Introduction
If you’re 16 and wondering what jobs hire at 16, you’re not alone. Many teens in the United States start looking for their very first job at this age. Employers across different industries from fast food restaurants to retail stores offer opportunities designed for beginners. Whether you’re asking does Target hire at 16, searching for jobs to get at 16, or looking for jobs hiring 16-year-olds no experience, there are plenty of options available.
At this stage, most teens are new to the workforce, so good first jobs for 16-year-olds usually focus on entry-level roles that teach responsibility, teamwork, and customer service. Companies know that many applicants are just starting out, which is why you’ll find jobs hiring 16-year-olds with no experience in almost every state. Employers such as Target, Walmart, McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and grocery stores regularly provide positions for young workers who want to earn money while balancing school and extracurriculars.
It’s important to note that employment laws vary by state, which can affect both the number of hours you’re allowed to work and the type of tasks you can perform. Federal law generally allows 16-year-olds to work unlimited hours in non-hazardous jobs, but some states have stricter rules about late-night work shifts or equipment usage. Before applying, it’s smart to review your state’s labor laws so you know exactly what jobs you qualify for.
Organizations like Get Schooled also provide valuable guidance for teens entering the workforce. While Get Schooled doesn’t directly place applicants into jobs, it offers tools, resources, and personal support to help young workers succeed. Teens can even text #Jobs to 33-55-77 to connect with an advisor for personalized job search advice.
With that foundation in mind, let’s dive deeper into the most common and accessible jobs for 16- and 17-year-olds across the U.S.
AMC
Movie theaters are a classic first job option for teens, and AMC is one of the biggest names in the industry. Teens as young as 16 can apply for roles such as ticket sales, concessions staff, or theater maintenance. These jobs allow young workers to develop customer service skills while working in a fun, fast-paced environment.
A concession stand job, for example, teaches multitasking, handling money, and communicating effectively with customers. Maintenance or usher roles often involve cleaning theaters, helping guests find their seats, and ensuring safety and cleanliness in public areas.
While AMC has a nationwide hiring policy that allows minors at 16, independent or smaller movie theaters may set their own age requirements. Teens should always check the local AMC or theater website for open positions and application details.
Chick-fil-A
With more than 2,000 locations across the U.S., Chick-fil-A is a popular employer for young workers. Teens can apply for front-of-house (FOH) positions such as cashiering, order-taking, and customer service. However, due to safety restrictions, minors are not permitted to use certain hot kitchen equipment.
Chick-fil-A emphasizes teamwork and customer service, making it a strong training ground for soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and hospitality. For many teens, this is their first exposure to a structured work environment, which can prepare them for future jobs in retail or food service.
Additionally, some Chick-fil-A franchises offer scholarships and leadership development opportunities for employees, making this an appealing choice for students who want both work experience and future career growth.
Chipotle
Chipotle is another company that hires at 16. Teens can apply for crew member roles where responsibilities include preparing food, serving customers, maintaining cleanliness, and working as part of a team.
Chipotle stands out because of its employee benefits, which include tuition assistance, paid training, and free meals while on shift. For teens thinking long-term, this company can provide not only immediate work experience but also financial support for education.
Working at Chipotle also helps build essential time management skills since employees often balance food prep, customer service, and cleaning tasks in a busy environment. It’s an excellent place for teens who want to gain valuable food service experience in a company that values employee growth.
Community Centers 
Local community centers and recreation programs frequently hire 16- and 17-year-olds. These jobs are especially popular in the summer but may also be available year-round. Positions vary but often include:
Front desk support (checking in guests, answering phones)
After-school program assistance (helping with tutoring or activities)
Coaching or refereeing youth sports
Tutoring younger students
Lifeguarding (with proper certification)
Program coordination and event support
Community center jobs often connect young workers with their neighborhoods while giving them experience in leadership, responsibility, and teamwork. Teens can check local city parks and recreation websites or call their community center directly for open opportunities.
CVS Health
CVS Health, with over 10,000 locations nationwide, is one of the largest employers of teens in the retail and pharmacy sector. At 16, teens can apply for entry-level jobs such as cashier, sales associate, stock associate, or beauty advisor.
These jobs involve handling transactions, assisting customers, stocking shelves, and maintaining store cleanliness. While these are not pharmacy technician roles, they introduce teens to the healthcare and retail industries. For those considering careers in healthcare, starting at CVS can be a stepping stone to future advancement.
