"Places That Hire at 16: Specific Employers and How to Get Hired in 2026"
The jump from 15 to 16 opens up more of the job market than any other age threshold. Most fast food chains, retail stores, and service businesses that wouldn't touch a 15-year-old will hire a 16-year-old without hesitation — and many actively recruit high school students because the flexible, part-time scheduling works for both sides. This guide names specific employers by category, explains exactly what the application process looks like at each, and tells you what to say when you walk in or apply online.
Fast Food and Quick Service — The Most Accessible Category
Fast food is where most 16-year-olds get their first job, and for good reason: the hiring process is fast, the training is structured, the schedules work around school, and the minimum age is almost universally 16. Here are the specific chains actively hiring at 16 and what the process looks like at each.
McDonald's
McDonald's is the single largest employer of 16-year-olds in the country. Hiring is done at the franchise level — individual locations set their own hiring timelines — but crew positions are almost always open. Apply online at mcdonalds.com/careers or walk in and ask for the hiring manager. The interview is typically a 15-minute conversation about your schedule and your attitude toward customer service. Most locations can have you working within a week of applying.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A has a reputation as one of the better first-job employers for teenagers — higher than average starting pay in most markets, structured training, and a culture that emphasizes professional customer service. Apply at chick-fil-a.com/careers or through the Chick-fil-A app. The interview process is slightly more involved than other fast food chains — expect a 20–30 minute conversation and possibly a second interview — but the investment is worth it for the experience and the reference.
Taco Bell, Wendy's, Burger King
All three hire at 16 for crew positions. Applications go through their respective career portals (tacobell.com, wendys.com, bk.com) or through Indeed. Like McDonald's, most locations are franchised and hire independently. Walk-in applications are accepted and often more effective than online submissions for these chains — stop by between 2 PM and 4 PM and ask to speak with the manager about crew openings.
Starbucks
Starbucks minimum age is 16 in most markets. The company is known for competitive pay, benefits that extend to part-time workers (including tuition assistance), and a structured training program for baristas. Apply at jobs.starbucks.com. The interview focuses on customer service scenarios and your availability. Starbucks locations near high schools are often particularly open to 16-year-old applicants because they're accustomed to the scheduling needs of students.
Panera Bread, Chipotle, Culver's, Sonic
All hire at 16. Panera and Chipotle tend to pay slightly above fast food average for the category. Sonic's carhop positions are specifically well-known as good first jobs — tips supplement the hourly rate significantly during busy periods. Culver's is a Midwest/South chain with a strong culture reputation and consistent openings for high school students.
Dairy Queen, Dunkin', Five Guys
Independently franchised locations of these chains hire at 16 routinely. Walk in during off-peak hours — after the breakfast rush (after 10 AM) and before the lunch rush (before 11:30 AM) is a good window for Dunkin' specifically. Five Guys is known for higher than average pay and a team-oriented environment. Apply at the chain's careers portal or walk in directly.
Grocery Stores — Consistent Hours and Reliable Employers
Grocery chains are among the most reliable employers of 16-year-olds. Front-end positions — cashier, bagger, cart attendant — are specifically designed for entry-level workers, and most major chains have formal programs for high school student hiring.
Publix
Publix is widely recognized as one of the best first-job employers available. The chain hires at 14 for some positions and 16 for cashier and stock roles. Publix is employee-owned, pays above industry average, and has a strong internal promotion culture — many current Publix store managers and department managers started as baggers or cashiers at 16. Apply at publix.com/careers. Walk-in applications are also accepted at the customer service desk.
Kroger and affiliates
Kroger operates under many regional brands — Fred Meyer, Ralphs, King Soopers, Harris Teeter, Fry's, Mariano's, and others. All hire at 16 for front-end positions. Some Kroger affiliates are unionized, which means higher starting pay and more formal scheduling agreements. Apply at kroger.com/careers or at the specific banner's careers site. Grocery union positions at 16 are worth targeting specifically in markets where Kroger affiliates are unionized.
Aldi and Lidl
Both German grocery chains hire at 16 in the US. Aldi specifically is known for paying significantly above the grocery industry average at entry level. The trade-off: the job is physically demanding (heavy lifting for stocking) and the stores run lean staffing. If you're comfortable with physical work, Aldi is one of the higher-paying options available at 16. Apply at jobs.aldi.us or lidl.com/us/en/careers.
Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's
Both hire at 16 for various positions. Trader Joe's is especially known for a positive work culture and competitive pay. These positions are more competitive than standard grocery chains — there are fewer locations and more applicants per opening. Worth applying, but have other options in progress simultaneously rather than waiting exclusively for one of these.
Safeway, Albertsons, Wegmans
Regional chains that hire at 16 for front-end and deli positions. Wegmans, concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, has a strong reputation as an employer and pays well above regional averages. Apply at the respective careers portals. Many Wegmans locations are in college towns where competition for shifts is higher, but the pay and culture are worth the extra effort in applying.
Retail — Flexible Scheduling and Entry-Level Roles
Retail is the other primary category for 16-year-old hiring. Most clothing, hobby, and home goods retailers have minimum ages of exactly 16, and part-time back-to-school and holiday hiring specifically targets high school students.
Target
Target's minimum age is 16. The company is a consistently popular first employer for teenagers because of the professional environment, employee discount, and the reputation of the Target brand. Apply at target.com/careers. Target tends to run hiring events in August for back-to-school and October for holiday — timing your application around these periods increases your odds significantly. Positions available at 16: service advocate (cashier), general merchandise, food service, Starbucks cafe (inside Target).
Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic
Gap Inc. brands hire at 16 for sales associate positions. Old Navy specifically has a long history of employing high school students and scheduling around school. Apply at gapinc.com/careers or at oldnavy.com/careers. The interview focuses on customer service scenarios — how would you handle a return, how would you approach a customer who seems confused. One consistent interview tip for retail specifically: research the brand's current promotions before the interview so you can speak to them specifically.
Michaels and Hobby Lobby
Both craft retailers hire at 16. Hobby Lobby is known for higher than average starting wages in the retail category (the company made a deliberate public commitment to minimum wage levels several years ago). Apply at hobbylobby.com/careers or michaels.com/careers. Positions involve stocking, cashiering, and sometimes department-specific work (framing, fabric) that comes with skill development.
Five Below and Dollar Tree
Both hire at 16 for associate positions. Five Below has a higher-energy retail environment geared toward teenagers and young adults as the primary customer base. Dollar Tree and Family Dollar hire at some locations at 16, though some franchise locations have higher minimums — confirm the specific store's policy when you apply. Apply at fivebelow.com/careers and dollartree.com/careers.
Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million
Bookstore retail tends to attract applicants who are interested in the product, which makes for a more satisfying first retail job than some alternatives. Barnes and Noble hires at 16 for bookseller positions. Apply at barnesandnobleinc.com/careers. Hours are typically moderate and the environment is calmer than food service or high-volume retail — worth considering if you prefer a less intense work environment for a first job.
Entertainment and Recreation — Often Overlooked, Always Hiring
Movie theaters
AMC, Regal, Cinemark, and local independent theaters all hire at 16 for crew positions — concessions, ticket sales, usher, and box office. Movie theater work is particularly compatible with student schedules because the busiest shifts are evenings and weekends. AMC hires through amctheatres.com/careers. Cinemark through cinemark.com/careers. Benefits for theater employees often include free movies, which is a meaningful perk for 16-year-olds.
Six Flags, Cedar Fair parks, and regional amusement parks
Amusement parks are significant seasonal employers of 16-year-olds. Six Flags operates parks across the country and actively recruits high school students for summer positions. Apply at sixflags.com/jobs. Cedar Fair (now part of Six Flags Entertainment Group post-merger) similarly hires at 16 for ride operations, food service, and retail. Local and regional amusement parks often have lower competition than the major chains — check for parks within driving distance and apply directly.
Bowling alleys, mini golf, go-kart tracks
Local entertainment venues of this type hire at 16 for counter service, lane assistance, and general operations. These employers are typically small businesses that post openings locally rather than on national job boards — walk in, ask for the manager, and inquire about openings. These positions are often overlooked by job seekers who only check Indeed and major chain career portals.
Ice skating rinks and swimming pools
Seasonal recreational facilities hire 16-year-olds for concession stands, equipment rental, admissions, and monitoring roles. Public pools specifically hire lifeguards at 15–16 (with required lifeguard certification — typically a 25–30 hour course through the Red Cross or American Lifeguarding) and non-lifeguard positions for even younger applicants. Lifeguard pay is notably higher than most first-job categories.
