Looking for your first job at 14? You’re not alone. Getting a job as a teen isn’t just about the money (though let’s be real, that’s a big part of it). It’s about gaining independence, learning responsibility, and picking up skills that’ll serve you for life.

I’ve compiled the most realistic jobs for 14-year-olds, where to find them, and how to actually get hired. Plus, I’ll show you how to navigate those pesky labor laws that limit what you can do at this age.

Skip ahead:

• Popular jobs for 14-year-olds
• Where to look for teen jobs
• Legal stuff you need to know
• How to actually get hired

Popular Jobs for 14-Year-Olds

Let’s start with the classics – jobs that have been teen-friendly forever, and for good reason.

The Tried and True Teen Jobs

Babysitting and Pet Care

Babysitting remains the OG teen job for a reason. You can make $10-20 per hour depending on where you live, how many kids you’re watching, and your experience level. Plus, the hours are super flexible.

Don’t have younger siblings to practice with? No worries. You can take a Red Cross babysitting course to boost your credentials and confidence.

Pet sitting and dog walking is perfect if you’re an animal lover. Walking the neighbor’s dog for $10-15 per walk adds up quick, especially if you can walk multiple dogs at once. Just make sure you actually like animals (seems obvious, but trust me on this one).

Lawn Care and Outdoor Work

If you don’t mind getting sweaty, lawn care can be surprisingly lucrative. Mowing lawns typically pays $20-30 per yard, and you can easily do multiple yards in a day. Seasonal work like raking leaves in fall and shoveling snow in winter keeps money flowing year-round.

Pro tip: Start with your neighbors, then expand outward. Print some simple flyers with your contact info and rates to drop in mailboxes.

Retail and Grocery Stores

Some grocery chains hire 14-year-olds as baggers or for light shelf stocking. Places like Kroger, Publix, and some local grocery stores will bring you on, usually starting at minimum wage.

The best part? Regular hours and an actual paycheck, unlike some of the more “gig” style teen jobs.

Modern Teen Jobs

Fast Food and Restaurants

Fast food restaurants like Dairy Queen and Chick-fil-A sometimes hire 14-year-olds. You’ll likely be limited to cashier work or dining room cleanup since there are restrictions on cooking equipment you can use at this age.

The U.S. Department of Labor has strict rules about teens and cooking equipment, so don’t expect to be flipping burgers just yet.

Recreation and Community Centers

Local recreation centers and community pools often hire teens for front desk work, program assistance, or even as junior lifeguards (if you’re certified). These jobs are fantastic for meeting people and typically have a fun atmosphere.

Check your city’s parks and recreation department website – they often post teen-specific positions.

Online and Virtual Jobs

The digital age has opened up new opportunities. While you can’t drive for DoorDash or Uber at 14, you can find legit online work:

• Content creation (if your parents approve)
• Virtual assistant work
• Online tutoring for younger kids

Just be careful with online jobs – there are a lot of scams out there. Never pay money to get a job, and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Where to Look for Teen Jobs

Finding that first job can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start?

Local Businesses

The easiest way to find teen-friendly jobs is to look around your neighborhood. That ice cream shop you visit? Ask if they’re hiring. The grocery store down the street? Walk in and inquire about applications.

Small businesses are often more flexible with age requirements than big chains.

Online Job Boards

Sites like Indeed and Snagajob let you filter for teen-friendly positions. Try searching “14 years old” or “teen jobs” along with your location.

Many fast food chains also post openings directly on their websites.

Word of Mouth

Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for work. Your parents’ friends, neighbors, teachers – everyone. Many teen jobs never get officially posted because someone’s aunt needed a babysitter or a family friend needed help with yard work.

Community Bulletin Boards

Check physical and online community boards. Facebook neighborhood groups, the library bulletin board, and community center postings often have teen-friendly gigs.

Legal Stuff You Need to Know

Before you start job hunting, understand what you legally can and cannot do at 14.

Hour Restrictions

During the school year, 14-year-olds can typically work:

• Maximum 3 hours on school days
• Maximum 18 hours per week
• Only between 7 AM and 7 PM

Summer hours are more relaxed, usually allowing up to 8 hours daily and 40 hours weekly, with evening hours extended to 9 PM.

Restricted Jobs

At 14, you cannot legally do certain jobs, including:

• Operating power equipment
• Cooking with open flames
• Most manufacturing jobs
• Construction work
• Driving as part of the job

The Fair Labor Standards Act sets these restrictions to keep teens safe, not to ruin your life (though it might feel that way sometimes).

Work Permits

Many states require work permits or working papers for teens under 16. Your school guidance office typically handles these – you’ll need to fill out a form and sometimes have your potential employer sign it too.

How to Actually Get Hired

Having a list of potential jobs is one thing. Actually landing one is another challenge entirely.

Create a Simple Resume

Even at 14, a one-page resume helps you stand out. Include:

• Contact information (use a professional email address)
• Education (your current school and grade)
• Skills (are you good with computers? Great with kids? Organized?)
• Any volunteer experience
• References (teachers, family friends, neighbors who can vouch for you)

Nail the Interview

If you score an interview, remember these basics:

• Dress neatly – no need for a suit, but clean, non-ripped clothes
• Arrive 10 minutes early
• Make eye contact and speak clearly
• Show enthusiasm for the job
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer

The Parental Factor

At 14, most employers will want to speak with your parents at some point. This isn’t to embarrass you – it’s a legal requirement in many cases. Give your parents a heads-up about where you’re applying so they’re prepared for potential calls.

Be Persistent

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away or face rejection. Finding a job at 14 is challenging, but persistence pays off. Follow up on applications after a week with a polite phone call or email.

I remember when I was 14, I applied to seven different places before I landed my first job at a local ice cream shop. The key was not giving up after the first few “we’re not hiring” responses.

Finding a job at 14 is definitely possible with the right approach. Start with the jobs most accessible to your age group, be persistent in your search, and don’t be afraid to start small. Even a simple lawn mowing gig can lead to bigger opportunities down the road.

And remember – your first job won’t be your last. It’s just the beginning of your work experience, so focus on learning skills and building your reputation as a reliable worker. That’s what will truly pay off in the future.