Places That Hire at 16 in Massachusetts, MA

Places That Hire at 16 in MA: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Massachusetts can work in entry-level restaurant positions such as cashier, host/hostess, busser, and food runner.
Popular fast food employers for 16-year-olds include McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Dunkin'.
Massachusetts restricts work hours for 16-year-olds to protect their health and education, limiting daily hours and specifying allowed work times.

Finding a job at 16 in Massachusetts is feasible with many restaurants and retail places hiring.

Understanding allowable job types and work hour restrictions helps teens navigate employment successfully.

For employers looking to understand best practices in hiring young staff, see our guide on restaurant staff hiring.

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

In Massachusetts, 16-year-olds can typically secure various entry-level roles within the restaurant sector that emphasize customer service and operational support.

Common positions include cashier, host or hostess, busser, and food runner. These roles involve greeting customers, taking orders, clearing tables, and helping with food delivery.

Such jobs help teens gain valuable work experience while earning a wage usually ranging from $12 to $15 per hour, depending on location and prior experience.

Explore detailed job descriptions for hostesses and food runners to better understand these entry-level roles.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in MA

You'll find several well-known fast-food chains welcoming 16-year-old employees in Massachusetts. Their expansive networks and structured training programs make them ideal for teen workers.

McDonald's

One of the most popular options, McDonald's frequently hires 16-year-olds for front-counter and drive-thru positions. The company offers flexible scheduling and opportunities for advancement.

Burger King

Burger King hires young workers to fulfill roles including cashier and cook assistant. It’s a good entry point into the food service industry with a focus on high-volume customer service.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers teenage workers opportunities in positions such as cashier, food prep, and dining room attendant, emphasizing teamwork and efficiency.

Dunkin'

Dunkin' locations in Massachusetts often look for 16-year-olds as crew members, helping with counter service, food prep, and maintaining cleanliness.

For those interested in fast food roles, check out this comprehensive fast food worker job description to understand the expectations.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in MA

Besides traditional fast-food outlets, several fast-casual restaurants also hire motivated 16-year-olds interested in food service jobs.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires teens often as service crew members responsible for customer orders, food assembly, and maintaining restaurant standards.

Panera Bread

At Panera Bread, 16-year-olds can work as front-of-house staff, including cashier and dining room support, gaining experience in a fast-casual environment.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack offers part-time roles for teens, typically focused on order taking, customer assistance, and general cleanliness.

If you're an employer looking to attract young talent in casual dining, our employer branding tips for restaurant job postings can help.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in MA?

Massachusetts strictly regulates the working hours of 16-year-olds to balance employment with education and wellbeing.

Daily, teens may work up to 9 hours with a maximum of 48 hours per week, but cannot exceed 6 days of work weekly.

When school is in session, work hours are limited to between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. on nights before school days, with a slight extension to 10:15 p.m. if services close at 10 p.m.

On nights before non-school days, work is permitted between 6 a.m. and 11:30 p.m., with restaurants allowed to have teens work until midnight.

After 8 p.m., direct adult supervision is required unless the minor works at a mall kiosk with security presence.

To better manage staffing hours and compliance, restaurant owners can benefit from our insights on restaurant staffing strategies.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in MA

You can also explore interviewing young hospitality staff effectively with our guide on hostess interview questions and tips.

01. What jobs can a 16-year-old get in Massachusetts?

Teenagers in Massachusetts can work as cashiers, bussers, hosts/hostesses, food runners, and crew members in fast food and fast-casual restaurants.

02. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in MA?

Popular fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Dunkin' frequently hire 16-year-olds for entry-level roles.

03. What are the Massachusetts work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds?

Massachusetts limits daily work hours to 9 and requires direct adult supervision after 8 p.m., with specific rules for school nights.

04. Are there opportunities for advancement for teens at these jobs?

Yes, many employers like McDonald's offer advancement opportunities for teens who perform well and demonstrate responsibility.

05. Where can I find official information on youth employment permits in Massachusetts?

Official information is available on the Massachusetts government website about youth employment permits, work hour restrictions, and prohibited jobs for minors.