At 14, you’re old enough to want more freedom — and that often starts with earning your own money.
So, let’s find out what jobs hire at 14?
And where do you even start?
Let’s dive into the options, legal rules, and best opportunities to kick off your career early.
Can You Get a Job at 14?
Yes, you can — but with limitations. In the U.S., federal law under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets rules for working teens under 16. Here’s what you should know:
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You can work non-hazardous jobs. That means no construction, manufacturing, or heavy equipment.
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You can only work limited hours. During the school year, you’re allowed to work:
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Up to 3 hours on a school day
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Up to 8 hours on a non-school day
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No more than 18 hours per week during school
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Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
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Some states require work permits or parental permission.
Check your local labor department’s website for state-specific rules.
What Jobs Hire at 14?
Here are 10 teen-friendly jobs you can start at 14 — with or without formal experience:
1. Babysitter
If you’re responsible and good with kids, babysitting is a classic way to earn money. Start with family friends or neighbors and build up a reputation for being reliable.
2. Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
Animal lovers can earn cash by walking dogs or pet sitting when neighbors go on vacation. It’s flexible, and your clients will love a teen who takes their pets seriously.
3. Grocery Store Bagger
Some local grocery stores hire younger teens as baggers or cart collectors. It’s a great entry-level job that gets you used to customer service and teamwork.
4. Busser or Dishwasher
Family-owned diners or casual restaurants might hire 14-year-olds to clear tables or wash dishes. You’ll learn about working under pressure and multitasking.
5. Ice Cream Shop Crew Member
Scooping ice cream is a sweet summer job — literally. Small ice cream parlors often hire 14-year-olds, especially for seasonal shifts.
6. Movie Theater Attendant
Some theaters hire teens to clean theaters between shows, take tickets, or sell snacks. You might even score free popcorn or movie perks.
7. Golf Caddy
Golf courses often hire teens to carry golf bags or help players on the course. It’s physical, outdoors, and pays well in tips.
8. Camp Counselor in Training
While you might not get a full counselor role at 14, many summer camps have counselor-in-training (CIT) programs where you help out and learn the ropes.
9. Amusement Park Worker
In states where it’s allowed, amusement parks hire younger teens to help with games, food stands, or guest assistance during the summer.
10. Freelance Gigs (With Parental Support)
If you’re creative, you could design graphics, write blog posts, or even help small businesses with social media — just be sure your parents are involved and approve the gig.
What Places Hire at 14-Year-Olds?
While many national chains have a minimum age of 16, there are still companies that hire at 14, depending on local labor laws. Here are some options for you to consider:
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McDonald’s
McDonald’s often hires 14-year-olds, especially in states where labor laws allow. Common tasks include cleaning, stocking, and, with more experience, working the cash register and serving customers. -
Baskin Robbins
Some Baskin Robbins locations hire teens starting at 14. Jobs typically involve scooping ice cream, handling the cash register, and assisting customers. -
Chick-fil-A
Certain Chick-fil-A locations hire 14-year-olds, following local employment laws. You’ll typically be responsible for taking orders, preparing food, and assisting with customer service. -
Kroger or local grocery stores
Many grocery stores, like Kroger, hire 14-year-olds in states that permit it. Positions often include bagging groceries or collecting carts from the parking lot. -
Culver’s
In areas with fewer labor restrictions, Culver’s may hire teens as young as 14. Roles include cashier, food prep assistant, or ice cream scooper. -
Publix (in some regions)
Some Publix locations hire teens starting at 14 for tasks like bagging groceries, stocking shelves, and maintaining a clean store environment. -
Local pizza shops or diners
Many locally-owned restaurants and pizzerias hire 14-year-olds for tasks such as bussing tables, washing dishes, or helping with food prep. -
Walmart
Walmart usually hires individuals who are 16 or older. However, some locations may allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work with a work permit for roles like cashier or sales floor assistant, depending on local laws. -
Target
Target generally hires individuals who are at least 16, but some stores may hire 14-year-olds for tasks like cart attendant or stock assistant, depending on state labor laws. -
Taco Bell
Taco Bell typically hires teens starting at 15 for positions such as crew member, cashier, or cook. However, certain Taco Bell locations may hire 14-year-olds depending on local regulations. -
The Home Depot
While Home Depot’s minimum hiring age is typically 16, some stores may hire 14- or 15-year-olds for roles like cart attendant, cashier, or stock assistant, based on state rules. -
Subway
Many Subway locations hire teens starting at 14 for part-time roles like sandwich artists, cashiers, or customer service representatives, depending on state laws. -
Starbucks
While Starbucks generally hires individuals who are 16 and older, some locations may hire 14-year-olds in specific regions for positions like barista or cashier.
Tip: Look for small businesses and family-run stores — they often have more flexible hiring practices.
How to Apply for a Job at 14?
Applying for a job at 14 can seem intimidating at first, but with the right approach, you can successfully land your first job and begin building work experience. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the application process:
1. Check Local Labor Laws
Before you start applying, it’s important to understand the labor laws in your state or country. In the U.S., for example, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets specific guidelines for how many hours a 14-year-old can work and the types of jobs you can perform.
Some states may have additional rules, such as restrictions on working in hazardous conditions or specific hours during school weeks. Make sure you know what jobs are legal for you to perform and how many hours you can work.
2. Prepare a Basic Resume
Even though you may not have a lot of work experience, it’s still important to create a resume. This will help present yourself as professional and serious about finding a job. Here’s how to build your resume as a teen:
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Contact Information: Include your full name, address, phone number, and email address.
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Objective Statement: A simple statement about why you’re looking for a job. Example: “Enthusiastic and responsible 14-year-old seeking an entry-level position to gain work experience and contribute to a team.”
