Places That Hire at 16 in Long Beach, CA

Places That Hire at 16 in Long Beach, CA: Key Takeaways

• Common entry-level roles for 16-year-olds in Long Beach’s restaurant industry include cashier, host/hostess, server assistant, and kitchen staff.
• Hourly wages for these positions typically range from $15.50 to $20 depending on specific job duties and employer.
• Fast food and fast casual chains like McDonald’s, Chipotle, and Panera Bread regularly hire workers aged 16 and older.
• California child labor laws limit work hours and require valid work permits for minors under 18.

Many restaurants in Long Beach, CA hire 16-year-olds for entry-level jobs, providing valuable work experience and competitive hourly wages. This article details job types, employer options, and work hour regulations for minors.

Whether looking for a summer position or a part-time job during the school year, 16-year-olds have various opportunities at popular fast food and fast casual eateries.

What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Long Beach, CA?

At age 16, individuals typically qualify for entry-level roles that provide foundational skills such as customer service and food preparation. Common job titles include:

• Cashier – handling sales transactions and customer interaction.
• Host/Hostess – greeting and seating guests at full-service restaurants.
• Server Assistant – supporting wait staff with refills and clearing tables.
• Kitchen Staff – assisting with food prep, cooking basics, or dishwashing.

These roles usually come with hourly wages ranging between $15.50 and $20, varying by employer and specific responsibilities.

Understanding the essential places that hire at 16 can help young job seekers target their applications more effectively.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Long Beach, CA

Several well-known fast-food chains in Long Beach are known to employ 16-year-olds. These employers offer positions that emphasize teamwork and fast-paced work environments.

McDonald's

McDonald's typically hires 16-year-olds as crew members or cashiers, where they perform customer service, food assembly, and sanitation duties.

Burger King

Burger King offers team member roles suitable for 16-year-old workers, focused on food preparation, order taking, and maintaining the dining area.

Wendy's

At Wendy's, 16-year-olds can work as crew members, serving both front-of-house and back-of-house responsibilities.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell employs 16-year-olds as service champions and food champions, roles that combine customer service with kitchen support.

Subway

Subway hires sandwich artists and cashiers at the age of 16 to prepare sandwiches, handle cash, and provide customer service.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A’s front-of-house team member positions are open to 16-year-olds and involve greeting customers and food delivery.

Jack in the Box

At Jack in the Box, 16-year-olds can join as team members performing various kitchen and cashier duties.

In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger offers associate positions where 16-year-olds assist with customer orders, food preparation, and maintaining store cleanliness.

Employers looking to fill these roles can benefit from our guide to hiring fast food workers, designed to streamline recruitment.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Long Beach, CA

Fast-casual restaurants provide a slightly elevated dining experience with more customized orders, making them appealing workplaces for younger employees too.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires cashiers and bakery-café associates aged 16 and above, focusing on customer service and bakery food prep tasks.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle offers crew member roles to 16-year-olds that include food preparation, assembly, and customer engagement.

Panda Express

Panda Express hires 16-year-olds as service and kitchen team members to assist in food prep and maintaining service standards.

Blaze Pizza

At Blaze Pizza, 16-year-olds can work as pizza’olo and cashiers, with duties including pizza assembly and customer assistance.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company employs 16-year-olds for various team member roles that cover customer service and food prep.

Hiring managers can utilize our free templates and tips on hiring reliable kitchen staff to find the best fit for these roles.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Long Beach, CA?

California has specific child labor laws that govern the working hours for minors aged 16 and 17. These rules vary depending on whether school is in session.

When school is in session:

• Work up to 4 hours on school days.
• Work up to 8 hours on non-school days or days before non-school days.
• Can work up to 48 hours per week.
• Permitted working hours are from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., extended to 12:30 a.m. before non-school days.

When school is not in session:

• Work up to 8 hours per day.
• Work up to 48 hours per week.
• Permitted working hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., provided the following day is not a school day.

Minors enrolled in an approved work experience or cooperative vocational program may work later and longer hours on school days, per California Department of Education rules.

Employers must also be aware of background check regulations in California to ensure compliance when hiring minors.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Long Beach

Here are some resources you may find useful if you're seeking jobs for 16-year-olds in Long Beach:

• California Department of Industrial Relations: Information on Minors and Employment
• California Child Labor Laws 2024 - FAQs
• California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 11760: Working Hours of Minors

For 16-year-olds interested in hospitality roles such as hostess, our hostess job description can provide insight into typical responsibilities and career progression.