Sit-Down Restaurants — Host and Busser Positions
Many full-service restaurants hire 16-year-olds for front-of-house support roles — host, busser, food runner — even when they require servers to be 18 or older. These positions are worth pursuing specifically because they pay more than fast food (tips shared from servers are a significant component at many restaurants) and because the professional environment is notably more sophisticated than fast food for resume purposes.
Olive Garden, Chili's, Applebee's, Red Robin
All of these chains hire 16-year-olds for host and busser positions. Apply at the respective careers portals (darden.com for Olive Garden, chilis.com, applebees.com, redrobin.com) or walk in before the lunch or dinner rush and ask for the manager. Host position specifically: you'll be assessed on how professionally you present yourself during the walk-in visit, so dress appropriately and be prepared to essentially do the interview on the spot.
Local and independent restaurants
Independently owned restaurants in your area are often more flexible about minimum age for host and busser positions than chains with corporate policies. The application is a walk-in conversation — arrive before service starts (before 11 AM for lunch service, before 5 PM for dinner service) and ask whether they hire at 16. Many will, especially for weekend shifts when the volume justifies extra front-of-house support.
Service Industries That Actively Hire at 16
Car washes
Full-service car wash operations hire at 16 for attendant and detailing positions. The work is physical (washing, drying, vacuuming) and often weather-dependent, but the combination of hourly pay and tips during busy periods makes the effective hourly rate competitive. Walk in or check the business's website — most car washes don't post on major job boards.
Gyms and fitness studios
Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, local gyms, and YMCA facilities hire at 16 for front desk positions, childcare center assistants, and facilities staff. YMCA specifically is well-known for employing teenagers in its facilities and programming. Apply at ymca.net/careers or at your local branch. Planet Fitness hires at 16 for team member (front desk) positions — apply at planetfitness.com/careers.
Veterinary clinics and animal shelters
Animal-focused workplaces hire at 16 for kennel assistant, front desk, and volunteer-to-paid-staff pipeline roles. If you're interested in veterinary work, starting at 16 as a kennel or reception assistant builds genuine credential for veterinary school or veterinary technician programs years later. Check local veterinary practices and shelters directly — many don't post on major job boards but will hire a 16-year-old who walks in and demonstrates genuine interest.
Salons and spas — receptionist roles
Salon receptionists manage appointment booking, client check-in, and retail sales. Some salons hire at 16 for front desk positions, particularly smaller independent salons. Walk in during a quiet period (not peak booking hours) and ask whether they need front desk help. Related: Part-Time Receptionist Jobs Near Me
Retail bakeries and coffee shops
Independent bakeries and coffee shops often hire at 16 and provide a notably different experience from chain food service — more creative environment, smaller team, direct relationship with ownership. Check local listings or walk in during slow periods (mid-morning or mid-afternoon) and ask about openings. The application conversation at a small business is often the interview itself, so come prepared to make a good impression from the first moment.
Outdoor and Physical Jobs at 16
Landscaping companies
Spring through fall, landscaping operations hire general labor at 16 for mowing, planting, cleanup, and maintenance work. Small and mid-size landscaping companies are the best target — call or visit directly, as most don't post on job boards. The work is early morning, outdoor, and physically demanding, but the hourly rates tend to be competitive for entry-level labor and the schedule (often Mon–Fri, done by early afternoon) is compatible with after-school and summer availability.
Golf courses
Golf courses hire at 16 for cart retrieval, range picking, food cart service, and pro shop positions. These are genuinely pleasant work environments for summer employment — outdoor, active, and often with the benefit of complimentary or discounted golf for employees. Apply at local courses directly or through their websites. Courses affiliated with country clubs tend to pay more than public municipal courses.
Summer camps and recreation programs
Camp counselor aide and junior counselor positions hire at 16. The American Camp Association lists camps at acacamps.org and many post summer employment directly. 16-year-olds typically work as junior counselors under senior staff rather than as lead counselors, but the experience in working with children is valuable and produces strong references for future employment in education, childcare, or social services.
