Places That Hire at 16 in Saginaw, MI: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Saginaw can work in entry-level restaurant positions like cashier, host/hostess, server assistant, and kitchen staff.
- Fast food chains such as Burger King, McDonald's, and Arby's hire 16-year-olds for team member roles.
- Michigan law limits work hours for 16-year-olds, including a max of 24 hours per week during school sessions and regulated work times.
Many 16-year-olds in Saginaw, MI can find jobs primarily in restaurants and fast food chains offering various entry-level roles.
This article explores job types available at 16, specific employers hiring, legal work hour restrictions, and useful local resources.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Saginaw, MI?
The restaurant industry is a common sector for 16-year-olds seeking employment in Saginaw. The most typical positions available include cashier roles, where the main responsibility is handling customer transactions and payments.
Host or hostess positions involve greeting and seating customers, managing wait lists, and helping ensure smooth customer flow.
Server assistant roles are generally supportive, such as clearing tables, refilling drinks, and assisting servers in delivering orders. See our food runner job description for a related role.
Kitchen staff roles may include food preparation, dishwashing, and cleaning duties depending on the establishment's requirements. To learn more about kitchen roles, check our guides on dishwasher and cook job descriptions.
These jobs usually offer hourly wages ranging from $10 to $12, but pay can vary with experience, establishment size, and responsibilities.
Employers seeking to improve hiring outcomes may benefit from our restaurant staff hiring guide to attract suitable candidates.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Saginaw
If you're looking for a job at 16, fast-food restaurants are among the most accessible employers. They often have standardized training programs suitable for younger workers. Learn about the pros and cons of being a fast food worker to prepare for the role.
Burger King
Burger King hires 16-year-olds as team members. Positions generally include food preparation, cashiering, and customer service roles. Team members are trained to handle various operational duties in a fast-paced environment.
McDonald's
McDonald's employs crew team members starting at age 16. This typically involves food service, cleaning, and assisting with orders. McDonald's also provides ample training, making it a popular entry-level employer for young workers in Saginaw.
Arby's
Arby's hires 16-year-olds as team members focusing on customer interaction, food preparation, and maintaining cleanliness standards. Arby's is a good option for teens looking to develop customer service skills.
Employers interested in recruiting effectively for fast food roles may consult how to hire a fast food worker for optimized hiring approaches.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Saginaw
Fast-casual restaurants may have stricter hiring policies regarding age. Some frequently require employees to be 18, but it varies by location and chain.
Teens interested in fast-casual positions should directly contact local restaurants in Saginaw to confirm age eligibility and available roles.
Restaurant owners aiming to fill fast-casual roles efficiently can gain insight from our guide to hiring a restaurant consultant to optimize staff recruitment and training.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Saginaw?
Michigan’s child labor laws regulate 16-year-olds’ working hours closely to balance work and education.
During the school year, 16- and 17-year-olds may work a maximum of 24 hours per week, averaging no more than 8 hours per day.
When school is not in session, the weekly maximum extends to 48 hours, with up to 10 hours allowed each day but no more than 6 days per week.
Work hours are limited to between 6:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on school days.
On Fridays, Saturdays, and during school vacations, work hours may extend until 11:30 p.m.
Employers must provide a 30-minute break for any work period exceeding 5 continuous hours.
Understanding age requirements in job postings ensures compliance with labor laws and helps employers better structure their hiring plans.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Saginaw
- Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity - Youth Employment
- Michigan Department of Education - Youth Employment Standards
- U.S. Department of Labor - YouthRules!
For young job seekers aiming to start a hospitality career, exploring interview questions for roles such as hostess can provide valuable preparation.