Places That Hire at 16 in Knoxville, TN

Places That Hire at 16 in Knoxville, TN: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Knoxville can work in fast food and fast casual restaurants, mainly in roles like cashier and crew member.
Wages typically range from $11 to $15.50 per hour depending on the employer and job.
Tennessee law restricts work hours for 16-year-olds during the school year, limiting late-night shifts and work during school hours.

Many fast food and fast casual restaurants in Knoxville, TN, hire workers starting at age 16. These jobs provide valuable experience and an entry-level opportunity for teens.

For employers seeking to hire teenage workers, effective restaurant staff hiring strategies can improve recruitment success.

This article explains the types of jobs available, where to apply, legal working hours, and resources for teenage job seekers in Knoxville.

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

Sixteen-year-olds typically find employment in entry-level positions within the restaurant sector. Popular job titles include cashier, crew member, and food service worker.

These roles often involve tasks like taking orders, serving customers, food preparation, and cleaning duties. Many employers pay between $11 and $15.50 per hour depending on experience and responsibilities.

To better understand how to write job descriptions that attract candidates, explore this guide to creating restaurant job descriptions.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Knoxville, TN

Many well-known fast-food chains are open to hiring 16-year-olds for various entry-level roles. Below are some options you can consider:

McDonald's

McDonald's hires crew members who handle customers, food prep, and cleanliness. Starting wages can be as high as $13 per hour.

Learn more about the fast food worker job description and essential skills for success in these roles.

Raising Cane's

Raising Cane's offers positions as cashiers and crew members, with pay rates around $15.50 per hour, among the higher pay scales for this age group.

Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs employs crew members. Compensation can vary by location but generally falls within competitive entry-level wages.

Employers looking to efficiently hire staff can benefit from tips on fast restaurant hiring processes.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A hires 16-year-olds for numerous roles, though wages depend on specific duties and location.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers several roles for younger workers, with wages dependent on the job and store.

Burger King

Burger King hires teens for various positions, with wage details varying across locations.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell employs 16-year-olds in team member roles, with pay differing based on duties.

KFC

KFC hires 16-year-olds; pay rates are set by individual franchises but generally competitive within the fast food sector.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Knoxville, TN

Fast-casual dining options also provide opportunities for younger workers in Knoxville:

Panera Bread

Panera hires 16-year-olds for cashier and food service associate roles, offering experience in a fast-casual environment.

Explore the cashier job description to understand these roles better.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle employs 16-year-olds as crew members, responsible for food prep and customer service.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company hires 16-year-olds for cashier and food service positions, providing a fast-casual dining experience.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Knoxville, TN?

Tennessee's child labor laws restrict hours for 16 and 17-year-olds, especially during the school year, to protect education and health.

During School Sessions:

No work when school is in session during school hours.
No work between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday before a school day.
With parental consent, work is allowed until midnight up to three nights per week, Sunday–Thursday.

When School is Not in Session:

No specific legal restrictions on working hours, but employers must ensure work does not harm the minor’s wellbeing.

Additionally, minors working six consecutive hours must receive a 30-minute unpaid break, which cannot be scheduled during or before the first hour of work.

Employers managing young workers will find guidance in hiring Gen Z employees in hospitality helpful for creating supportive work environments.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Knoxville, TN

Here are some valuable resources for teenagers seeking employment in Knoxville:

You can also find insights on the best places that hire at 16 to broaden job search opportunities.

01. What types of jobs are available for 16-year-olds in Knoxville?

Entry-level positions in fast food and fast casual restaurants, including cashier and crew member roles, are common for 16-year-olds in Knoxville.

02. What are typical wages for 16-year-olds in Knoxville?

Wages generally range from $11 to $15.50 per hour depending on the employer and role.

03. Are there work hour restrictions for minors in Tennessee?

Yes, Tennessee law restricts work hours during the school year, including limitations on late-night shifts and work during school hours.

04. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Knoxville?

Chains like McDonald’s, Raising Cane’s, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell commonly hire teens for entry-level roles.

05. Where can I learn more about child labor laws in Tennessee?

Check resources such as the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Tennessee Code Annotated websites for detailed legal information.