How to Apply at 16: What Actually Works
Walk-in beats online for most of these employers
For fast food, retail, grocery, and small businesses — walking in during off-peak hours (2–4 PM on weekdays) and asking to speak with the hiring manager is consistently more effective than submitting an online application. The in-person visit creates a human impression that an online form cannot, and it demonstrates the initiative and urgency that immediate-hire employers specifically value.
What to say: "Hi, I'm a 16-year-old looking for part-time work. Do you have any positions available, or could I leave a resume with the manager?" Brief, direct, professional. Let the manager guide the next step. If they say to apply online, do it that day, not next week.
Work permit — get it before you need it
Most states require a work permit (employment certificate or minor work permit) for workers under 18. The process: get a promise-of-employment form from a prospective employer, have a parent sign it, and submit it to your school's guidance office or your state's Department of Labor. This takes days to a week. Starting the process before you have a job offer means you can start work immediately when hired rather than creating a delay.
At 16, federal law (FLSA) restricts hours during the school year — typically no more than 3 hours on a school day, 18 hours during a school week — and limits certain hazardous occupations. Know the rules for your state, because some states are more restrictive than federal minimums. Related: Jobs for 16 Year Olds: Full Guide
Resume for a 16-year-old
A one-page resume with contact information, school name and expected graduation year, relevant activities and skills, and a brief availability statement is entirely sufficient. If you have any prior work experience (babysitting, lawn care, a previous job), list it with specific responsibilities. If you don't, lead with activities: sports teams, clubs, volunteer work, school leadership. For these entry-level positions, availability is the most important information on the resume.
Related: Resume for High School Students · Resume With No Work Experience · Build Your Resume →
The interview at 16
For most first-job positions at 16, the "interview" is a 10–20 minute conversation about your availability, your attitude toward customer service, and basic situational questions. The main thing the manager is evaluating: do you seem reliable, can you communicate professionally, and will you show up when you're scheduled? Dress one level above casual (clean clothes without graphics, closed-toe shoes), arrive a few minutes early, and answer questions directly and specifically. Related: Behavioral Interview Questions
Highest-Paying Places That Hire at 16
Not all first-job options pay equally. If maximizing hourly pay at 16 is a priority, here's how the categories rank in most markets:
Lifeguarding — requires certification (Red Cross Lifeguard course, roughly 25–30 hours of training) but pays significantly more than most other options at 16. Public pools and rec centers are the primary employers. The certification investment pays back quickly in the higher hourly rate.
Aldi and unionized grocery — Aldi specifically pays above the grocery industry average. Kroger affiliate stores in unionized markets pay above non-union grocery starting rates.
Chick-fil-A — consistently cited as a higher-than-average paying fast food employer in most markets.
Starbucks — above average for food service with the added benefit of benefits eligibility for part-time workers.
Restaurant host/busser — base hourly plus tip share from servers creates effective rates higher than typical retail or fast food in many markets.
Golf course, gym, recreation facilities — often pay slightly above fast food average with more pleasant working conditions.
Standard fast food and retail — at or near minimum wage in most markets, though major chains have raised starting rates significantly in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours can a 16-year-old work?
Under federal FLSA rules: during the school year, 16-year-olds can work up to 3 hours on school days and 18 hours during school weeks. During summer and school breaks, there are no federal hour restrictions for 16-year-olds (though some states are more restrictive). Always check your specific state's minor labor laws — many states set lower limits than federal minimums, particularly on school nights.
What jobs can't 16-year-olds do?
Federal hazardous occupation restrictions prohibit 16-year-olds from operating heavy machinery, working in roofing, working with explosives, operating power-driven meat processing equipment, and several other specifically hazardous categories. In food service, 16-year-olds can cook with some restrictions (typically no open flames in some states). For most positions at the employers listed in this guide, these restrictions are not relevant.
Do I need a resume to apply for a first job at 16?
Not always required, but always helpful. Many fast food and retail applications are entirely online and don't ask for a resume. But having a one-page document ready to hand to a manager during a walk-in visit sets you apart from applicants who show up empty-handed. It signals preparation and organization — qualities that employers at every level value.
What if I get rejected at every place I apply?
Expand your geographic radius and your category list. If the fast food restaurants in your immediate area aren't hiring, try grocery stores, retail, and entertainment venues. If your neighborhood isn't producing results, try a wider area. Also examine your application approach — are you walking in during appropriate hours? Are you asking directly for the manager rather than just picking up an application? The process matters as much as the persistence.
