What Jobs Hire at 16 in 2026?

[SanSophia]

I’m 16 and just started working at a local grocery store last month. If you’re wondering where to apply, many places hire at 16—grocery stores, fast-food chains, retail shops, movie theaters, amusement parks, and even some office assistant roles. The key is to look for entry-level, part-time positions that don’t require prior experience. For example, I bag groceries and stock shelves, which pays the federal minimum wage where I live ($7.25/hr), but some states like California go up to $16/hr. Here’s a quick breakdown of common 16-year-old jobs and typical pay:

Job Type	Common Employers	Average Hourly Pay (2026)	Typical Hours per Week
Grocery Clerk	Kroger, Safeway, Publix	$10–$15	10–20
Fast Food Worker	McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell	$9–$14	15–25
Retail Associate	Target, Walmart, Old Navy	$10–$16	10–20
Movie Theater Usher	AMC, Regal, Cinemark	$9–$13	10–15
Amusement Park Staff	Six Flags, Disney, local parks	$12–$18	15–30

Before applying, check your state’s child labor laws—most require a work permit if you’re under 18. I had to fill out a simple form at school. Also, focus on soft skills like punctuality and customer service. Many employers love hiring teens because they’re flexible and eager to learn. My advice? Start with places you already visit, like a grocery store or coffee shop, and be honest about your availability—school comes first. You’ll gain real-world experience, money, and a resume boost.

[Blakely]

As a parent of a 16-year-old, I’d say the safest bets are grocery stores and fast food. My son works at a local diner washing dishes, and they were super flexible with school hours. Check your state’s minor labor laws first—some limit hours to 3 on school nights. We also made sure he understood the importance of keeping grades up before we gave the green light. Honestly, seeing him handle customers and count change has been a huge confidence builder.

[DakotaMarie]

I manage a fast-food restaurant, and we hire 16-year-olds all the time. What I look for? A positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn. No experience needed—we train everything. The biggest mistake kids make is not showing up on time or quitting after two weeks. We pay $11/hr starting, and after 90 days, they get a raise. If you’re 16, apply directly at the store, dress neat, and smile. We’re looking for energy, not a resume.

[MacRylee]

I’m a career counselor at a high school, and I recommend starting with jobs that build transferable skills. Retail and customer service roles teach communication, problem-solving, and time management—all gold on a college app. Avoid jobs that are purely physical or lack human interaction, like solo warehouse work. Also, use online job boards like Snagajob or Indeed filtered for “16 years old.” Many listings are hidden behind “entry-level” tags. And don’t forget summer jobs—they’re less stressful and let you save more.

[SanFelix]

Looking back, my first job at 16 was at a movie theater, and it taught me how to handle money, work with a team, and deal with rude customers. That experience directly helped me get a better job at 18. Apply to at least 5 places—some won’t hire teens, but many will. Don’t overlook local businesses like family-owned restaurants or small shops; they’re often more flexible and pay better than chains. And save half of every paycheck—you’ll thank yourself later when you want to buy a car or go on a trip.