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Education: List your current school, grade level, and any relevant achievements or awards.
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Skills: Highlight skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, such as communication, teamwork, organization, or computer proficiency.
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Volunteer Work/Extracurriculars: If you’ve volunteered or participated in school activities, mention these experiences to show that you’re responsible and proactive.
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References: If possible, ask a teacher, coach, or family friend to be a reference. Always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference.
3. Find Job Openings
Start looking for job openings that hire teens. You can use several methods:
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In-Person Inquiries: Some businesses, such as local shops, restaurants, and grocery stores, may not list job openings online but are willing to hire teens if you approach them in person. Walk into the stores you’re interested in, introduce yourself, and ask if they are hiring. If they are, ask for an application form.
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Online Job Portals: Websites like Indeed, Snagajob, and Monster have listings for part-time and seasonal jobs. Filter the results to show positions that hire younger teens (usually 14-16 years old).
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Company Websites: Many large companies such as McDonald’s, Subway, and Walmart have career pages on their websites where you can search for job openings by location and position.
4. Fill Out the Job Application
Whether you’re applying in person or online, make sure you take your time filling out the application. Double-check for spelling mistakes and ensure all the required fields are completed. Employers will appreciate your attention to detail. Here are some tips for filling out the application:
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Be Honest: If you don’t have previous work experience, be honest about it. Focus on your willingness to learn and your enthusiasm for the role.
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Follow Instructions: If the application asks for specific documents, such as a work permit or parental consent form, make sure you attach them with your application.
5. Ask for a Work Permit
In many states, minors (under 18) need a work permit to be employed legally. A work permit is a document that proves you’re allowed to work and helps employers comply with child labor laws. You can typically get a work permit through your school or local government office. In some cases, the employer will help you obtain it after you’re hired.
6. Prepare for an Interview
If you’re called for an interview, congratulations! This means the employer is interested in you. Here’s how to prepare:
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Dress Appropriately: Even if the job is informal, dressing neatly shows that you take the opportunity seriously. Think of it as a first impression.
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Practice Common Interview Questions: Prepare answers to questions like, “Why do you want to work here?” or “What do you know about our company?” Practice with a friend or family member if needed.
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Show Enthusiasm: Employers like to hire candidates who are excited and eager to work. Express your interest in learning new skills and contributing to the team.
How Much Can You Earn at 14?
At 14, your earnings largely depend on the type of job you do and the state or locality you live in. In the United States, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, but many states have set their own minimum wages, which can be significantly higher—ranging anywhere from $7.25 to over $15 per hour.
For example, in states like California, Washington, or Massachusetts, the minimum wage can be as high as $15 or more, while some other states maintain the federal rate or slightly higher.
When it comes to specific jobs, the pay might vary even more. For instance, positions like babysitting, dog walking, or caddying might not have a fixed wage, and you could set your own rate based on your experience, location, and the demand for those services.
Certain businesses that hire 14-year-olds, such as fast food chains, retail stores, or local businesses, will likely pay you according to the state’s minimum wage or slightly above it.
For example, if you’re working at McDonald’s or Baskin Robbins, you could expect to earn between $8 and $12 per hour, depending on the area. In some high-cost-of-living areas, like New York City, wages could be higher, even for younger workers.
Although the pay might seem modest compared to more seasoned workers, it’s important to remember that even a few hours of work each week can add up over time. For example, working 10 hours a week at $10 an hour would earn you $100 a week, or around $400 a month. Over a year, that’s about $4,800—enough to save for a car, put toward college expenses, or invest in your hobbies.
What are the Benefits of Working at 14?
Starting work at 14 isn’t just about earning money—it’s an opportunity to gain valuable life skills that will serve you well throughout your career and personal life.
Here are several key benefits that come with getting a head start in the workforce:
1. Learn Time Management and Responsibility
When you begin working at a young age, you quickly learn how to balance school, work, and other activities. This teaches you the importance of time management and helps you develop organizational skills that are crucial as you get older.
Juggling work hours with school assignments and extracurriculars can also teach you how to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage your commitments efficiently. These skills will be incredibly useful in college, in future jobs, and beyond.
2. Gain Early Job Experience for Future Resumes
Even if your first job is part-time and in an entry-level position, it’s valuable experience that can set you apart from others in the job market later on.
Future employers look for candidates who have work experience, and having that on your resume, even at a young age, shows that you’re motivated, responsible, and ready to contribute. Early job experience can also provide you with references and letters of recommendation that can support your job applications in the future.
3. Build Communication and Customer Service Skills
In most jobs that hire 14-year-olds, you’ll likely interact with customers, teammates, or supervisors. These interactions will help you develop communication skills, such as how to effectively explain ideas, solve problems, and manage difficult situations.
The ability to communicate well is a key skill for nearly any career, and starting to develop it early can give you an edge in both future jobs and everyday life.
4. Start Saving Money
One of the biggest perks of having a job at 14 is the opportunity to start saving money. Whether you’re saving for something big, like a car, or putting away funds for college, earning an income at a young age allows you to start planning for your financial future.
Saving early also teaches the importance of budgeting and managing your finances, which is a vital skill as you enter adulthood.
5. Gain Confidence and Independence
Having a job can help you become more self-reliant. Earning your own money provides a sense of accomplishment and independence that many teens cherish. It also helps build your confidence, especially when you experience the satisfaction of completing a task or providing excellent customer service.
Confidence gained from early work experience often carries over into other areas of life, like school, friendships, and future professional relationships.
Final Thoughts
More places hire at 14 than you might think — you just need to know where to look and how to apply. Whether you want a summer job or part-time gig during the school year, working at 14 can help you grow, earn money, and start building the life you want — one job at a time.
