Places That Hire at 16 in Wilkes-Barre, PA: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Wilkes-Barre can find jobs mainly in the restaurant industry as cashiers, crew members, or food preparers.
- Fast food and fast casual restaurants commonly hire 16-year-olds with wages between $8 and $12 per hour.
- Pennsylvania restricts 16-year-olds’ work hours to protect their schooling, limiting evening and weekly hours.
Finding a job at 16 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, is achievable especially in fast food and casual dining restaurants. Positions such as cashier and crew member are popular for teen employees.
These jobs offer valuable experience and a chance to earn hourly wages while balancing school obligations.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Sixteen-year-olds typically begin with entry-level roles that require minimal prior experience. Common job titles available to teens include cashier, crew member, food preparer, and sandwich artist.
These positions involve tasks like taking orders, preparing food, working the register, and maintaining cleanliness. Employers focus on skills such as customer service, reliability, and teamwork.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Wilkes-Barre
Many popular fast-food chains in Wilkes-Barre hire 16-year-olds. These chains offer flexible schedules and training programs tailored for younger employees.
McDonald's
Positions include crew members and cashiers, with duties spanning cooking, cleaning, and customer service.
Burger King
Employs 16-year-olds as team members and kitchen staff, focusing on food preparation and order fulfillment.
Wendy's
Offers opportunities for crew members and cashiers, ideal for teens new to the workforce.
Taco Bell
Hires team members and food preparers, emphasizing fast-paced food service skills.
KFC
Provides roles such as team members and kitchen staff, focusing on food handling and customer interaction.
Subway
Employs 16-year-olds as sandwich artists and cashiers, with tasks including sandwich making and front counter service.
Dunkin'
Offers positions for crew members and baristas, combining food and beverage preparation with customer service.
Chick-fil-A
Hires team members and kitchen staff, known for fostering a strong team environment for young workers.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Wilkes-Barre
Besides fast food, fast-casual dining establishments also provide openings suitable for 16-year-olds trying to gain work experience.
Panera Bread
Offers roles such as associates and cashiers who prepare food and serve customers in a café setting.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Employs crew members and food preparers with responsibilities including food assembly and maintaining kitchen cleanliness.
Five Guys
Provides crew member and cashier positions focusing on cooking, customer interaction, and order accuracy.
Moe's Southwest Grill
Hires team members and kitchen staff, training teens in fast-casual food service and customer care.
Noodles & Company
Offers team member and food preparer roles emphasizing multi-tasking in a dynamic environment.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Wilkes-Barre?
Pennsylvania law establishes clear limits to ensure that work does not interfere with education.
On school days, 16-year-olds may work up to 8 hours daily and 28 hours per school week. When school is not in session, they can work up to 10 hours daily and 48 hours per week.
Additionally, they are prohibited from working between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on school nights to protect their rest and study time.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Wilkes-Barre
- Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Child Labor Act
- U.S. Department of Labor: YouthRules!
- Pennsylvania Department of Education: Work Permits for Minors
Hiring the right staff is crucial, and for employers looking to attract younger workers, this guide to restaurant staff hiring can be quite helpful.








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