Places That Hire at 16 in Sacramento, CA

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

Sixteen-year-olds in Sacramento can work entry-level restaurant jobs such as cashier, crew member, and food preparer.
California's minimum wage is $15.50 per hour as of August 2025, setting pay standards for these jobs.
Work hour limits for 16-year-olds vary by whether school is in session, with restrictions to protect education.

Whether you're eager to earn your first paycheck or gain valuable work experience, Sacramento has several places hiring 16-year-olds.

This guide covers popular restaurant job opportunities and the work hour limits you must know.

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

At age 16, many workplace roles focus on entry-level positions ideal for gaining customer service and food preparation experience.

Common positions include cashier, crew member, food preparer, sandwich artist, and team member. These jobs usually involve taking orders, preparing food, handling cash registers, and maintaining cleanliness.

Such roles are available mostly in fast food and fast casual dining settings, where employers often welcome younger staff for these important support functions.

Employers looking to streamline hiring can find valuable tips in our restaurant staff hiring spotlight.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Sacramento

Fast-food restaurants are a popular choice for 16-year-olds looking for work. These spots offer flexible schedules and entry-level positions perfect for beginners.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 16-year-olds for crew member and cashier roles, where you can learn customer service and food handling. For employers, creating an effective job description can attract the right candidates quickly.

Burger King

At Burger King, positions such as team member and cashier are open to 16-year-olds ready to work in a fast-paced environment.

Wendy's

Wendy's provides similar roles, offering opportunities as crew members and cashiers to young workers.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell employs 16-year-olds as team members and food service workers, perfect for gaining early job skills.

Subway

Subway welcomes young workers as sandwich artists and cashiers, where you can develop food preparation skills.

KFC

KFC hires 16-year-olds for team member and cashier positions within their busy fast-food outlets. For more insights on the fast food worker role, see fast food worker job description.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box offers entry-level jobs as team members and cashiers to eager young employees.

Carl's Jr.

Carl's Jr. is another option, employing 16-year-olds primarily as crew members and cashiers.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Sacramento

For those interested in slightly different dining experiences, fast-casual restaurants also offer roles at age 16, often with a focus on food prep and customer interaction.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers where teamwork and food safety are emphasized.

Panda Express

Panda Express offers jobs such as team member and cashier, popular with young workers looking for flexible schedules.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread welcomes associates and cashiers aged 16, perfect for those interested in bakery-café service.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company provides opportunities for 16-year-olds as team members and cashiers in casual dining settings.

Five Guys

Five Guys hires 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers, offering friendly work environments. Employers can benefit from understanding restaurant staffing best practices to keep these environments thriving.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Sacramento?

California law places limits on the number and times of hours 16-year-olds may work to ensure school and health aren’t compromised.

When school is in session, work is limited to 4 hours on school days and up to 8 hours on non-school days or days before non-school days, with a maximum of 48 hours per week.

Permitted hours during school days are from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with an extension to 12:30 a.m. on nights before non-school days.

When school is out, 16-year-olds can work up to 8 hours per day and up to 48 hours per week, between 7:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. provided the following day is not a school day.

Understanding these restrictions is crucial to balancing work and education. For businesses managing labor law compliance, the California overtime law guide is a valuable resource.

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

Young job seekers can learn more about places that hire at 16 for wider opportunities.

01. What are common jobs for 16-year-olds in Sacramento restaurants?

Entry-level roles such as cashier, crew member, and food preparer are frequent jobs for 16-year-olds in Sacramento.

02. What is the minimum wage for 16-year-olds in Sacramento?

California's minimum wage is $15.50 per hour as of August 2025, which applies to most jobs including those held by 16-year-olds.

03. How many hours can a 16-year-old work during school days?

During school days, 16-year-olds in Sacramento can work up to 4 hours.

04. Are there restrictions on working late hours for minors?

Yes, work hours end at 10:00 p.m. on school nights, extended to 12:30 a.m. on nights before non-school days.

05. Where can I find official labor laws for minors in California?

Official labor regulations can be found at the California Department of Industrial Relations website.