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We’re talking about the best places that hire at 16.
If you or your teen are seeking employment opportunities at the age of 16, there are several options available. Whether you’re a parent looking for your child or a teen searching for work, keep reading to learn about seven places that hire at this age.
I recall obtaining my first job at the age of 16. I was fortunate enough to land a position at a local pizza chain in my city.
Unfortunately, in my area, the minimum age requirement for working was 16. I had to wait about a week from the time I was hired until my 16th birthday to begin working. Nevertheless, it was an exhilarating experience to have my own income.
Before then, I only received an allowance which was a mere fraction of what I earned from my job. Despite working for minimum wage, the money I earned was more than enough to enjoy my teenage years with my friends, by going shopping, watching movies, going to carnivals and more. I was extremely content with the amount I earned!
Working at a young age and earning your own money is a fantastic feeling. It provides a sense of financial independence and encourages learning the importance of money management, such as saving, spending, and budgeting, from an early age.
As a high schooler, it’s crucial to consider certain factors before seeking employment opportunities, such as reliable transportation, availability of work hours, impact on personal life, and academic responsibilities. After careful consideration, you can confidently choose a job and apply for it.
How to find places that hire at 16?
Finding places to work at 16 doesn’t have to be as challenging as you might think. Here are a few ways to find places that hire at 16:
Ask around
Ask friends, family members, teachers, or guidance counselors if they know of any places that hire 16-year-olds.
Check with local businesses
Visit local stores, restaurants, and other businesses in your area and ask if they have any job openings for 16-year-olds. Networking within your community including checking with local businesses is a great way to find untapped opportunities that might not be advertised or widely known about.
Don’t be shy. Approach local mom and pop shops and businesses, talk to workers and talk to the owner about potential opportunities for hire.
Search online
Use job search engines such as Indeed, Monster, or Glassdoor, and search for job listings that specify they hire 16-year-olds.
For online opportunities, you can look at remote job boards too, like:
Look for job fairs
Attend local job fairs or career expos, which may have employers looking to hire teenagers.
Check with community organizations
Local community organizations, such as recreation centers or libraries, may have information on job opportunities for 16-year-olds in the area.
Research seasonal job opportunities
Many businesses, such as amusement parks, movie theaters, and retail stores, often hire seasonal employees during busy periods such as summer, winter holidays, and other peak periods.
Is it legal to work at 16 years old?
Yes, in many countries including the United States, it is legal to work at 16 years old with certain restrictions and regulations.
For example, in the US, 16-year-olds can work in a variety of industries and occupations, such as retail, food service, and entertainment, but they may be limited in the number of hours they can work and the types of tasks they can perform.
In addition, there are certain hazardous occupations that are prohibited for minors under the age of 18, such as working with heavy machinery or handling hazardous materials.
It’s important to check with your local labor laws to understand the specific regulations regarding working at 16 years old in your area.
What is it like working as a 16-year old?
Working as a 16-year-old can be both exciting and challenging. It provides an opportunity to earn your own money and gain valuable work experience while still in high school. Here are some things you may experience while working as a 16-year-old:
- Limited work hours: Depending on the laws in your state or country, there may be restrictions on the number of hours you can work per week or per day.
- Minimum wage: As a teenager, you may be paid minimum wage or slightly above it. This can limit your earnings potential, but it’s still an excellent way to earn some money.
- Limited job options: Some jobs may be off-limits due to age restrictions, such as working in a bar or operating heavy machinery.
- Balancing work and school: Juggling work and school can be challenging, but with proper time management, it’s possible to succeed at both.
- Learning new skills: Working at a young age provides an opportunity to learn new skills, including customer service, teamwork, and time management.
- Building a work history: Starting your work history at a young age can be beneficial when applying for future jobs, as it shows you have work experience and responsibility.
7 places that hire at 16 years old
Here are seven places that often hire 16-year-olds:
1. Fast food restaurants
Many fast food chains hire 16-year-olds for positions such as cashiers, cooks, and servers.
Examples include:
- Arby’s
- Pizza Hut
- McDonalds
- Burger King
2. Retail stores
Retail stores like clothing stores or grocery stores often hire 16-year-olds for positions such as stockers, cashiers, and sales associates.
Examples:
- Old Navy
- H&M
- Forever 21
3. Amusement parks
Amusement parks often have a variety of jobs for 16-year-olds, such as ride operators, game attendants, and food service workers.
