsport’s restaurant scene, 16-year-olds can start in entry-level positions. Common roles include cashier, crew member, cook, and kitchen staff. Each position typically involves tasks like taking orders, food preparation, cleaning, and customer service.
These jobs not only offer a chance to earn an hourly wage but also help develop work ethic, communication skills, and teamwork experience.
For those interested, here is a helpful fast-food worker job description to understand common duties in entry-level restaurant jobs.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Kingsport, TN
Several well-known fast-food chains in Kingsport welcome 16-year-old applicants. These companies often provide flexible schedules suited for students.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A hires 16-year-olds predominantly for Back of House Team Member positions. These roles include food prep and keeping the kitchen organized, with hourly wages ranging from $12 to $16.
Hardee's
Hardee's employs 16-year-olds for Restaurant Team Member jobs such as cashier and cook. Pay rates are typically between $10 and $12 per hour, providing a solid entry wage.
Restaurant owners looking to optimize their team should also consider how to hire restaurant staff fast with effective hiring strategies.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
At Five Guys, crew members who are 16 years old and up perform duties like order taking, food preparation, and cleaning. The hourly pay ranges from $10 to $13.25.
KFC
KFC also hires 16-year-olds as Team Members, with wages between $9 and $13 per hour, involving customer service and kitchen responsibilities.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars offers opportunities for 16-year-olds in various roles. Though specific wages are not listed, their entry-level positions are suitable for young workers gaining foundational experience.
Many young workers start learning on the job, but it's good to know about how to write a job description that attracts qualified candidates for your restaurant positions.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Kingsport, TN
Many fast-casual establishments also employ 16-year-olds in customer service and food prep roles that often include benefits like flexible shifts.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires 16-year-olds as Team Members, with pay ranging from $9 to $11 per hour. Team members help with food assembly, register operation, and maintaining a clean dining environment.
If you’re exploring a career path, check out the role of a restaurant consultant who plays a key part in improving restaurant operations and profits.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Kingsport, TN?
Tennessee child labor laws strictly regulate the hours 16- and 17-year-old employees may work to ensure their schooling is not affected. They cannot work during class hours.
Additionally, 16-year-olds are prohibited from working between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday when school is in session. However, with a signed parental consent form, they may work until midnight up to three nights per week during these days.
Employers must also provide a 30-minute unpaid break if a minor works six consecutive hours, and this break cannot be scheduled during or before the first hour of work.
Employers navigating regulations can benefit from guidance on HR policies for restaurants which help ensure compliance and positive work environments.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Kingsport
- Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
- Tennessee Code on Employment of Minors
- Tennessee Child Labor Laws Overview
For insight into hiring young staff, see our spotlight on places that hire at 16 as cashier.
To support new young workers in restaurant roles, browse common cashier job descriptions to clarify expectations and responsibilities.








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