Another advantage is that CVS offers flexible shifts, making it easier for high school students to balance work and academics.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen hires 16-year-olds for a variety of roles, including cashiers, cooks, food prep staff, and restaurant cleaners. These positions provide strong entry-level customer service and food-handling experience.
Working in a fast-food environment like Dairy Queen helps teens build stamina, teamwork skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Since Dairy Queen operates across the U.S., jobs are widely available, and schedules can often be adapted to accommodate school commitments.
Kroger
Kroger operates under 29 different grocery store brands across 42 states, making it a major employer for teens. At 16, applicants can work as cashiers, courtesy clerks, cart attendants, bakery assistants, order pullers, or floral assistants.
Grocery store jobs are excellent training grounds for customer service and responsibility. Cashiers gain experience in handling money and interacting with customers, while baggers and cart attendants learn time management and attention to detail.
Additionally, grocery stores often promote from within, giving teens the opportunity to move into higher roles as they gain experience.
Local Amusement and Entertainment Venues
Seasonal jobs at amusement parks, fairs, carnivals, and entertainment venues are popular with teens during summer and holiday seasons. Jobs may include ticket sales, ride attendants, food concessions, and cleaning staff.
These positions are fast-paced and fun, providing an engaging first-job environment while allowing teens to meet new people and develop communication skills. Local fairs and amusement parks often post hiring announcements online or through city recreation departments.
Local Library
Libraries across the U.S. employ 16-year-olds for part-time jobs as library pages or aides. These roles often include shelving books, assisting at the circulation desk, helping with library events, and maintaining organization.
For teens who prefer quieter environments, working at a library can be a rewarding experience. It builds organizational skills, attention to detail, and customer service abilities. Many libraries also encourage students to explore volunteering first, which can transition into paid part-time work.
The Mall
Shopping malls remain a popular workplace for teens. At 16, teens can apply for jobs in department stores, clothing shops, and food courts.
Typical mall jobs include cashiering, sales associate roles, and working in fast-food outlets. These jobs teach customer service, teamwork, and retail operations. Since malls host many different employers, teens have a wide range of options to choose from, and visiting stores in person to inquire about openings is often the fastest way to get hired.
McDonald’s
McDonald’sMcDonald’s is one of the largest employers of teens in the U.S. At 16, teens can work as kitchen crew, counter crew, or maintenance crew.
The company also offers its Archways to Opportunity Program, which provides education assistance and career development opportunities for employees. This makes McDonald’s not only a job but also a potential pathway to future career growth.
Working at McDonald’s helps teens develop customer service, teamwork, and time management skills. Since the company operates nearly everywhere in the U.S., it’s often the first choice for teens seeking work.
Publix
Publix is a well-known supermarket chain in the southeastern U.S. Teens can apply at 16 for jobs such as cashiers and baggers.
Publix emphasizes customer service and teamwork, making it an excellent environment for teens to learn responsibility. Because it’s a regional employer, availability depends on whether there’s a Publix nearby, but for those in the Southeast, it’s a reliable teen employer.
Safeway & Albertsons
These grocery chains hire 16-year-olds for positions like cashier, courtesy clerk, and cart attendant. For 17-year-olds, opportunities expand to include specialty departments such as bakery, floral, meat, and customer service.
These roles are good entry points for teens interested in retail or food service careers. Many employees stay and grow into higher-level roles with time.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell, with over 7,000 U.S. locations, hires 16-year-olds for positions such as cashier and order-taker. Teens gain food service experience in a fast-paced setting, learning teamwork, multitasking, and customer communication.
Taco Bell also provides flexible schedules, making it a good fit for students balancing work with school.
Target
Target hires 16- and 17-year-olds for a wide range of jobs. These include guest advocates (cashiers, general merchandise), baristas at in-store cafes, specialty sales (style, beauty, tech), and fulfillment center team members.
Target emphasizes teamwork, customer service, and a positive work culture. It is also known for offering advancement opportunities, making it a good place for motivated teens to build a retail career.
U-Haul
U-Haul provides part-time roles for 16- and 17-year-olds, including reservation managers or agents. These jobs involve customer service, primarily through phone or online reservations.
Unlike many other teen jobs, U-Haul roles focus less on food or retail and more on customer communication, making it a good option for teens interested in service-based positions.
