Places That Hire at 16 in Springfield, MO

Places That Hire at 16 in Springfield, MO: Key Takeaways

• Missouri allows 16-year-olds to work with no restrictions on hours but adheres to federal limits on hazardous jobs
• Common jobs include fast food crew member, host/hostess, busser, and dishwasher
• The minimum wage in Missouri is $10.30/hour; tipped workers must receive at least $5.15/hour plus tips to reach minimum wage

Looking for places that hire at 16 in Springfield, MO? Fortunately, there are many job opportunities, especially in the restaurant sector.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on typical jobs, employers, and legal guidelines for work hours.

For employers looking to find suitable young employees, places that hire at 16 can be a valuable resource.

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

At age 16 in Springfield, MO, teens can work in various restaurant roles that provide valuable experience and flexible scheduling.

Common positions include:

• Fast Food Crew Member: Taking orders, preparing food, operating registers, and cleaning.
• Host/Hostess: Greeting and seating customers, managing reservations, and maintaining guest flow.
• Busser: Clearing and resetting tables, supporting servers.
• Dishwasher: Cleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment to maintain hygiene.

Learn more about the busser job description to better understand this entry-level position.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Springfield

Many fast-food chains in Springfield, MO, welcome 16-year-old employees for entry-level roles that offer on-the-job training and flexible hours.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers, involving customer service and food preparation.

See the age requirements for working in fast food for more details.

Burger King

Positions include team members and kitchen staff, responsible for food prep and customer interactions.

Wendy's

Hiring crew members to handle customer service and food items, Wendy's provides a supportive environment for young workers.

Taco Bell

Offers roles such as service champions and food champions focused on efficient, friendly service.

Chick-fil-A

Team member positions emphasize customer experience and food handling standards.

Sonic Drive-In

Employs carhops and kitchen staff, combining fast-paced service and food preparation.

KFC

Team members assist in various capacities, from cooking to cashiering, in a fast-food environment.

Arby's

Offers jobs like crew members and cashiers, providing exposure to food service operations.

For employers, the guide to hiring fast food workers offers helpful tips.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Springfield

Fast-casual establishments in Springfield, MO, also hire 16-year-olds for entry-level jobs that often involve food prep and customer service.

Panera Bread

Positions include associates and bakers, combining bakery work and front-of-house service.

Explore the baker job description for more on bakery roles.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Crew members assist with food preparation and delivering high-quality customer experiences.

Qdoba Mexican Eats

Team members work in various roles including food prep and customer interactions.

Noodles & Company

Restaurant team members perform food prep and service tasks in a fast-casual setting.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Crews focus on making fresh food and providing attentive customer service.

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

Missouri law offers flexibility for 16-year-olds, not imposing specific limits on work hours unlike for younger minors.

However, federal regulations still prevent teenagers from working in hazardous jobs and may impose some hour limits under federal child labor laws.

This means 16-year-olds in Springfield can often work part-time or even more hours, depending on employer needs, without state restrictions, but must avoid prohibited occupations.

For a deeper understanding of hiring policies in hospitality, check out our restaurant staff hiring spotlight.

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

• Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Youth Employment
• Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Acceptable Work and Hours for Youth
• Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: Work Certificates and Work Permits

If you're considering a host or hostess role, our interview questions for hostess can be helpful preparation.