Places That Hire at 16 in Thornton, CO: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Thornton can work in fast food, fast casual restaurants, and retail, with wages ranging from $13.00 to $20.00 per hour depending on the position
- Common roles include crew member, cashier, server, and host, with many employers hiring at age 16
- Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act allows 16- and 17-year-olds to work up to 8 hours daily and 40 hours weekly, but federal rules limit hours during school days and evenings
Finding a job at 16 in Thornton, CO is possible across various restaurant and retail sectors. Understanding available positions and legal work hour limits can help teens land the right opportunity.
Employers looking for young talent can benefit from our places that hire at 16 guide to find the best strategies to attract teen workers.
Let's explore where 16-year-olds can find employment and what they need to know about working hours and requirements in Thornton.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Thornton, CO?
Restaurants often are among the first places to hire 16-year-olds in Thornton. Entry-level positions usually involve customer service and food prep duties suited for teens with limited experience.
These roles can be great starting points for young employees and also link to useful resources like fast food worker job descriptions to understand the expectations.
Common roles include:
- Cashier – handling payments and customer orders
- Server or host – greeting and seating customers (hosts often serve at fast casual spots)
- Crew member – assisting with food prep, assembly, and clean up
These jobs provide valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and responsibility.
For employers interested in effective staffing, our restaurant staff hiring guide offers actionable insights for recruiting young workers.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Thornton
Fast-food chains in Thornton regularly hire 16-year-olds for various crew roles. These jobs typically pay competitive wages within the fast-food industry and can be a great introduction to working life.
McDonald's
McDonald's recruits 16-year-olds for crew team member positions where employees prepare food and provide customer service. Pay is industry-standard and shifts may offer flexibility.
Employers can find tips on how to attract young workers effectively in how to hire a fast food worker.
Burger King
Burger King hires crew members at 16 who engage in food preparation and guest interaction. Compensation aligns with typical fast food wage rates.
Raising Cane's
This popular chicken finger chain employs 16-year-olds as crewmembers, including overnight shifts. Starting pay ranges between $16.25 and $17.75 an hour—a bit higher than average fast-food wages.
Baskin Robbins
Baskin Robbins offers crew member roles starting at $13.00 per hour plus tips, making it a good option for teens wanting flexible schedules and customer interaction.
Culver's
Culver's hires team members aged 16 and up, handling food prep and customer service duties. Wages are competitive within the fast-food sector.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Thornton
Fast-casual spots provide additional options, often with roles that blend restaurant and retail tasks.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company hires 16-year-olds as team members including cashiers and servers. Pay ranges widely from $14.81 to $20.00 per hour depending on the job.
Those interested in starting a server role can explore our detailed server career overview to understand this path better.
Applebee's
Applebee's allows 16-year-olds to work as hosts, greeting and seating guests. Pay is competitive and offers a good entry point for hospitality experience.
Learn more about the hosting role with our comprehensive hostess job description.
Five Below
While primarily retail, Five Below hires 16-year-olds as sales associates where they assist customers and stock shelves. Pay is inline with retail standards.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Thornton?
The Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act (CYEOA) permits 16- and 17-year-olds to work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week with no restrictions on work times.
However, federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules place more limits during school periods:
- On school days, teens can work up to 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week.
- On non-school days, 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week are allowed.
- During the school year, work must end by 9:00 p.m.; in summer, this extends to 11:00 p.m.
When state and federal laws differ, the stricter rule applies. Thus, 16-year-olds in Thornton must follow FLSA limits during the school year.
For employers managing young staff schedules, the age requirement job posting spotlight gives clear guidance on employment age laws.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Thornton
Here are some valuable resources and laws to help teens know their rights and responsibilities.
You may also find helpful tips on how to hire a cashier if considering teen employment in cashier roles.
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