Places That Hire at 16 in Redmond, WA: Key Takeaways
- Key restaurant jobs for 16-year-olds in Redmond include cashier, host/hostess, server assistant, and food runner.
- Washington's minimum wage is $15.74 per hour as of 2025, with some jobs paying more based on roles and experience.
- Legal work hour limits for 16-year-olds vary by school week status, with maximums of 20 hours per week during school weeks and 48 hours during non-school weeks.
Looking for work at 16 in Redmond, WA? The restaurant industry offers diverse job opportunities and competitive pay.
This guide explores where 16-year-olds can find employment in Redmond and explains legal work hour restrictions.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Redmond, WA?
Sixteen-year-olds can start with entry-level positions well-suited to gaining first work experience.
Typical roles include cashier, host/hostess, server assistant and food runner. These roles focus on customer service, food delivery, and front-of-house support, offering valuable skills for future career growth.
Employers looking to effectively attract and retain young hospitality staff can refer to our comprehensive restaurant staff hiring insights for best practices and strategies.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Redmond
Several well-known fast-food chains in Redmond hire 16-year-olds for various crew member positions, combining customer service with food preparation tasks.
McDonald's
McDonald's often hires entry-level workers as crew members and cashiers. These roles include greeting customers, taking orders, and maintaining cleanliness.
Burger King
Burger King employs team members who handle everything from cooking and cleaning to customer service, welcoming 16-year-old applicants.
Wendy's
Wendy's offers crew member positions where young workers can engage in both front-of-house and kitchen duties.
Restaurant owners can optimize their team performance and reduce turnover by reviewing strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover tailored for fast-food environments.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell hires service champions and food champions, with roles that focus on quality customer interactions and food assembly.
Subway
Subway welcomes sandwich artists and cashiers aged 16 and older to their teams, emphasizing preparation and friendly service.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Redmond
Fast-casual spots also welcome young workers to deliver excellent food and customer care experiences.
For those interested in jobs like pizza making at MOD Pizza, understanding the role such as the pizza maker job description can provide great insights.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle hires crew members aged 16+ to assist with food prep and serving customers, balancing speed and quality.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread offers roles like associate and cashier, focusing on customer assistance and bakery operations.
MOD Pizza
MOD Pizza looks for squad members to help with various tasks including food prep and customer service, making it accessible for teens.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Redmond?
Washington state limits the working hours for 16-year-olds based on whether school is in session.
During school weeks, 16-year-olds can work up to 4 hours per school day (8 hours on Fridays and weekends) with a maximum of 20 hours per week. Work hours must be between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., extended to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
In non-school weeks or breaks, teens may work up to 8 hours daily and 48 hours weekly, with allowed work hours from 5 a.m. to midnight.
Employers must obtain a Parent/School Authorization form renewed yearly by September 30. Additionally, teens working after 8 p.m. in service jobs must be supervised by an adult to comply with labor laws.
Employers looking for tips on compliance and managing youth workers should review HR policies for restaurant as a valuable resource.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Redmond
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Hours of Work for Youth
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Prohibited Duties for Youth
- Washington State Legislature: Youth Employment Rules (Chapter 296-131 WAC)
If you are a young worker or employer looking for interview preparation tips for entry-level roles like food runner, check out food runner interview questions to get started.