Places That Hire at 16 in Renton, WA: Key Takeaways
- Many fast food and fast-casual restaurants in Renton hire 16-year-olds for entry-level positions.
- Typical job roles include team members, cashiers, and food service workers, with wages ranging from $15 to over $21 per hour.
- Washington State sets specific work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds, limiting daily and weekly hours especially during school weeks.
If you’re 16 and looking for work in Renton, WA, especially in the restaurant industry, there are multiple job opportunities waiting for you.
This article outlines where you can get hired, the types of positions available, wage expectations, and the legal work limits for teens in the area.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Renton, WA?
In Renton’s restaurant scene, 16-year-olds typically find roles as entry-level team members or cashiers. These jobs involve taking orders, preparing simple menu items, cleaning, and customer service.
Positions are designed to be suitable for younger workers who are building workplace skills and balancing school responsibilities.
The average pay for these roles ranges between $15 and $21 per hour, depending on the establishment and duties assigned.
For those interested in entry-level positions, checking a detailed fast food worker job description can provide insight into common responsibilities and qualifications.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Renton, WA
Several well-known fast-food chains in Renton hire 16-year-olds regularly, offering competitive wages and flexible schedules.
Domino's Pizza
Domino’s offers positions such as Customer Service Representatives for 16-year-olds. Starting wages range between $20.90 and $23.00 per hour, reflecting strong pay for entry roles.
Burger King
Burger King hires Team Members aged 16 and up, with wages from about $21.16 to $21.50 per hour. You’ll gain experience in food preparation and customer service.
McDonald's
McDonald's is a classic first job option. Positions for 16-year-olds typically start around $15 per hour, including crew member roles assisting in kitchen and front-counter duties.
To further understand this role, explore our spots on places that hire at 16 which highlight various employers welcoming younger workers.
Wendy's
Wendy’s hires teens for cashier and cook jobs with competitive wages, ideal for those wanting to develop multitasking and teamwork skills.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell offers various team member roles to 16-year-olds, starting at approximately $15 per hour, focusing on food prep and customer interaction.
KFC
KFC hires young workers for team member and cashier jobs with starting wages close to $15 per hour, providing valuable experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Subway
Sandwich Artist positions at Subway are open to 16-year-olds, with starting pay around $15 per hour. This role emphasizes food assembly and customer service.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box employs team members aged 16 and older, offering competitive wages and experience in food service and customer care.
Employers seeking to fill their teams can find useful advice on restaurant staff hiring to attract and retain younger workers effectively.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Renton, WA
Beyond fast food, some fast-casual restaurants also provide opportunities for 16-year-olds to gain work experience.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack hires Restaurant Team Members aged 16+, paying roughly $15 per hour. Roles may include order taking, food prep, and maintaining cleanliness.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle offers crew member positions to 16-year-olds with competitive wages. The job involves food assembly, customer service, and working as part of a team.
To prepare for such roles, reviewing food runner interview questions can guide young candidates on what to expect and how to succeed.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires teens for various roles starting around $15 per hour. Positions cover cashier duties, food prep, and customer interaction in a café setting.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Renton, WA?
Washington State has specific labor laws to protect younger workers like 16-year-olds, regulating how many hours they can work depending on whether school is in session.
During school weeks, 16-year-olds may work up to 4 hours per school day, with up to 8 hours allowed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The maximum total is 20 hours per week.
Work hours during these weeks must be between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., extended to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before school holidays.
When school is out, such as during summer break, 16-year-olds can work up to 8 hours daily and a total of 48 hours per week, with permitted work hours from 5 a.m. to midnight.
Employers must also provide a 30-minute meal break for every 5 hours worked and a 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked.
For employers, understanding how to structure shifts while complying with labor laws improves retention; see our insights on strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Renton, WA
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Hours of Work for Minors
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Teen and Young Worker Safety & Health
- Washington State Legislature: Chapter 296-131 WAC
Job seekers at this age can also benefit from reviewing best summer jobs for teens, providing ideas and inspiration beyond the restaurant sector.








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