UPS
UPS hires 17-year-olds for package handling and warehouse work. These jobs are in high demand due to the rise of online shopping.
Package handlers work in physically demanding roles but gain valuable experience in logistics, teamwork, and time management. For teens seeking higher pay and physical work experience, UPS can be a solid option.
Walmart
Walmart employs 16-year-olds across a wide range of roles, including cashier, food and grocery, front-end services, and general merchandising.
With thousands of stores nationwide, Walmart is one of the largest employers for young workers. Jobs at Walmart provide structured training and opportunities to move into supervisory positions with time.
Conclusion
At 16 and 17, teens in the U.S. have access to a wide range of job opportunities across industries like food service, retail, healthcare, entertainment, and community programs. These jobs not only provide income but also help build valuable skills such as teamwork, responsibility, time management, and communication. Financialeage
Organizations like Get Schooled make the job search easier for teens by offering guidance and resources. Teens can text #Jobs to 33-55-77 for personalized advice, set up mobile text messaging for support, and use tools like Get Schooled’s Interview Coach to prepare for job applications and interviews. Investing
Starting work at 16 is an important milestone that can lead to lifelong skills and opportunities. Teens who take advantage of these job openings will gain experience that can serve them well in future careers.
FAQs: Jobs for 16-Year-Olds
1. What jobs hire at 16?
There are many jobs that hire at 16 across industries like retail, food service, grocery, and entertainment. Popular employers include McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, AMC Theatres, Target, Walmart, CVS Health, Dairy Queen, and Kroger. Community centers, libraries, amusement parks, and local fairs also provide seasonal or part-time opportunities. Most of these jobs are entry-level and focus on customer service, cashiering, stocking, food preparation, or general support roles.
2. Does Target hire at 16?
Yes, Target hires at 16 for several entry-level roles. Teens can work as guest advocates (cashiers, customer service), general merchandise associates, baristas at in-store cafes, and fulfillment team members. Target is a popular first employer for teens because it offers flexible schedules, employee discounts, and a team-oriented environment.
3. What are the best jobs to get at 16?
The best jobs to get at 16 are usually entry-level roles that allow teens to gain work experience without requiring advanced skills. Examples include cashier positions at grocery stores, fast-food crew member roles, movie theater staff, retail sales associates, and library aides. These jobs provide a strong foundation in teamwork, customer interaction, and time management while allowing flexibility for school schedules.
4. Are there jobs hiring 16-year-olds with no experience?
Yes, many employers specifically design positions for beginners, making it easy to find jobs hiring 16-year-olds with no experience. Fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Chipotle, as well as grocery stores like Safeway, Publix, and Kroger, often train new hires on the job. Entry-level positions typically involve cashiering, food prep, cleaning, stocking, or customer service—no prior experience required.
5. What are good first jobs for 16-year-olds?
Good first jobs for 16-year-olds are ones that teach basic workplace skills while being flexible for school schedules. Some excellent options include:
Cashier or bagger at grocery stores (Publix, Kroger, Safeway)
Crew member at fast-food restaurants (McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Chipotle)
Movie theater staff (AMC, local theaters)
Retail associate at stores like Target or Walmart
Library aide or community center assistant
These roles are beginner-friendly, build confidence, and prepare teens for future employment.
6. Where can I find jobs hiring 16-year-olds no experience near me?
The best way to find jobs hiring 16-year-olds no experience near me is to start with local businesses. Visit fast-food restaurants, grocery stores, retail shops, community centers, and libraries in person to ask about openings. You can also search online job boards or company career pages. Employers like Walmart, Target, and McDonald’s frequently advertise openings specifically for minors.
7. Do grocery stores hire at 16?
Yes, many grocery stores hire teens starting at age 16. Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and Albertsons are common employers. Roles include cashiers, baggers, stock clerks, bakery assistants, and cart attendants. These jobs provide steady hours, customer service experience, and a professional environment for young workers.
8. What are seasonal jobs available for 16-year-olds?
Seasonal jobs are perfect for teens looking to work during summer or holidays. Common seasonal opportunities include:
Amusement parks (ride attendants, concessions, ticket sales)
Local fairs or carnivals (food service, cleaning staff)
Community pools (lifeguards, with certification)
Retail stores during holidays (cashiers, stock associates)
These jobs usually have flexible schedules and allow teens to earn extra money during breaks.