Places That Hire at 16 in Springfield, MA: Key Takeaways
- Entry-level restaurant jobs for 16-year-olds in Springfield typically pay $14.25 to $15.00 per hour
- Popular fast-food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Dunkin' hire at age 16 for crew and cashier roles
- Massachusetts limits work hours for 16-year-olds to 9 per day, 48 per week, with varying time restrictions depending on school nights
If you are 16 and looking for jobs in Springfield, MA, the restaurant industry offers multiple opportunities. Positions such as cashier, crew member, or host/hostess are common starting points for young workers.
This article explores where 16-year-olds can find employment in Springfield and outlines important labor regulations for minors in the state.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Springfield, MA?
Sixteen-year-olds in Springfield are usually hired for entry-level roles in restaurants, especially fast-food and fast-casual establishments.
Typical positions include:
- Cashier handling customer transactions and orders
- Host or hostess greeting customers and managing seating
- Crew member assisting with food preparation, order assembly, and cleaning
- Sandwich artist or service team member delivering customer service and maintaining cleanliness
For employers, understanding how to attract and retain young workers is crucial. Resources such as our restaurant staff hiring guide can help improve recruitment and retention strategies.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Springfield, MA
Several major fast-food chains in Springfield regularly hire 16-year-olds for crew and customer service roles.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires crew members who help with order taking, food preparation, and keeping the dining area clean. This role provides valuable experience in customer service and teamwork.
Employers can benefit from best practices in how to hire fast food workers effectively to reduce turnover.
Burger King
Burger King offers team member positions involving order processing, assembling food items, and maintaining a tidy restaurant environment.
Wendy's
Wendy's employs crew members who interact with customers, prepare menu items, and perform sanitation duties.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell hires service team members responsible for taking orders, prepping food, and cleaning the restaurant.
KFC
KFC's team member roles for 16-year-olds include customer service assistance, food prep, and general maintenance to ensure smooth operations.
Subway
Subway offers sandwich artist positions where employees make sandwiches, provide customer service, and keep the store clean.
Dunkin'
Dunkin' employs crew members who handle beverage-making, order fulfillment, and store upkeep.
For businesses hiring young workers, our guide to hiring a cashier can aid in optimizing job descriptions to attract suitable candidates.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A provides team member opportunities focusing on customer engagement, food preparation, and maintaining a welcoming environment.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Springfield, MA
Fast-casual dining establishments also hire 16-year-olds for similar entry-level roles.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires associates who provide customer service, prepare food, and ensure the dining area is clean and inviting.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle employs crew members responsible for preparing ingredients, assembling orders, and maintaining a clean workspace.
Five Guys
Five Guys offers roles for crew members to assist with food prep, customer service, and keeping the restaurant tidy.
Employers interested in expanding their hires to kitchen roles may explore best practices in how to hire a cook successfully.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Springfield, MA?
The Massachusetts work hour restrictions for minors aged 16 and 17 are designed to protect their education and wellbeing while allowing limited employment.
State laws specify:
- On nights before school days, work hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a 15-minute grace if the business closes at 10 p.m.
- On nights not before school days, work hours extend from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., except restaurants and racetracks where work can continue until midnight.
- Maximum work hours are 9 per day and up to 48 per week, with no more than 6 workdays per week allowed.
Additionally, minors working after 8 p.m. must have direct adult supervision on-site unless working in designated safe public areas like mall kiosks with security present.
Understanding these regulations can assist employers in maintaining compliance; check out the age requirement job posting guide for further insight.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Springfield
- Massachusetts Attorney General's Fair Labor Division: Work Hours Restrictions for Minors
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Teens at Work Fact Sheet
- U.S. Department of Labor: Selected State Child Labor Standards
Young workers may also find value in career-specific advice such as interview questions for hostesses to prepare well for their job interviews.








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