Places That Hire at 16 in Spokane, WA: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Spokane can work as crew members, cashiers, and dishwashers mainly in fast food and fast casual restaurants.
- Minimum wage is $15.74 per hour, with some employers like Wendy's offering starting pay up to $18.25 per hour.
- Washington state restricts work hours for 16-year-olds to 20 hours per school week and 48 hours during non-school weeks, with specific daily hour limits and timeframes.
Young job seekers aged 16 in Spokane, WA have access to several employment opportunities, especially in the restaurant sector.
This article explores which places hire at 16, the job types available, wage expectations, work hour rules, and helpful resources.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Spokane, WA?
At age 16, the most common restaurant roles in Spokane include:
- Crew Members: These workers assist with food preparation, customer service, and maintaining cleanliness.
- Cashiers: Handling transactions and helping customers at the register.
- Dishwashers: Responsible for cleaning dishes and keeping kitchen areas sanitary.
Many local restaurants provide training in these positions, making them suitable for first-time job seekers.
For insight on how to write an effective job description for entry-level roles like crew member or dishwasher, consider our guide to creating restaurant job descriptions.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Spokane
Several fast-food chains in Spokane welcome employees aged 16 and older for various entry-level roles.
Wendy's
Wendy's hires 16-year-olds as Closing Team Members. They offer attractive wages ranging from $17.00 to $18.25 per hour in Spokane Valley locations.
Employers looking to attract fast-food workers might find valuable tips in our how to hire a fast food worker spotlight.
Papa John's
Papa John's employs Pizza Crew Members starting at $16.66 per hour, offering young workers a chance to gain experience in food preparation.
For those interested in pizza-related jobs, see our career page on pizza maker interview questions to understand the role better.
KFC
KFC hires Team Members aged 16 and older, providing opportunities to work in customer service and kitchen support roles.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Positioned for cashiers and front-of-house employees, Buffalo Wild Wings offers wages between $16.66 and $21.66 per hour for workers 16 and over.
Cashiers play a vital role in customer experience; explore the cashier job description for more details.
Panera Bread
At Panera Bread, 16-year-olds can work as Salad and Sandwich Makers, helping prepare menu items and serve customers.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Spokane
Fast-casual dining options also offer part-time roles suitable for 16-year-olds.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle hires young workers as Crew Members where they assist with food prep, customer service, and maintaining restaurant cleanliness.
If you are managing kitchen staff like crew members or line cooks, see our spotlight on how to hire reliable kitchen staff for free templates and tips.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company offers Team Member roles for 16-year-olds, focusing on food assembly and friendly customer interactions.
MOD Pizza
At MOD Pizza, 16-year-olds can join as Squad Members, gaining experience in pizza preparation and customer service.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Spokane?
Washington state sets clear work hour limits for minors aged 16 and 17 to protect education and well-being.
During School Weeks:
- Maximum 4 hours per day on school days except Friday through Sunday, when 8 hours are allowed.
- Up to 20 hours total per week.
- Work hours allowed between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., extended to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before school holidays.
During Non-School Weeks:
- Up to 8 hours per day.
- Maximum 48 hours per week.
- Permitted work hours run from 5 a.m. to midnight.
Employers are required to ensure adults supervise minors working past 8 p.m. in restaurants and retail settings.
To manage your restaurant team efficiently within labor laws and scheduling restrictions, check out our restaurant staff hiring spotlight.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Spokane
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Hours of Work
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Teen and Young Worker Safety & Health
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Hiring Youth Under Age 14
For young workers interested in dishwashing roles, visit our detailed dishwasher job description page for career insights.