Places That Hire at 16 in Modesto, CA

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

16-year-olds in Modesto can find jobs primarily in the restaurant industry as crew members, hosts, and production staff.
Hourly wages for these positions generally range from $16.00 to $20.00, depending on the employer and role.
California law limits work hours for 16-year-olds to protect their education, with specific restrictions during school sessions and breaks.

Looking for your first job in Modesto, CA at 16 years old? There are plenty of local opportunities especially in quick-service and casual dining restaurants.

This guide outlines where teens can work, common roles, and what the state rules say about working hours.

For employers interested in strategies for hiring 16-year-old employees, understanding legal requirements and best practices is essential.

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

Many restaurants in Modesto welcome 16-year-olds in entry-level positions suited for beginners. These jobs include:

Crew Members – assisting with food prep, customer service, and general operations.
Hosts – greeting guests and managing seating.
Production Staff – involved in food assembly and maintaining quality.

These roles prepare teens with valuable work experience while offering hourly pay typically between $16 and $20.

Learn more about the host role with our hostess job description to understand what employers expect.

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

Modesto has several well-known fast-food chains that hire 16-year-olds. These jobs focus on customer service, food prep, and maintaining a clean environment.

Popeyes

Popeyes hires Crew Member – Student positions where teens help prepare food and keep the restaurant clean. While specific pay rates are not listed, jobs here provide a good starting point.

If you're interested in fast food roles, check the fast-food worker job description for details on typical duties and qualifications.

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut offers roles like Production Team Member responsible for food preparation and customer satisfaction. They pay around $20 hourly, which is on the higher end for teen jobs.

McDonald's

McDonald’s is a popular choice for 16-year-olds, offering crew member roles. Starting wages usually align with the California minimum wage, with scope for increases based on experience.

Burger King

Burger King employs team members who focus on customer service and restaurant upkeep. Their pay rates compete within the fast-food sector.

Wendy's

Wendy's hires 16-year-old crew members for tasks such as taking orders and helping in food prep, paying industry-standard wages.

For employers looking to hire fast-food workers efficiently, see our how to hire fast food workers guide.

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

Fast-casual dining offers more sit-down experience with slightly higher pay for teens entering the workforce.

Chili's

Chili’s hires hosts at hourly rates between $16 and $17.75. Hosts welcome guests and manage seating in a busier environment than fast-food.

Applebee’s

Applebee’s also offers host positions paying about $16.50 per hour. These roles involve greeting guests and coordinating table assignments professionally.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 16-year-olds as cashiers and food prep staff. Wages here are competitive with other fast-casual spots and provide valuable customer interaction experience.

Explore our guide to hiring reliable kitchen staff to help these positions run smoothly.

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

California places specific limits on hours worked by 16 and 17-year-olds to ensure schoolwork is not compromised.

When school is in session:

Max 4 hours on school days
Max 8 hours on non-school days or preceding non-school days
Max 48 hours per week
Permitted working hours fall between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (extendable to 12:30 a.m. before non-school days)

When school is not in session:

Up to 8 hours per day
Up to 48 hours per week
Allowed work hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. if the next day is not a school day

These rules help teens balance work and education effectively.

Employers should be aware of these regulations to maintain compliance; see California overtime law 2025 for more information.

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

For teens interested in kitchen roles, the prep cook job description provides a good overview of entry-level kitchen opportunities.

01. What types of jobs can 16-year-olds get in Modesto?

Entry-level roles like crew members, hosts, and production staff in the restaurant industry are commonly available.

02. What fast-food restaurants hire at 16 in Modesto?

Chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Popeyes, and Pizza Hut hire 16-year-olds for roles focused on customer service and food preparation.

03. How many hours can a 16-year-old work during school sessions in California?

During school sessions, 16-year-olds may work up to 4 hours on school days and up to 8 hours on non-school days, with total weekly hours capped at 48.

04. Are there specific work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds in Modesto?

Yes, permitted work hours vary between school sessions and breaks, with limits on times of day and total hours worked.

05. Where can I find more information on labor laws for teens in California?

Official resources include the California Department of Industrial Relations and the California Code of Regulations websites.