Places That Hire at 16 in Washington, DC

Places That Hire at 16 in Washington, DC: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds can work in the restaurant industry with hourly wages from $12 to $19, depending on job and employer.
Fast food and fast casual restaurants like McDonald's, Chipotle, Panera Bread, and Smashburger hire at 16 for roles like cashier, crew member, and cook.
Washington, DC labor laws allow minors 16 and 17 to work up to 8 hours daily and 48 hours weekly with a work permit and set time restrictions.

Discover the common employers and job options available for 16-year-olds in Washington, DC. This guide highlights key places hiring teens in the restaurant sector.

Learn where you can start your first job, typical wages, and the legal rules on work hours for minors in the District.

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

For 16-year-olds eager to enter the workforce in Washington, DC, the restaurant industry offers entry-level positions that provide valuable experience. Common roles include cashier, crew member, food runner, and kitchen helper. These jobs allow teens to build customer service skills and learn teamwork.

Hourly wages for these roles typically range from $12 to $19 depending on employer standards and job responsibilities. Many of these positions are in fast food and fast casual restaurants, which tend to hire younger workers to support high-volume service needs.

Explore the responsibilities and interview questions for roles like food runner and fast food worker to prepare for your first job in the industry.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Washington, DC

Fast-food chains are among the most common employers for 16-year-olds. They offer flexible schedules and on-the-job training that suit teen workers.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 16-year-olds as Crew Team Members. These positions involve customer service, food preparation, and maintaining cleanliness. Pay varies by location and experience.

Chipotle

Chipotle offers Crew Member roles for 16-year-olds, with hourly wages from $17.50 to $19 plus tips. Crew members assist with food assembly, customer interaction, and keeping the restaurant clean.

Panera Bread

At Panera Bread, 16-year-olds can work as Restaurant Team Members or cashiers, earning between $17.95 and $19 per hour. These jobs focus on customer service and food handling.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A employs 16-year-olds as Kitchen Team Members. Job duties include food prep and ensuring timely service; wages vary by location.

Raising Cane's

Raising Cane's hires 16-year-olds in roles such as Restaurant Crewmember, providing hourly pay between $17 and $18. Responsibilities typically involve food service and customer support.

Employers looking to improve hiring processes can refer to our guide to hiring a restaurant consultant and strategies for restaurant staff hiring.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Washington, DC

Fast casual dining spots offer teens opportunities to work in slightly more upscale food environments than traditional fast food.

Smashburger

Smashburger hires 16-year-olds as Cooks with wages ranging from $17.50 to $20.50 per hour plus tips. The job involves preparing menu items and maintaining kitchen cleanliness.

Smoothie King

Smoothie King employs 16-year-olds as Team Members, where they assist with smoothie preparation and customer service. Pay rates vary by location.

IHOP

IHOP offers cashier positions to 16-year-olds. Wages depend on location, with job duties focusing on customer interaction and order processing.

To understand the cook role better, teens and employers can check the how to become a cook career guide and the cook job description.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Washington, DC?

In Washington, DC, minors aged 16 and 17 can legally work up to 8 hours per day and up to 48 hours per week. These limits are designed to protect youth while allowing them to gain work experience.

Work hours are further restricted with no employment allowed before 6:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. Additionally, all minors under 18 must secure a work permit before starting employment, ensuring compliance with child labor laws.

Employers can benefit from reviewing age requirement job posting best practices when hiring young workers.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Washington, DC

For hiring strategies tailored to young workers, restaurant owners can explore places that hire at 16 and best summer jobs for teens.

01. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Washington, DC?

Popular fast-food chains such as McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, and Raising Cane's hire 16-year-olds for various entry-level roles.

02. What is the typical pay range for restaurant jobs at 16 in Washington, DC?

Wages usually range from $12 to $20 per hour, depending on the employer and position.

03. Are work permits required for 16-year-olds in Washington, DC?

Yes, all minors under 18 must obtain a work permit before starting any job.

04. What are the legal work hour limits for 16-year-olds in DC?

Minors aged 16 and 17 can work up to 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week, with restrictions on start and end times.

05. Which fast-casual restaurants commonly hire 16-year-olds?

Chains such as Smashburger, Smoothie King, and IHOP are popular for hiring teens aged 16 for entry-level roles.