Places That Hire at 16 in Lawrence, KS: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Lawrence, KS, commonly find entry-level jobs in fast food and fast casual restaurants.
- Typical roles include cashier, server, host/hostess, kitchen staff, and crew member, with wages between $8 to $12 per hour.
- Kansas law restricts work during school hours but places no limits on the total hours worked by 16-year-olds outside school time.
For teens aged 16 in Lawrence, KS, there are many job opportunities, especially in dining establishments.
Employers looking to staff these positions efficiently can benefit from places that hire at 16 insights.
This article explores jobs available, hours allowed by law, and resources to help young job seekers succeed.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Lawrence, KS?
At age 16, many teens start their work life in entry-level restaurant roles that require minimal prior experience.
Common positions include cashier, server, host/hostess, kitchen staff, and crew member jobs that offer practical skills in customer service and food preparation.
Employers who want to optimize hiring for host and hostess roles can find helpful tips in our how to hire a restaurant manager spotlight.
Looking for advice on interviewing potential staff? Check out our detailed hostess interview questions career resource.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Lawrence, KS
Several popular fast-food chains in Lawrence welcome 16-year-olds for various entry-level roles.
McDonald's
Positions include crew member and cashier, where teens can gain experience in customer service and basic food handling.
McDonald's often hires fast food workers who are new to the industry, making it a good entry point for many young job seekers.
Burger King
Burger King hires team members and cooks, allowing young employees to work both front-of-house and kitchen roles.
Wendy's
Offers opportunities for cashiers and kitchen staff suitable for first-time workers.
Taco Bell
Employs 16-year-olds as service champions and food champions, focusing on customer interaction and food prep.
Learn effective strategies on how to hire a cook if you plan to build a strong kitchen team including young workers.
Subway
Teens can work as sandwich artists or cashiers, learning food assembly and point-of-sale skills.
Chick-fil-A
Known for strong training, Chick-fil-A hires team members providing comprehensive experience.
Arby's
Positions for cashiers and kitchen staff help teens gain reliable work experience.
Sonic Drive-In
Offers roles like carhop and cook, providing varied responsibilities and customer interaction.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Lawrence, KS
Fast-casual restaurants also hire many 16-year-olds seeking jobs that combine quick service with a more upscale dining experience.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Teens can start as crew members helping with food prep and customer orders.
For employers looking to improve team dynamics, our spotlight on strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover is highly recommended.
Panera Bread
Offers roles like associate and cashier, focusing on customer service and food handling skills.
Qdoba Mexican Eats
Team member positions enable young workers to engage in food prep and order fulfillment.
Noodles & Company
Hires cashiers and cooks, providing varied restaurant experience.
Five Guys
Offers crew member roles that involve both kitchen work and customer service.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Lawrence, KS?
Kansas state law does not place a cap on total hours worked by 16-year-olds but protects minors from being scheduled during required school hours.
This means teens can work unlimited hours outside of their school schedule, such as evenings, weekends, and holidays, making it flexible for students.
Employers must comply with these rules to ensure teens balance work and education effectively.
Employers new to hiring minors can benefit from our guide on how to hire high performers in challenging labor markets.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Lawrence
- Kansas Department of Labor – Child Labor Laws
- Kansas State Legislature – Statute 38-605
- U.S. Department of Labor – State Child Labor Laws
For teens interested in practical kitchen work, reviewing a prep cook interview questions page can provide insight into kitchen job expectations.








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