Places That Hire at 16 in San Jose, CA

Places That Hire at 16 in San Jose, CA: Key Takeaways

• 16-year-olds in San Jose can work in entry-level roles like cashier, host/hostess, server assistant, and crew member.
• Hourly wages typically range from $15.50 to $17.00, reflecting California’s minimum wage laws.
• Fast food and fast-casual restaurants commonly hire 16-year-olds for positions suitable for beginners.

Finding a job at 16 in San Jose, CA is possible with many entry-level positions primarily in the restaurant industry. These roles provide a great starting point for earning and gaining work experience.

Employers should consider places that hire at 16 insight to better understand the hiring landscape for younger workers.

This article explores the types of jobs available, popular hiring employers, work hour restrictions, and helpful resources for 16-year-olds seeking employment.

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

In San Jose, many restaurants hire 16-year-olds for positions that do not require extensive experience and often involve customer interaction or back-of-house support.

Common jobs include:

• Cashier: Handling transactions and customer payments.
• Host/Hostess: Greeting guests and managing seating arrangements.
• Server Assistant: Supporting servers by clearing tables and refilling drinks.
• Crew Member/Team Member: Assisting with food preparation, cleaning, and customer service.

For employers looking to optimize hiring strategies, the restaurant staff hiring spotlight offers valuable insights.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in San Jose, CA

Fast-food chains are among the most accessible employers for young workers in San Jose. These companies often have established programs for hiring and training teens.

Working as a fast food worker is a common route for 16-year-olds, and a detailed fast-food worker job description can help both employers and candidates understand the role better.

McDonald's

Positions: Crew member, cashier. McDonald's provides a dynamic environment where young workers can learn teamwork and basic food service skills.

Burger King

Positions: Team member, cashier. Burger King hires 16-year-olds for a variety of roles emphasizing customer service and operational tasks.

Wendy's

Positions: Crew member, cashier. Wendy's offers entry-level roles suitable for teens interested in fast-food service.

Employers seeking to hire cashiers can refer to the how to hire a cashier guide for effective strategies.

Taco Bell

Positions: Team member, food service worker. Taco Bell welcomes young employees and provides a fast-paced working experience.

Subway

Positions: Sandwich artist, cashier. Subway's team members prepare food and serve customers, providing hands-on learning opportunities.

Jack in the Box

Positions: Team member, cashier. Known for being teen-friendly, Jack in the Box hires 16-year-olds across multiple job functions.

Carl's Jr.

Positions: Crew member, cashier. Carl's Jr. offers roles that encourage responsibility and customer interaction.

KFC

Positions: Team member, cashier. KFC provides opportunities for young workers to engage in food preparation and front-line service.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in San Jose, CA

Fast-casual restaurants also hire 16-year-olds but the positions might be slightly more involved, often blending quality food preparation with customer service.

Those interested in food preparation and service roles might want to explore the food runner interview questions to prepare better for these positions.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Positions: Crew member, cashier. Chipotle offers young workers experience in food handling and customer interaction in a fast-casual setting.

Panda Express

Positions: Team member, cashier. Teens working at Panda Express learn food service in a well-established fast-casual chain.

Panera Bread

Positions: Associate, cashier. Panera’s roles involve greeting customers and assisting with food service tasks.

Noodles & Company

Positions: Team member, cashier. This chain hires teens to manage food orders and customer service duties.

Five Guys

Positions: Crew member, cashier. Five Guys offers work environments that emphasize quality food preparation and customer service skills.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in San Jose, CA?

California labor laws regulate the hours 16- and 17-year-olds can work to protect their education and health.

When school is in session, permitted work hours are limited to:

• Up to 4 hours on school days.
• Up to 8 hours on non-school days or days before non-school days.
• Maximum 48 hours weekly.
• Work allowed between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., extending to 12:30 a.m. on days before non-school days.

When school is not in session, teens may work:

• Up to 8 hours per day.
• Up to 48 hours per week.
• Between 7:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.

All 16 and 17-year-olds must obtain a work permit from their school before starting employment. This ensures compliance with labor laws and confirms eligibility to work.

Employers and young workers alike can learn about age requirements for hospitality roles, which parallels regulations in food service industries.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in San Jose

• California Department of Industrial Relations: Information on Minors and Employment
• California Child Labor Laws 2024 - FAQs
• California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 11760: Working Hours of Minors

For teens aiming to pursue roles like hostess or cashier, understanding typical job descriptions helps with preparation.