Places That Hire at 16 in Santa Ana, CA

Places That Hire at 16 in Santa Ana, CA: Key Takeaways

Typical entry-level positions include cashier, host/hostess, and crew member roles.
Hourly wages for 16-year-olds generally range from $15.50 to $17.00 depending on the employer and role.
California labor laws regulate work hours for 16-year-olds strictly, especially during the school year.

Many fast-food and fast-casual restaurants in Santa Ana, CA, hire 16-year-olds for positions that provide valuable work experience and flexible schedules.

This article guides you through the types of jobs available, specific restaurants hiring, working hour limits, and helpful resources.

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

For 16-year-olds interested in entry-level restaurant jobs in Santa Ana, there are several common positions to consider.

These roles typically include working as a cashier, host or hostess, crew member, sandwich artist, or server associate. They offer an excellent opportunity to build workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, and time management.

Check out our detailed hostess job description and cashier job description pages to understand what employers expect in these positions.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Santa Ana

Several well-known fast-food chains in Santa Ana employ 16-year-olds, providing accessible job options for teenagers.

McDonald's

This popular fast-food chain hires crew members and cashiers aged 16 and up, offering flexible schedules suitable for students.

Employers looking to staff their teams quickly might find our how to hire a fast food worker guide quite useful.

Burger King

Burger King opens positions for team members and cashiers to 16-year-olds, with opportunities to learn customer service and food preparation skills.

Wendy's

At Wendy's, 16-year-old applicants can work as crew members or cashiers and gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell employs 16-year-olds as team members and cashiers, where they can develop multitasking abilities and customer interaction skills.

Subway

Known for its sandwiches, Subway hires sandwich artists aged 16 and older, focusing on food assembly and customer service.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box caters to younger workers by offering team member and cashier roles open to 16-year-old applicants.

Carl's Jr.

Carl's Jr. hires 16-year-olds for entry-level roles, such as crew members and cashiers, ensuring on-the-job training.

In-N-Out Burger

This customer-favorite hires 16-year-olds as associates, performing various restaurant tasks under supervision.

Restaurant managers can benefit from reading how to hire a restaurant manager to strengthen their leadership team.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Santa Ana

Besides fast food, fast-casual chains also provide part-time jobs suited for 16-year-olds.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires crew members aged 16 and above who assist with food preparation, service, and cleanliness.

Panda Express

Panda Express employs 16-year-olds as team members and cashiers, offering experience in a quick-service restaurant atmosphere.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires associates and cashiers at 16, providing a welcoming environment to learn customer service and food handling.

For employers, our guide to creating restaurant job descriptions can improve your hiring outcomes.

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

California law sets specific work hour limits for 16 and 17-year-olds to protect their welfare and ensure education remains a priority.

When school is in session, 16-year-olds can work up to 4 hours on school days, and up to 8 hours on non-school days or the day before non-school days.

Permitted working hours during school days are between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., extending to 12:30 a.m. on nights before non-school days.

During periods when school is not in session, 16-year-olds may work up to 8 hours per day and up to 48 hours per week, with work allowed between 7:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. as long as it doesn't precede a school day.

Young workers and employers alike should familiarize themselves with California overtime laws to stay compliant.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Santa Ana

Additionally, employers should review our insights on restaurant staff hiring to better manage teen workers.

01. What jobs can a 16-year-old get in Santa Ana restaurants?

Entry-level roles such as cashier, host/hostess, crew member, and sandwich artist are common for 16-year-olds in Santa Ana’s restaurant industry.

02. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Santa Ana?

Popular fast-food employers include McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and In-N-Out Burger.

03. What are the allowable work hours for 16-year-olds in Santa Ana?

During school days, 16-year-olds may work up to 4 hours per day, between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. These hours extend on non-school days.

04. Are there fast-casual restaurants that hire at 16 in Santa Ana?

Yes, chains like Chipotle, Panda Express, and Panera Bread regularly hire 16-year-olds.

05. Where can I find official information about labor laws for 16-year-olds in California?

The California Department of Industrial Relations and Department of Education websites provide official labor law and work permit information.