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Places That Hire at 16 in Merced, CA

Discover which restaurants hire 16-year-olds in Merced and learn about job roles, hours, and wages.

Young worker at fast food restaurant in Merced, CA

By: Stefan Petrov

Updated: Oct 29, 2025

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Places That Hire at 16 in Merced, CA: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Merced can find jobs primarily in fast food and fast casual restaurants such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Chipotle.
California's minimum wage is $15.50 per hour as of 2025 and applies to these entry-level positions.
Work hours for 16-year-olds are regulated with limits based on whether school is in session, including maximum daily and weekly hours and restricted workday times.

Finding a job at 16 in Merced, CA, is feasible in the restaurant industry where many establishments hire younger workers for entry-level roles.

Employers looking to fill these roles can find guidance in places that hire at 16 to streamline their hiring process.

This article outlines where 16-year-olds can work, common job roles, work hour regulations, and helpful resources for young job seekers.

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

Most employers hiring 16-year-olds in Merced offer entry-level positions that require no previous experience. Typical roles include cashier, crew member, food preparer, or team member.

For a detailed understanding of the roles available to young restaurant workers, check out the fast food worker job description.

These job titles involve customer service, food preparation, and cleaning duties suitable for a young worker eager to learn.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Merced, CA

Many fast-food chains in Merced hire workers as young as 16, offering flexible schedules ideal for students.

Employers wanting to improve their hiring efficiency might find useful advice in restaurant staff hiring.

McDonald's

McDonald's employs 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers. These roles include taking orders, food preparation, and maintaining cleanliness.

Burger King

Burger King hires team members and cooks at 16, allowing young employees to gain experience in both customer service and kitchen operations.

For hiring cooks at this level, consider resources on how to hire a cook to attract the right candidates.

Wendy's

At Wendy's, positions for 16-year-olds include crew members and cashiers. These roles involve order taking, food assembly, and general restaurant upkeep.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell offers opportunities to 16-year-olds as service champions and food champions, focusing on customer interaction and food handling.

Subway

Sandwich artist and cashier positions are available for 16-year-olds at Subway, requiring food preparation skills and customer service abilities.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box hires team members who assist in various restaurant duties such as customer service and food preparation.

Carl's Jr.

Carl's Jr. welcomes 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers, handling orders and food assembly tasks.

KFC

KFC employs 16-year-olds as team members and cooks, offering experience in both front-of-house and kitchen functions.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Merced, CA

Beyond fast food, some fast-casual restaurants also accept 16-year-olds for various roles.

Learn about strategies for how to hire a restaurant manager, which can be valuable for expanding operations in fast-casual settings.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers, focusing on food preparation and customer service.

Panda Express

Positions such as service team member and kitchen team member are available to 16-year-olds at Panda Express.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread offers associate and cashier jobs suitable for younger workers eager to develop skills in food service environments.

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

California law strictly limits work hours for 16-year-olds to ensure their health and education are not compromised.

When school is in session, 16-year-olds can work up to 4 hours on school days and up to 8 hours on non-school days, with a 48-hour weekly maximum.

Permitted work hours during school are from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., except on nights before non-school days when work may extend until 12:30 a.m.

When school is not in session, work hours increase to a maximum of 8 hours daily and 48 hours weekly, with work hours allowed between 7:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.

For employers managing schedules, insights on restaurant staffing can be beneficial for compliance and efficiency.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Merced

01. Which fast-food places hire 16-year-olds in Merced, CA?

Chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Subway, and Jack in the Box commonly hire 16-year-olds in Merced.

02. What are common job roles for 16-year-olds in restaurants?

Entry-level roles such as cashier, crew member, and food preparer are commonly available for 16-year-olds, requiring no prior experience.

03. How many hours can 16-year-olds work in Merced during the school year?

During the school year, 16-year-olds can work up to 4 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with specific time restrictions.

04. What is the minimum wage for 16-year-olds in Merced, CA?

As of 2025, the minimum wage in California is $15.50 per hour, which applies to most entry-level jobs for 16-year-olds.

05. Where can 16-year-olds find work permit information in California?

Information about work permits can be found through the California Department of Education and the California Department of Industrial Relations websites.

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