Places That Hire at 16 in Tacoma, WA

Places That Hire at 16 in Tacoma, WA: Key Takeaways

• Common jobs for 16-year-olds in Tacoma include cashier, host/hostess, and crew member roles, mainly in fast-food and fast-casual restaurants.
• Washington’s minimum wage for 2025 is $15.74 per hour, which applies to young workers.
• Work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds limit hours during school weeks to 20 hours max and allow more hours during non-school weeks with certain time windows.

Looking for employment at 16 in Tacoma, WA? The local restaurant industry offers numerous openings for teens starting out.

You can find roles from cashiers to crew members at several fast-food and fast-casual chains around Tacoma.

For employers looking to fill these entry-level positions, effective restaurant staff hiring strategies can make hiring younger workers smooth and efficient.

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

At 16, many job seekers find entry-level positions in customer service and food preparation within restaurants.

Positions commonly available include cashier, host or hostess, and crew member roles.

These jobs provide foundational experience, often with responsibilities such as taking orders, serving customers, preparing food, and maintaining cleanliness.

Learn more about the hostess job description to understand what this role entails.

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Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Tacoma, WA

Fast-food chains in Tacoma are among the top employers willing to hire workers at 16 years old, offering flexible positions suitable for teens.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires crew members tasked with customer service, food prep, and keeping the restaurant clean.

Burger King

At Burger King, team members handle order taking, assembling food, and ensuring hygiene standards.

Wendy's

Wendy's employs crew members for cashier duties, food prep, and dining area maintenance.

Taco Bell

Service crew roles focus on customer interaction and food service at Taco Bell.

KFC

KFC team members perform customer service, food prep, and upkeep of cleanliness.

Subway

Subway offers sandwich artist positions involving food prep, customer service, and store cleaning.

Jack in the Box

Team member roles include order taking, food preparation, and maintaining clean dining spaces.

Dairy Queen

Crew members at Dairy Queen focus on customer service, food prep, and cleanliness.

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Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Tacoma, WA

Beyond fast food, several fast-casual restaurants also welcome 16-year-old workers, providing good opportunities to learn customer service and kitchen duties.

If you’re an employer, check out our guide to hiring a restaurant manager to ensure smooth restaurant operations.

Panera Bread

Associates at Panera Bread assist with customer service, food prep, and ensuring a welcoming environment.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires crew members to manage food preparation, customer service, and cleanliness.

Panda Express

The service team at Panda Express focuses on food service and customer interactions.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Tacoma, WA?

Washington State regulates the working hours of minors to balance employment with schooling and wellbeing.

For 16- and 17-year-olds, rules differ between school weeks and non-school weeks.

During school weeks:

• Up to 4 hours per day on school days.
• Up to 8 hours per day on non-school days (such as Fridays through Sundays).
• Maximum of 20 hours per week.
• Work permitted from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on school nights; until midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before a school holiday.

During non-school weeks (e.g., school breaks):

• Up to 8 hours per day.
• Maximum of 48 hours per week.
• Allowed work hours between 5 a.m. and midnight.

Employers must obtain a Parent/School Authorization form for minors before employment begins and ensure compliance with all labor laws.

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

• Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Youth Employment
• Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Hours of Work
• Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: How to Hire Minors

For young job seekers aspiring to grow in the restaurant industry, exploring roles like fast food worker job descriptions can help understand the necessary skills and expectations.