Related: Jobs for 16 Year Olds · 17 Year Old Jobs · Jobs for 18 Year Olds · Places That Hire at 14 · No Experience Jobs · Resume for High School Students · Best Part-Time Jobs · Build Your Resume with RoleRise →
Work Permit and State Law Requirements at 16
At 16, federal child labor law (FLSA) removes the strictest hour restrictions that apply to 14 and 15-year-olds, but state laws vary significantly and many are more restrictive than federal minimums. Here's what you need to know before starting the job search.
Work permits
Approximately half of US states require work permits (employment certificates) for workers under 18. The process is typically: get a promise of employment from an employer, have a parent sign the form, and submit it to your school or local Department of Labor. Some states have moved to online permit systems. Completing this before you have an offer — so you're ready to start immediately when hired — is a genuine competitive advantage over applicants who discover the requirement after accepting an offer.
Hour restrictions at 16
Federal law: 16-year-olds have no hour restrictions under federal FLSA (unlike 14–15 year olds). State law: many states still restrict hours for 16-year-olds during school weeks, typically limiting school-night hours and total weekly hours. California, for example, limits 16-year-olds to 4 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days during the school year. New York and several other states have similar restrictions. Know your state's specific rules — they govern, not the more permissive federal standard, when the state is stricter.
Prohibited occupations at 16
Federal hazardous occupation restrictions apply to workers under 18. At 16, you cannot: operate heavy machinery (forklifts, bulldozers), work in roofing or excavation, handle explosives, work in meat processing with power-driven equipment, or work in several other specifically hazardous categories. For the employers in this guide — fast food, retail, grocery, entertainment, service businesses — these restrictions are generally not relevant to the positions available.
Related: Jobs for 16 Year Olds · 17 Year Old Jobs · Build Your Resume →
How Long the Hiring Process Takes at Each Type of Employer
Understanding the typical timeline helps you manage the search realistically and apply to enough places to ensure a timely outcome.
Fast food chains: Fastest. Many can go from application to first shift in 3–7 days. Walk-in applications are often processed same-day. McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Sonic are especially fast — the volume of hiring means decisions move quickly.
Grocery stores: Moderate. 1–2 weeks is typical from application to offer. Publix tends to run a more formal process (multiple interviews, orientation scheduling) than some chains. Union shops may have additional steps.
Target and major retail: 1–3 weeks for the typical applicant. Target runs seasonal hiring pushes where the timeline compresses significantly — applying during a back-to-school or holiday hiring event means decisions happen faster.
Movie theaters and amusement parks: 1–2 weeks for movies, 2–4 weeks for amusement parks (which often have structured spring hiring events with group interviews).
Local and independent businesses: Fastest of all. A walk-in conversation with the owner of a small business can result in a job offer the same day. No formal application, no HR system, no waiting for a callback from a recruiting team. This is why direct walk-in contact with local businesses is worth prioritizing alongside the major chain applications.
Related: No Experience Jobs · Hiring Immediately Near Me · Build Your Resume with RoleRise →
Making the Most of Your First Job at 16
The job you get at 16 is the beginning of your professional track record. How you perform in it influences the reference you'll use for years. Here's what separates the employees at 16 who build something valuable from those who just show up.
Treat the schedule as a commitment, not a suggestion. Calling out at the last minute because something better came up is the fastest way to damage your standing at any employer. If you're genuinely sick, call as early as possible. If something comes up socially, manage your schedule before committing rather than after. Employers at entry-level positions notice reliability above almost all other qualities in young workers.
Volunteer for extra work during slow periods. When your assigned task is done, ask what else needs to be done. "I've finished restocking — do you need help with anything else?" is the sentence that gets you more hours, more responsibility, and a stronger reference. It costs nothing and produces disproportionate return.
Build relationships with your coworkers and manager. Your first professional network starts with the people you work with at 16. The manager who supervised you at your first job is one of the most credible professional references you'll ever have — they saw you at the beginning and can speak to growth, reliability, and character. Treat every working relationship as worth maintaining.
Related: Jobs for 16 Year Olds · 17 Year Old Jobs · Resume for High School Students · Best Part-Time Jobs · Build Your Resume with RoleRise →