Places That Hire at 16 in State College, PA

Places That Hire at 16 in State College, PA: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in State College can find jobs mainly in entry-level restaurant roles like cashier, host, server assistant, and kitchen staff.
Fast food and fast casual chains such as McDonald's, Panera Bread, and Chipotle commonly hire 16-year-olds for various positions.
Pennsylvania’s child labor laws limit work hours during school days to 8 hours daily and 28 hours weekly, with extended hours allowed during school breaks.

Finding a job at 16 in State College, PA mostly revolves around the restaurant industry, where entry-level positions are readily available.

The availability of typical roles and local labor laws guide what young workers can expect as they begin employment.

Places That Hire at 16 Insights offer guidance to employers and students on suitable roles and hiring strategies for young workers.

What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in State College, PA?

At 16, job opportunities usually focus on entry-level roles suited to beginners with limited experience.

Typical positions include cashier, host or hostess, server assistant, kitchen staff, and crew member in fast food establishments.

For employers, creating effective job descriptions that attract the right candidates is crucial. Learn more about how to create effective restaurant job descriptions to enhance your hiring process.

These jobs provide foundational customer service and basic operational experience, often paying between the federal minimum wage of $7.25 and $10 per hour depending on the employer.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in State College, PA

Many national fast-food chains in State College are open to hiring 16-year-olds for various entry-level positions, making them popular choices for teen employment.

McDonald's

Positions available include crew member and cashier, providing a good introduction to fast-food service and customer interaction.

Burger King

Employs 16-year-olds as team members and cooks, ideal for gaining kitchen and front-line experience.

Wendy's

Offers crew member and cashier roles suitable for teens to develop work skills in a fast-paced environment.

Taco Bell

Hires team members and food service workers, allowing minors to get familiar with food preparation and service.

Chick-fil-A

Provides openings for team members and kitchen staff, emphasizing customer service and operational efficiency.

Subway

Employs 16-year-olds as sandwich artists and cashiers, popular for flexible scheduling and skill-building.

Understanding the pros and cons of being a fast-food worker can help employers and young workers set realistic expectations for these roles.

Dairy Queen

Offers crew member and customer service roles, good for those interested in retail food operations.

Arby’s

Hires team members and cashiers, focusing on entry-level food preparation and sales duties.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in State College, PA

Fast-casual dining options also tend to hire 16-year-olds, with roles that often include combined service and kitchen tasks.

Panera Bread

Offers positions such as associate and cashier, ideal for teens to develop customer relations and food service skills.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Employs 16-year-olds as crew members and kitchen staff, giving hands-on experience in food preparation and customer service.

Five Guys

Provides opportunities for crew members and cashiers, suitable for youth seeking flexible fast-casual work.

Employers looking to improve retention and hiring success may benefit from the strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover.

Noodles & Company

Hires team members and cooks, focusing on preparation and service responsibilities.

Qdoba Mexican Eats

Offers roles such as team member and food service worker, providing exposure to various restaurant duties.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in State College, PA?

The Pennsylvania Child Labor Act governs working hours for minors aged 16 and 17 to balance employment with education.

During the school year, 16-year-olds may work between 6 a.m. and midnight, but are limited to 8 hours per school day and a total of 28 hours per school week.

Outside of school session, these limits increase, allowing work between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m., up to 10 hours per day and 48 hours weekly. Work beyond 44 hours per week requires voluntary agreement from the minor.

These regulations help protect young workers from overworking while maintaining their school commitments.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in State College, PA

For teens interested in starting as a hostess or server assistant, there are great interview question guides available to prepare for applications and interviews.

01. What jobs are available for 16-year-olds in State College, PA?

Entry-level roles in restaurants, such as cashier, host, and kitchen staff, are common jobs for 16-year-olds in State College.

02. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in State College?

Chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, Subway, Dairy Queen, and Arby’s frequently hire 16-year-olds.

03. What are the working hour restrictions for 16-year-olds in Pennsylvania?

During the school year, 16-year-olds can work up to 8 hours a day and 28 hours a week. These limits increase during breaks.

04. Are fast-casual restaurants good places for teen jobs in State College?

Yes, fast-casual restaurants often provide combined service and kitchen tasks suitable for teens seeking flexible schedules.

05. Where can I find official information on child labor laws in State College, PA?

Official information can be found through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the Department of Education, and the Pennsylvania General Assembly websites.