Places That Hire at 16 in Philadelphia, PA

Places That Hire at 16 in Philadelphia, PA: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds can work in various fast food and fast casual restaurant roles such as cashier, crew member, and food preparation worker.
Typical wages range from the federal minimum of $7.25 to around $10 per hour depending on employer and role.
Pennsylvania law restricts work hours for 16-year-olds with limits during school weeks and requires meal breaks.

If you are 16 and looking for job opportunities in Philadelphia, PA, the restaurant industry offers many options to start your employment journey.

For employers looking to efficiently staff their venues, restaurant staff hiring strategies can provide helpful insights.

This guide outlines popular places hiring teens at 16, job roles available, work hour regulations, and helpful resources.

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

At age 16, you can work in several entry-level positions mainly within fast food and fast casual restaurants.

Common roles include:

Cashier
Crew Member
Food Preparation Worker
Dining Area Attendant

These jobs allow you to gain valuable customer service and food handling experience. Wages usually range from $7.25 per hour up to $10 per hour, varying by employer and duties.

Employers can benefit from customizing a restaurant job description template to attract the right candidates for entry-level roles such as cashiers and food prep workers.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Philadelphia

If you're interested in fast food, many well-known chains offer opportunities for 16-year-olds.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 16-year-olds for crew member and cashier positions, providing a great way to learn teamwork and customer service skills.

For a deeper look into the fast food industry, see our fast food worker job description page.

Burger King

Burger King employs teens age 16+ as team members and cooks, giving experience in food preparation and front-line service.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers roles such as crew member and cashier for 16-year-olds, emphasizing friendly interaction and efficient service.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell hires 16-year-old team members and food service workers, offering chances to work in meal prep and customer support.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A welcomes team members aged 16 and up, focusing on hospitality and fast food operations.

KFC

KFC employs 16-year-olds as team members and cooks, providing experience in kitchen work and order fulfillment.

Subway

Subway hires younger workers as sandwich artists and cashiers, allowing creative sandwich making and customer service.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen offers crew member and cashier roles to 16-year-olds, ideal for those interested in dessert and fast-food service.

For employers, understanding how to hire a cashier effectively can improve their hiring process for these roles.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Philadelphia

Several fast casual restaurants also hire 16-year-olds, combining quick service with higher-quality food options.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread offers positions like associate and cashier to 16-year-olds, combining customer service with food prep duties.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle employs 16-year-olds as crew members and food preparers, focusing on fresh ingredients and assembly line prep.

Five Guys

Five Guys hires crew members and cashiers at 16, great for gaining experience in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Entry-level cooks at fast casual restaurants often benefit from clear guidance, so check out our how to hire a cook strategies for employers.

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

Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act sets specific limits on how many hours a 16-year-old can work.

When school is in session:

Work permitted between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m.
Maximum 8 hours per school day.
Maximum 28 hours per school week.

When school is not in session:

Work permitted between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m.
Up to 10 hours per day.
Maximum 48 hours per week, but employers cannot require more than 44 hours weekly.

All minors must receive a 30-minute meal break within five consecutive hours of work.

To understand more about labor laws and hiring practices, employers might find value in learning how to hire restaurant staff fast in compliance with regulations.

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

Many teens starting their restaurant careers later choose paths such as busser or food runner, roles that offer valuable experience in hospitality.

01. What types of jobs are available for 16-year-olds in Philadelphia restaurants?

Entry-level restaurant jobs such as Cashier, Crew Member, and Food Preparation Worker are commonly available to 16-year-olds in Philadelphia.

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

Major chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Taco Bell offer employment to 16-year-olds in Philadelphia.

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

When school is in session, 16-year-olds can work up to 8 hours per day and 28 hours per week. When school is not in session, they may work up to 10 hours per day and 48 hours per week but should not exceed 44 hours required by employers.

04. Are meal breaks required for minors working in Philadelphia?

Yes, all minors must receive a 30-minute meal break within five consecutive working hours.

05. Where can I find official resources on child labor laws in Philadelphia?

Official resources include the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the Department of Education, and the Office of Attorney General websites.