Places That Hire at 16 in Milwaukee, WI

Places That Hire at 16 in Milwaukee, WI: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Milwaukee can work in restaurants as cashiers, crew members, or food preparers.
Wisconsin minimum wage is $7.25/hr with a possible $5.90/hr opportunity wage for the first 90 days.
Fast food and fast casual chains like McDonald's, Jamba Juice, Panera Bread, and Chipotle hire 16-year-olds.

Finding a job at 16 in Milwaukee, WI is feasible, especially in the foodservice industry. Many local fast-food and fast casual restaurants welcome young workers for entry-level positions.

These jobs help teens gain work experience and earn competitive wages within Wisconsin's labor laws.

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

In Milwaukee, 16-year-olds typically qualify for entry-level positions in both fast food and fast casual dining establishments. Common roles include:

Crew Member: Assisting with customer service, order taking, and general restaurant upkeep.
Cashier: Handling cash transactions, managing the register, and providing customer service.
Food Preparer: Assisting kitchen staff by preparing ingredients or assembling menu items.

These jobs provide hands-on experience, enabling teens to develop customer interaction skills and teamwork abilities.

Wages in Wisconsin start at a minimum of $7.25 per hour, although employers may offer an "Opportunity Wage" of $5.90 per hour during the first 90 days of employment.

For employers looking to fill such positions, our restaurant staff hiring resource offers tips on attracting and retaining young workers effectively.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Milwaukee, WI

Several fast-food chains in Milwaukee welcome 16-year-olds for various crew and cashier roles. These establishments provide flexible schedules and are well-suited for young workers.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 16-year-olds as Crew Team Members. These roles involve customer service, food preparation, and maintaining restaurant cleanliness. Pay rates can go up to $14 per hour depending on location and experience.

Jamba Juice

Jamba Juice offers Crew Member positions for teens, focusing on smoothie preparation and customer service. Wage rates typically reach around $14 per hour.

KFC

KFC hires Team Members aged 16 and over for duties including food preparation, order fulfillment, and cleaning. Wages range between $12.50 and $13.50 per hour.

Employers interested in learning best practices for hiring fast-food workers can refer to our how to hire a fast-food worker guide.

Burger King

Burger King regularly hires 16-year-olds for entry-level roles such as crew members and cashiers, making it an accessible option for young job seekers.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers opportunities for 16-year-olds in customer-facing roles and kitchen assistance.

Subway

Subway often hires individuals at age 16 for sandwich artists and cashier roles.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell employs 16-year-olds across various positions including order taking and food assembly.

Arby's

Arby's hires 16-year-olds, typically as crew members who assist with both customer service and food preparation.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Milwaukee, WI

Besides traditional fast food, fast-casual restaurants also employ 16-year-olds, offering slightly more upscale dining service roles.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 16-year-olds for roles such as cashiers and bakery associates, focusing on friendly customer service and food preparation.

To attract the best candidates, Panera and similar venues often use effective restaurant job promotion strategies.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle typically accepts 16-year-old applicants for positions like team members who help with food service and customer interactions.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company employs 16-year-olds as crew members who assist in order taking and kitchen duties.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Milwaukee, WI?

Wisconsin law does not strictly limit the number of hours a 16-year-old may work outside of school hours. However, there are important restrictions to be aware of:

16- and 17-year-olds may not work during their required school hours.
They cannot work more than 6 consecutive hours without a 30-minute, duty-free meal break.
If they work past 11:00 p.m., there must be at least 8 hours of rest before starting their next shift.

These rules help balance work commitments with school responsibilities and rest.

For a full overview, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development provides detailed regulations.

Employers should also consider legal compliance in shift scheduling and breaks, which can be supported by our resource on restaurant staffing.

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

Young job seekers can enhance their preparation by reviewing typical fast food worker interview questions, helping them succeed in applications.

01. Which companies hire 16-year-olds in Milwaukee?

Major chains like McDonald's, Jamba Juice, KFC, and Panera Bread hire 16-year-olds for entry-level roles such as crew members and cashiers.

02. What is the starting wage for 16-year-olds in Milwaukee?

The minimum wage in Wisconsin is $7.25 per hour, but employers may offer an Opportunity Wage of $5.90 for the first 90 days.

03. Are there restrictions on work hours for 16-year-olds in Milwaukee?

Yes, 16- and 17-year-olds cannot work during school hours and have limits on meal breaks and rest between shifts.

04. What types of jobs are available to 16-year-olds in the restaurant industry?

Common positions include Crew Member, Cashier, and Food Preparer, which develop customer service and teamwork skills.

05. Where can I find resources about child labor laws in Wisconsin?

Resources are available on the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website and Wisconsin legislative codes.