Places That Hire at 16 in Puyallup, WA

Places That Hire at 16 in Puyallup, WA: Key Takeaways

Common jobs for 16-year-olds in Puyallup’s restaurant industry include cashier, crew member, and food preparer.
Starting wages usually range from $16.66 to $21.00 per hour based on employer and role.
Washington state limits 16-year-olds to 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week during school, with extended hours allowed during vacations.

Puyallup, WA offers various entry-level opportunities for teenagers aged 16 seeking work, especially in fast food and fast casual restaurants.

This article covers available job types, specific employers hiring at 16, legal work hour limits, and useful resources for youth employment.

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

At 16, many roles in the restaurant sector focus on customer service and food preparation without requiring hazardous tasks.

Typical positions include cashier, crew member, food preparer, sandwich artist, and team member.

These roles give teenagers valuable experience with customer interaction, teamwork, and basic food service duties.

For employers, understanding how to attract and retain young staff is crucial; see our places that hire at 16 to help streamline your hiring process.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Puyallup, WA

Several well-known fast-food chains in Puyallup routinely hire 16-year-olds. These employers offer entry-level roles that are ideal for first jobs.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers focused on customer service, food preparation, and maintaining cleanliness.

If you need guidance on creating effective job descriptions for such roles, check out this guide to creating restaurant job descriptions for fast results.

Burger King

Burger King employs 16-year-olds for team member and cook positions, giving experience in food prep and assembly.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers roles such as crew member and cashier, where teens can engage in order taking and basic food service tasks.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell hires 16-year-olds as team members and food service workers, focusing on customer requests and kitchen support.

Hiring restaurant staff can be easier with the right approach—learn more from our restaurant staff hiring spotlight.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Puyallup, WA

Beyond fast food, fast-casual restaurants in Puyallup also welcome younger workers for various entry-level jobs.

Subway

Subway employs 16-year-olds as sandwich artists and cashiers, allowing involvement in food assembly and customer interaction.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires 16-year-olds as crew members, focusing on food preparation and customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread offers associate roles where teens can assist with food service, cleanup, and customer support.

Panda Express

Panda Express hires 16-year-olds as team members and cashiers, combining kitchen duties with front-of-house tasks.

Employers looking to hire reliable kitchen staff can find free templates in our spotlight on how to hire reliable kitchen staff.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Puyallup, WA?

Washington State law regulates the working hours of 16-year-olds to prioritize education while allowing for flexible work schedules.

During the school year, 16- and 17-year-olds may work up to 4 hours daily and 20 hours weekly. Allowed shift times are generally between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., extended until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

When school is not in session, teens can work up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week, with shifts permitted between 5 a.m. and midnight.

Additionally, employers must provide a 30-minute meal break if the teen works more than 5 hours per day and a rest break within every 3-hour segment of the shift.

Hazardous duties such as using power-driven machinery, working at heights above 10 feet, and handling toxic chemicals are strictly prohibited for minors under 18 to ensure their safety.

To better understand safety and interview processes for young kitchen staff, employers can explore the prep cook interview questions guide and the how to hire a cook spotlight.

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

01. What jobs are available for 16-year-olds in Puyallup's restaurant industry?

Jobs like cashier, crew member, and food preparer are commonly available for 16-year-olds looking to work in Puyallup's restaurant industry.

02. What are the work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds in Washington state?

During the school year, 16-year-olds can work up to 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week. During vacations, hours extend up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week.

03. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Puyallup?

Major chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Taco Bell offer entry-level jobs to 16-year-olds in Puyallup.

04. Are fast-casual restaurants open to hiring 16-year-olds?

Yes, places like Subway, Chipotle, Panera Bread, and Panda Express hire 16-year-olds for roles such as crew members and cashiers.

05. What safety regulations apply to minors working in restaurants?

Minors under 18 must not engage in hazardous duties like using power machinery, working at heights, or handling toxic substances to ensure safety.