Places That Hire at 16 in Port Arthur, TX

Places That Hire at 16 in Port Arthur, TX: Key Takeaways

• 16-year-olds can find entry-level jobs in fast food and fast casual restaurants in Port Arthur with hourly wages ranging from $8 to $13.
• Popular fast food chains like Dairy Queen, KFC, McDonald's, and Whataburger commonly hire 16-year-olds for roles such as crew member and cashier.
• Texas law allows 16- and 17-year-olds to work unlimited hours with no specific restrictions on times of day, although schedules should not interfere with schooling.

Many restaurants in Port Arthur, TX hire 16-year-olds, offering a great way for teens to gain work experience and earn money.

This article highlights the types of jobs available at 16 and where to apply locally.

What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Port Arthur, TX?

Teenagers at 16 typically qualify for non-managerial, entry-level positions in restaurants.

Common roles include:

• Crew member or team member—handling food prep, customer service, and cleaning duties.
• Cashier—taking orders and managing payments. Learn more about the cashier job description to understand this role better.
• Food preparation assistant—helping in the kitchen with basic prep tasks.

These jobs provide flexible hours suitable for students and pay an hourly wage generally between $8 and $13, depending on the restaurant and position.

For hiring managers, understanding restaurant staff hiring best practices can improve recruitment results.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Port Arthur, TX

Fast-food restaurants are among the most common employers for 16-year-olds, offering a range of entry-level jobs that help build customer service experience.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen hires Chill Staff and other crew roles suitable for 16-year-olds.

Wages range from $8 to $12 per hour, making it a popular option for teens entering the workforce.

Restaurant owners looking to attract young workers might consider strategies like those discussed in places that hire at 16.

KFC

KFC offers Team Member roles to 16-year-olds, although specifics on wages vary by location.

Chipotle

Chipotle hires Crew Members starting at age 16.

Pay typically ranges from $12 to $13 per hour, which is higher than many other fast-food establishments.

McDonald's

McDonald's routinely hires 16-year-olds for positions including cashier and cook.

Hourly wages depend on the location but generally fall within the competitive range for fast-food jobs.

Burger King

Burger King employs 16-year-olds for various frontline roles with wage information dependent on the store.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers a range of positions for 16-year-olds, focusing on customer interaction and food prep.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell hires teens for entry-level roles such as cashier and food preparation assistant.

Whataburger

Whataburger typically hires 16-year-olds and provides on-the-job training for various restaurant positions.

Hiring efficient front-line workers is crucial; check out the how to hire a cashier guide for helpful tips.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Port Arthur, TX

Besides fast food, several fast-casual chains also employ 16-year-olds, offering slightly higher wages and a varied working environment.

Chipotle

As noted, Chipotle is a prime fast-casual employer for teens, with positions paying $12-$13 per hour.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires 16-year-olds for customer service and food prep roles, though wages vary by location.

Panda Express

Panda Express welcomes 16-year-old applicants for crew roles, focusing on kitchen and front-of-house duties.

For those interested in kitchen roles, the how to hire a cook spotlight is a great resource for employers.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Port Arthur, TX?

Texas has no state restrictions on the number of hours or specific times that 16- and 17-year-olds can work.

Employers still should be mindful not to schedule teens during school hours or in conflict with local curfew laws where applicable.

This flexibility makes it easier for teens to balance work and education.

Restaurant managers can benefit from the how to hire a restaurant manager guide to better understand scheduling and labor management.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Port Arthur

• Texas Workforce Commission: Texas Child Labor Law
• Texas Administrative Code: Texas Child Labor Rules
• U.S. Department of Labor: Wage and Hour Division - Child Labor