There are many amusement parks that hire 16-year-olds, including:
- Six Flags
- Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (e.g., Cedar Point, Knott’s Berry Farm, Kings Island)
- Universal Studios
- Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment (e.g., SeaWorld, Busch Gardens)
- Hershey Park
- Dollywood
- Legoland
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Keep in mind that specific hiring policies may vary by location and position, so it’s best to check with your local amusement park to see if they are currently hiring and what their age requirements are.
4. Movie theaters
Movie theaters typically hire 16-year-olds as ushers, concession stand workers, and box office attendants.
Some examples:
- AMC Theatres
- Regal Cinemas
- Cinemark Theatres
- Marcus Theatres
- Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
- Showcase Cinemas
- Harkins Theatres
- Cineplex
- Landmark Theatres
- Krikorian Theatres
5. Summer camps
Summer camps often hire 16-year-olds as camp counselors or lifeguards.
Summer camp counselors are responsible for supervising and organizing various activities for children and teenagers at summer camps.
Some of the typical duties of summer camp counselors include:
- Leading and organizing recreational activities such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and nature walks.
- Providing guidance and support to campers, helping them develop social skills and confidence.
- Assisting with meal times and ensuring campers are eating well.
- Ensuring campers follow camp rules and maintain a safe environment.
- Responding to and resolving any issues or conflicts that arise among campers.
- Providing basic first aid to campers in case of injury or illness.
- Preparing for and leading campfire events, sing-alongs, and other evening activities.
- Collaborating with other counselors and staff to create a positive and engaging camp experience for all campers.
Summer camp lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of campers during aquatic activities such as swimming, boating, and water sports. Some of the typical duties of summer camp lifeguards include:
- Monitoring swimmers and activities in and around the pool or waterfront area to ensure everyone is following safety rules.
- Responding to and preventing emergencies such as drowning, spinal injuries, and heart attacks.
- Performing basic first aid as needed and contacting emergency services when necessary.
- Conducting daily safety checks and ensuring the pool and surrounding area are clean and free of hazards.
- Maintaining accurate records of incidents and performing routine maintenance on pool equipment.
- Enforcing rules and regulations regarding pool usage, such as age and height requirements.
- Providing swimming instruction and supervision to campers of all ages and skill levels.
7. Local businesses
Small businesses like coffee shops, bookstores, and pet stores often hire 16-year-olds for part-time positions.
Local businesses are often a great option for teens to find jobs for several reasons:
- Flexibility: Local businesses may offer more flexible schedules and be more willing to accommodate school and extracurricular activities, making it easier for teens to balance work and other commitments.
- Convenience: Local businesses are often located closer to home, which can make commuting easier and less time-consuming.
- Community involvement: Working for a local business can provide teens with a sense of community involvement and connection to their neighborhood, which can be rewarding and fulfilling.
- Experience: Local businesses can offer valuable work experience and skills that can be beneficial for future job opportunities and career development.
- Personalized attention: In smaller local businesses, teens may have the opportunity to work more closely with their supervisors and coworkers, receiving more personalized attention and feedback on their performance.
Overall, working for a local business can be a great option for teens looking for employment, providing them with valuable experience and skills while offering flexibility and a sense of community involvement.
8. Online jobs
There are a variety of online jobs that students can do, teen to college age, such as:
- Online Tutoring: If you excel in a particular subject or have strong academic skills, you can offer online tutoring services to students in need of extra help. Online tutoring company Cambly is an example of one you can work as an online tutor.
- Freelance Writing: If you have a talent for writing, you can work as a freelance writer and write articles, blog posts, or other types of content for clients.
- Virtual Assisting: You can work as a virtual assistant and assist clients with tasks such as email management, scheduling appointments, or social media management.
- Online Surveys: You can participate in online surveys and get paid for sharing your opinion on various products and services. Companies like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Pinecone Research are examples.
- Transcription: You can work as an online transcriptionist and transcribe audio or video recordings for clients.
- Social Media Management: If you have a good understanding of social media, you can work as a social media manager and manage the social media accounts of clients.
- Graphic Design: If you have a talent for graphic design, you can work as a freelance graphic designer and create designs for clients.
It’s important to note that the availability of jobs may vary by location and state laws. Additionally, some jobs may require certain certifications or permits. Always check with the employer for any specific requirements or restrictions.
Bottom line
Job opportunities for teens do exist! Whether you’re trying to find the best places hiring at 15 or places hiring 16-year olds or other age groups, they are out there.