Places That Hire at 16 in St. Louis, MO

Places That Hire at 16 in St. Louis, MO: Key Takeaways

• 16-year-olds in St. Louis can work as crew members, cashiers, or food preparers in restaurants earning $12 to $15 per hour.
• Popular fast food hires at 16 include McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Jack in the Box, Chipotle, and Panera Bread.
• Fast casual spots hiring at 16 include Insomnia Cookies, Taziki's Cafe, and Lava Island.
• Missouri law sets few hour restrictions for 16-year-olds but work must not interfere with schooling; federal rules may impose additional limits.

If you are 16 and seeking work in St. Louis, MO, especially in the restaurant sector, there are several options available in both fast food and fast casual dining.

Understanding places that hire at 16 can help young job seekers find the right fit for their first hospitality job.

This guide explores job roles, typical employers, hours allowed, and resources to help you find a fitting job.

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

At age 16, the restaurant industry offers several entry-level positions that typically include crew member, cashier, and food preparer roles.

Expect to be involved in taking orders, handling payments, preparing food items, and maintaining cleanliness and service standards.

Hourly wages for these jobs in St. Louis range from approximately $12 to $15, varying by employer and specific duties.

For those interested in working in fast food, learning about the fast food worker job description can provide a clearer expectation of the role.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in St. Louis, MO

Many well-known fast-food chains actively hire 16-year-olds for a variety of positions. Below are some examples.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 16-year-olds as Crew Team Members, where you assist with food preparation, customer service, and keeping the restaurant clean and organized.

Chick-fil-A

At Chick-fil-A, Associates engage in customer interactions, prepare food, and maintain a welcoming environment. This role is open to young workers starting at 16 years old.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box employs Team Members who perform various tasks such as food prep, assembling orders, and ensuring quality service.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle offers Crew Member roles to 16-year-olds involving food preparation, service, and overall restaurant upkeep.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires Cashiers aged 16 and older who handle orders and payments and provide customer service.

For hiring managers looking to understand how to hire a cashier effectively, there are great resources available.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in St. Louis, MO

Fast casual establishments also offer opportunities for 16-year-olds, often emphasizing customer service and food preparation in a more relaxed environment.

Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies hires Cookie Crew members tasked with taking orders, serving customers, and helping fulfill orders.

Taziki's Cafe

Taziki's Cafe employs Cashiers who greet customers, process orders, and manage transactions.

Lava Island

Lava Island hires Team Members to engage with customers, prepare food items, and help maintain a positive dining experience.

Staffing these roles well can be greatly enhanced by best practices in restaurant staff hiring.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in St. Louis, MO?

Missouri state law does not set strict limits on the hours that 16-year-olds may work. However, employment schedules must be arranged so work does not interfere with school attendance.

Employers generally schedule 16-year-old workers around school hours, especially during the academic year.

It's important to note that federal regulations still apply, particularly regarding hazardous jobs and certain hour restrictions on minors under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

For those managing young workers, understanding how to hire high performers in hospitality can ensure compliance and success in scheduling and staff development.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in St. Louis

• 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

Additionally, young job seekers can explore career interview tips for entry-level hospitality positions like the hostess interview questions to prepare well for their first jobs.