Places That Hire at 16 in Spokane Valley, WA: Key Takeaways
- At 16, individuals can work in roles such as crew members, cashiers, and food preparation staff in Spokane Valley, WA
- Fast food and fast casual restaurants like McDonald's, Chipotle, and Panera Bread commonly hire 16-year-olds
- Washington State allows a reduced minimum wage rate of about $13.38/hr for 16-year-olds but many pay full minimum wage of $15.74/hr
- Work hours for 16-year-olds are regulated, limited to 20 hours per week during school weeks with specific daily hour restrictions
Finding a job at 16 in Spokane Valley, WA is achievable with many restaurants offering entry-level positions. This guide outlines where teens can seek employment and important work hour rules.
Whether interested in fast food or fast casual dining, there’s a range of job options suitable for 16-year-olds in Spokane Valley.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Spokane Valley, WA?
At age 16, teens can typically work in supportive restaurant roles that do not require advanced skills or certifications. For employers looking to hire young talent, understanding the specific hiring tips for high performers can be very beneficial.
Common positions include:
- Crew Members: Handling customer orders, operating cash registers, and maintaining restaurant cleanliness
- Cashiers: Managing transactions and assisting customers with their needs
- Food Preparation Staff: Preparing ingredients, assembling menu items, and supporting kitchen operations
These roles help build valuable work experience while adhering to legal restrictions on youth employment. For employers, effective strategies for restaurant staff hiring can improve recruitment success.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Spokane Valley
McDonald's
McDonald's employs 16-year-olds primarily as crew members and cashiers. These roles involve order taking, food preparation, and customer service.
Burger King
Burger King offers team member and kitchen staff positions to teens 16 and older. Tasks include cooking, cleaning, and customer assistance.
Wendy's
Wendy's hires 16-year-olds for crew positions helping with food service and maintaining a clean dining area.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell provides opportunities for 16-year-olds to work in food service and customer-facing roles, supporting order accuracy and preparation.
KFC
KFC employs 16-year-olds as team members and cooks to assist in kitchen operations and customer service. To better retain kitchen staff, explore tips on hiring reliable kitchen staff.
Subway
Subway hires teens as sandwich artists and cashiers, engaging in food prep and taking customer orders.
Arby's
Arby's offers crew member and food prep roles for 16-year-olds enabling experience in a fast-food kitchen environment.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box employs 16-year-olds in various positions including customer service and kitchen support.
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Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Spokane Valley
In addition to fast-food chains, some fast-casual restaurants in Spokane Valley consider 16-year-olds for several roles.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle hires 16-year-olds as crew members and food prep staff involved in ingredient preparation and assembly of menu items. Employers interested in improving their hiring techniques might benefit from our guide to hiring a restaurant consultant.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread employs teens for cashier and bakery assistant roles, offering experience in customer service and food preparation.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company offers team member and kitchen staff roles to 16-year-olds, helping with meal assembly and cleaning duties.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Spokane Valley?
Work hour limits for 16- and 17-year-olds in Washington State are designed to protect youth from excessive hours, especially during school periods.
During school weeks:
- 4 hours maximum per day on school days, 8 hours on weekends
- 20 hours maximum per week
- Work permitted between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. (extended to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before a school holiday)
During non-school weeks (like summer or holidays):
- Up to 8 hours per day
- Maximum of 48 hours per week
- Allowed to work between 5 a.m. and midnight
Employers must follow these regulations to comply with Washington youth labor laws and prioritize teen safety and education. For more details on employment compliance, read our spotlight on hospitality job posting compliance.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Spokane Valley
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Hours of Work
- Washington Administrative Code: Chapter 296-131 WAC
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Teen and Young Worker Safety & Health
For teens interested in culinary and hospitality careers, exploring roles such as line cook or food runner could provide a valuable start.
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