Places That Hire at 16 in Lakeland, FL: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Lakeland, FL can work in entry-level restaurant positions such as cashier job description, server assistant, host/hostess, and kitchen staff.
- Fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A hire 16-year-olds for crew and cashier roles.
- Florida law restricts work hours for 16-year-olds during school sessions but allows waivers and more hours on non-school days.
If you’re 16 and looking for a job in Lakeland, FL, there are plenty of restaurant options to consider.
From fast food to fast casual, employers often welcome younger workers for various entry-level roles.
For employers searching for the best ways to attract young workers, see our places that hire at 16 spotlight for tips and insights.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Lakeland, FL?
At age 16, job seekers often qualify for entry-level positions in the restaurant sector.
Common roles include cashier duties, server assistant support, host or hostess welcoming guests, and kitchen staff helping with food prep and cleaning.
Wages for these roles generally range from $8.50 to $12.00 per hour, depending on the employer and job responsibilities.
For young workers interested in fast-food roles, the fast food worker job description gives a clear overview of duties and expectations.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Lakeland
Many fast-food restaurants in Lakeland regularly hire teens aged 16 for key roles in their daily operations.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires 16-year-olds primarily as crew members and cashiers. These positions involve customer service, food preparation, and maintaining cleanliness in the restaurant.
Burger King
At Burger King, 16-year-olds can work as team members or cooks, gaining experience in fast food service and kitchen operations.
Wendy's
Wendy's offers crew member and cashier roles for 16-year-olds, focusing on customer interaction and food service duties.
Taco Bell
Service crew and kitchen staff positions are available for 16-year-olds, allowing them to learn both front and back of house tasks.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A hires 16-year-olds as team members and drive-thru operators where employees manage customer orders and service efficiently.
KFC
At KFC, 16-year-olds fill roles like team member and cook, supporting both food prep and customer service.
Subway
Subway offers sandwich artist and cashier positions to 16-year-olds, providing experience in food customization and sales.
Arby's
Arby's hires 16-year-olds for team member and cashier duties, emphasizing teamwork and customer satisfaction.
Restaurant owners looking to improve their hiring process can read our restaurant staff hiring spotlight for innovative strategies.
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Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Lakeland
In addition to fast food, several fast casual eateries also welcome 16-year-olds in various entry-level roles.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires associates and cashiers aged 16 and up, who assist with food service, cash handling, and customer interactions.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle offers crew member and kitchen staff positions, focusing on food preparation, customer service, and maintaining restaurant cleanliness.
Five Guys
Five Guys hires 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers, providing entry-level experience in a fast-paced environment.
Moe's Southwest Grill
Moe’s employs 16-year-olds as team members and food preparers, giving them hands-on experience in food assembly and customer service.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Lakeland?
Florida law regulates the work hours of 16 and 17-year-olds, especially when school is in session.
They may not work before 6:30 a.m. or after 11:00 p.m. on school nights.
Additionally, during school weeks, the maximum allowed work hours are 8 hours per day and 30 hours per week.
Effective July 1, 2024, a waiver from a parent, custodian, or school superintendent can allow 16-year-olds to exceed the 30-hour weekly limit.
On non-school days, such as weekends and holidays, these restrictions do not apply, allowing for more flexibility in scheduling.
Employers should also understand how to hire Gen Z workers for better staff retention and engagement.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Lakeland
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Child Labor FAQs
- Florida Statutes on Child Labor for 16-17 Year Olds
- Florida Child Labor Laws Overview
For job seekers, reviewing the hostess job description can be helpful to understand entry-level positions involving guest greeting and seating.
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