Places That Hire at 16 in Seattle, WA

Places That Hire at 16 in Seattle, WA: Key Takeaways

Seattle 16-year-olds can work in fast food and fast-casual restaurants as cashiers, food prep, and customer service.
The minimum wage in Seattle is $18.69 per hour, with starting pay at many places above $16 per hour for teens.
Washington State restricts work hours for 16-year-olds, especially during school weeks: max 20 hours per week and specific time limits.

Looking for a job at 16 in Seattle, WA? Opportunities abound in local restaurants, especially fast food and fast casual spots.

Check out our places that hire at 16 for more guidance on where young workers can start their careers.

This guide highlights places hiring teens and explains work hour restrictions for young workers in Seattle.

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

At age 16, individuals can find entry-level roles within the restaurant industry. Typical positions include cashier, food preparation staff, and customer service team members.

Understanding the fast food worker job description can help teens and employers align expectations for these roles.

These roles often involve greeting customers, taking orders, preparing food items, and maintaining cleanliness. Working in these roles builds valuable communication and teamwork skills for young workers.

If you're looking for tips on how to hire for these positions, see our guide on how to hire a cashier to optimize your recruitment process.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Seattle

Several well-known fast-food chains in Seattle hire 16-year-olds, offering competitive wages and flexible schedules.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack hires team members aged 16 and above for roles in food preparation and customer service. The starting wage is about $21.10 per hour, reflecting Seattle's high minimum wage standards.

Burger King

At Burger King, 16-year-olds can work as team members focusing on cashier duties and food preparation. Pay rates range from $21.16 to $21.50 per hour, making it a lucrative option for teen workers.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers roles for young workers involving food service and customer interaction, with hourly wages ranging from $17.00 to $18.25.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell employs 16-year-olds as team members responsible for food prep and service. Their wages range between $19.50 and $23.00 per hour.

Jet's Pizza

Jet's Pizza hires teens for crew member positions, with starting pay of around $16.66 per hour. Roles include food prep and customer service tasks.

For deeper insights into recruiting staff efficiently, check out this restaurant staff hiring spotlight to understand the best industry practices.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Seattle

Fast-casual dining chains in Seattle also provide job opportunities for 16-year-olds, typically offering slightly different environments than traditional fast food.

MOD Pizza

Founded in Seattle, MOD Pizza hires teens as pizza cooks and cashiers who assist with food prep and customer service in a fast-casual setting.

Roles similar to pizza maker positions are often suitable for teens learning food prep in fast-casual environments.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle welcomes 16-year-old employees for roles focused on food preparation and customer service, emphasizing fast but quality meals.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread offers positions to 16-year-olds as cashiers and food prep associates, combining kitchen responsibilities and customer engagement.

Employers can benefit from guides like how to hire a restaurant manager to support team leadership and foster employee growth.

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

Washington State regulates work hours for 16- and 17-year-olds to protect teens balancing school and employment.

During school weeks:

Up to 4 hours per day on weekdays (8 hours on weekends).
A maximum of 20 hours per week.
Permitted work hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., extended to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

During non-school weeks or breaks:

Up to 8 hours per day.
A maximum of 48 hours per week.
Work hours are allowed between 5 a.m. and midnight.

Employers must comply to ensure young workers are not overworked and can maintain academic commitments.

For employers, understanding HR policies for restaurants can help manage compliance and create a supportive workplace for young employees.

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

Young workers interested in learning more about thriving in hospitality jobs can explore resources such as the server how-to-become guide which details career paths starting from entry-level roles.

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

Typical roles include cashier, food prep staff, and customer service team members at fast food and fast-casual restaurants.

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

Chains like Shake Shack, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and Jet's Pizza offer jobs to teens aged 16.

03. What are the work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds in Seattle?

During school weeks, 16-year-olds can work up to 4 hours on weekdays and 8 on weekends, with a 20-hour max per week. Hours are restricted to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., extended to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

04. Do fast-casual restaurants hire 16-year-olds in Seattle?

Yes, companies such as MOD Pizza, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Panera Bread regularly hire teenagers for entry-level roles.

05. Where can I find resources about youth employment laws in Seattle?

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries website provides comprehensive information on youth employment laws, hours of work, and worker safety for teens.