9 min read

Places That Hire at 16 in Placentia, CA

Discover entry-level job opportunities and learn about legal work hours for 16-year-olds in Placentia, CA.

Teen working at a fast food restaurant in Placentia

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

  • Common entry-level jobs for 16-year-olds in Placentia include cashier, host, server assistant, and kitchen staff, with wages from $15.50 to $17.00 per hour.
  • Fast food spots like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and In-N-Out Burger hire 16-year-olds in Placentia.
  • Fast casual restaurants such as Panera Bread, Chipotle, and Panda Express also employ 16-year-olds.
  • California law limits work hours and requires employment permits for minors aged 16 and 17.

If you're 16 and living in Placentia, CA, job options abound particularly in restaurants and food service. Understanding the roles available and legal work limits can help you secure a suitable position.

To better understand how to hire younger employees effectively, check out how to hire restaurant staff fast for insights.

This article explores key employer types hiring 16-year-olds in Placentia, outlines permitted work hours, and directs you to helpful resources.

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

At 16, many job opportunities in Placentia's restaurant sector focus on entry-level roles. These positions provide valuable experience and an introduction to the workforce.

Typical jobs include:

  • Cashier: Handling customer transactions and managing the register.
  • Host/Hostess: Greeting and seating guests, managing waitlists.
  • Server Assistant: Supporting servers by clearing tables, refilling drinks, and taking food to tables.
  • Kitchen Staff: Assisting in the kitchen with food prep and cleanliness.

For those interested in starting as a hostess, learn about hostess interview questions to prepare effectively.

Hourly wages for these jobs in Placentia range between $15.50 and $17.00, depending on the restaurant and job responsibilities.

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

Many fast-food chains welcome 16-year-old employees due to the availability of entry-level positions suitable for teenagers. Here are some popular fast-food restaurants in Placentia that hire at 16:

McDonald's

McDonald's offers roles such as cashier, crew member, and kitchen helper. They emphasize customer service skills and teamwork.

Discover the fast food worker job description to understand these roles better.

Burger King

Burger King hires teens for positions like cashier and food prep. Training is provided to help develop communication and multitasking abilities.

Wendy's

Wendy's employs youth in front-of-house and kitchen roles. Their work environment is fast-paced, great for learning time management.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell offers opportunities for 16-year-olds as cashiers and kitchen staff. Employees gain experience in customer interaction and food safety.

In-N-Out Burger

Known for high employee satisfaction, In-N-Out hires 16-year-olds for various positions and offers competitive pay with room for growth.

Need to hire employees?
OR
Looking for top paid jobs?

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

Fast-casual eateries also offer employment opportunities for teens and generally feature a bit more varied job roles than fast food places.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires teens as bakery associates, cashiers, and food runners. This is a good option to learn food preparation and customer service.

Understanding the food runner job description can be helpful for teens considering this role.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle takes on 16-year-olds, mainly in roles like cashier or kitchen assistant, focusing on teamwork and efficient service.

Panda Express

Panda Express employs teens in front counter and kitchen helper roles, providing experience in food safety and fast-paced service.

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

California law defines strict rules for how many hours minors aged 16 and 17 can work to protect their education and well-being. For 16-year-olds in Placentia:

  • When school is in session: Up to 4 hours on school days; up to 8 hours on non-school days or days before non-school days; max 48 hours per week.
  • Permissible work hours: From 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., except on evenings before non-school days when work can extend to 12:30 a.m.
  • When school is not in session: Can work up to 8 hours daily and up to 48 hours weekly between 7:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m., provided the workday does not precede a school day.

Employers must also acquire a valid Permit to Employ and Work for minors before hiring. This permit is generally obtained through the minor’s school.

Additionally, teens regularly employed but not graduated from high school should attend continuation school for at least 4 hours weekly.

Employers looking to hire kitchen staff efficiently might find valuable guidance in how to hire reliable kitchen staff.

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

For employers interested in improving retention, strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover can be a helpful resource.

Places That Hire at 16 in Placentia, CA FAQs

A 16-year-old can work as a cashier, host, server assistant, or kitchen staff in many restaurants and fast-food places in Placentia.

Popular fast-food chains hiring 16-year-olds in Placentia include McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and In-N-Out Burger.

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

Yes, California requires minors aged 16 and 17 to have a valid Permit to Employ and Work before starting any job.

Useful resources include the California Department of Industrial Relations websites, which provide detailed information on minors working safely.