What are the best jobs for 14-year-olds in the U.S.?

14-year-olds can work in the U.S. in jobs like dog walking, auto detailing, camp counseling, and retail, but federal laws limit their work hours, and prohibited jobs include construction, baking, and door-to-door sales.

Key Takeaways

• 14-year-olds can work in the U.S. but federal laws limit work hours and prohibit jobs.

• Common jobs for 14-year-olds include dog walking, auto detailing, camp counseling, babysitting, concession stand work, and library work.

• Major companies that hire 14-year-olds include Publix, McDonald's, Burger King, Safeway, and AMC Theatres.

Can a 14-Year-Old Work in the U.S.?

Federal laws limit the work hours and industries for 14-year-olds in the U.S. They can only work during non-school hours, up to 3 hours per school day and 18 hours per school week, and must be paid at least minimum wage.

Fourteen-year-olds are prohibited from hazardous, transportation, and other dangerous jobs. Suitable entry-level positions for 14-year-olds include grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail roles that can accommodate the restricted school-hour requirements.

A lot of children of this age watch Netflix, love playing games like Solitaire Smash, or going on summer vacation with parents, but If you aren't like them, these are some of the best options to earn some cash as a 14-year-old.

1. Dog Walker

If you love dogs and don't mind being their walker as a first job, this might be a decent option for you.

Dog walkers must be physically fit and have good time management skills. You need to be on time when it comes to walking your client’s dog. You also need to be responsible.

Create some flyers and hang them around the neighborhood and local stores. Business cards will all be a plus. Reach out to family and your friends’ parents.

Plan on meeting with clients before you take on a job, but ensure you have a parent with you.

Some people may find this job odd but it is a genuine and easy way to earn some decent money.

2. Auto Detailer

An auto detailer cleans vehicles. You’ll be expected to clean the interior and exterior of the vehicle. 

Some tasks may be:

• Buffing
• Waxing
• Steaming
• Vacuuming interiors

You can do this on your own. Or you can approach a local car dealership and ask them to hire you. Besides earning a salary, you may also receive tips.

3. Jr. Camp Counselor

A camp counselor monitors children participating in day camps. You’ll be under the supervision of a senior camp counselor. But you’ll be able to:

• Help plan activities
• Lead camp activities
• Supervise small children

Working at a camp can be a fun and rewarding way to spend a summer while at the same time putting a little money in your pocket.

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4. Babysitter

Image source: kernodle.com

Looking after the health and well-being of a child is an important job. Parents may request several tasks be performed. These include:

• Prepare meals
• Perform educational activities
• Monitor the child's behavior

Be sure to ask a lot of questions of the parents who you will be working for to ensure you understand and are following their instructions.

5. Concession Stand Worker

In a concession stand, you'll serve customers food and drink. There are numerous concession stands available for work. Some venues are:

• Movie theatres
• Stadiums
• Amusement parks
• Street fairs
• Swimming pools
• Aquariums
• Circuses

You basically only need to serve food and ring it up on the cash register.

6. Outdoor Garden Center Associate

You’ll be working with plants in a nursery. Some of your duties would be:

• Setting up displays
• Helping customers load supplies
• Restocking
• Cleaning

You’ll be responsible for the general care and maintenance of plants. You might get dirty, but it's a great summer job.

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7. Kennel Assistant

If you like animals and don’t mind getting a little dirty, offer up your services as a kennel assistant. Kennel assistant duties include:

• Feeding
• Bathing
• Grooming
• Cleaning cages

Visit your local veterinarian’s office or animal shelter and offer your services.

8. Landscape Laborer

If you like working outside, then working for a landscaper might be for you. You’ll be helping with lawn maintenance. 

Some tasks are:

• Cutting grass
• Trimming shrubs
• Watering plants

Some landscapers set up lighting systems and sprinklers. There also might be the opportunity to help with installing patios and walkways.

9. Tutor

If you get excellent grades, spread the word that you're available as a tutor. A tutor helps students prepare for upcoming exams. Your goal will be to help your student improve his grades.

You can tutor anywhere. But probably you’ll be at their house or at school.

10. Local Library

Working in the library is a great place to earn money and experience. If you're a bookworm, this may be right up your alley. Even if you’re not a bookworm, it’s a good place to develop a work ethic.

Some duties you’ll have include:

• Helping patrons find books
• Cleaning
• Putting books back on shelves
• Helping to plan programs

Since libraries coordinate community programs, there will always be something interesting to do.

11. Companies that Hire 14-Year-Olds

There are federal laws that mandate how minors should work but there are also state laws. And although the list of companies that will hire 14-year-olds is available here, it also depends on what state you live in and whether they can hire you.

But here is a list of companies that hire 14-year-olds.

12. Publix

Based in Florida, Publix is a grocery store with 1,300 locations. It is a private corporation wholly owned by the founding family and past employees.

Publix will hire 14-year-olds for these positions:

• Bagger
• Floral clerk
• Service desk clerk

Publix is predominantly in the southeast of the U.S. To apply for a job, go to the company's website.

13. McDonald's

With 14,000 locations, McDonalds doesn’t need much of an introduction. They will hire 14-year-olds for various positions depending on the state.

To apply for a job, go to their website.

You can make use of the money to buy the product which you have been trying to shop online for some time now.

14. Burger King

Owned by Restaurant Brands International, Burger King has 7,000 locations. 

They hire 14-year-olds for positions like:

• Custodial
• Cook
• Cashier

To apply to Burger King, go to their website.

15. Safeway

With 900 locations, Safeway hires 14-year-olds. Safeway looks for dependable and reliable employees. They also want friendly and outgoing employees.

Some positions they hire 14-year-olds for include:

• Bagger
• Janitorial
• Support

Go to Safeway’s website to apply.

16. Rita’s Italian Ice

Rita's Italian Ice serves gelato and ice cream in more than 500 locations. Founded by a Philadelphia firefighter on his front porch, it has been selling icy treats since 1984.

Rita’s Italian Ice will hire 14-year-olds for:

• Cashier
• Serving
• Cleaning

But you’ll need to check with your local Rita’s Italian Ice. Hiring 14-year-olds varies by store.

17. AMC

AMC has over 600 theatre locations. Their policy is to hire 14 to 17-year-olds when appropriate. Some of the jobs that you would be doing include:

• Ticketing
• Food preparation
• Cleaning

However because labor laws vary by state, you should contact your local AMC theatre and speak with the manager.

Hours a 14-Year-Old Can Work

If you are still in school at age 14, there are certain hours that you may and may not work. They all revolve around the school day. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these hours are:

• More than three hours on a school day (including Friday).
• More than 18 hours per week when school is in session.
• More than eight hours per day when school is not in session.
• More than 40 hours per week when school is not in session.

There are also night hours. A 14-year-old cannot work before 7 am or after 7 pm on any day except from June 1 through Labor Day, when nighttime work hours are extended to 9 pm.

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Jobs a 14-Year-Old Cannot Do

Some non-farm jobs are forbidden for 14-year-olds to do by the federal government. Some of these jobs include:

• Cannot do baking.
• Cannot operate power-driven machinery (except office machines).
• Cannot sign wave, door-to-door sales, or youth peddling activities.
• Cannot work from ladders, scaffolds, or their substitutes.
• Cannot work in processing or mining.
• Cannot work where goods are processed in freezers or meat coolers.
• Cannot work in construction, warehousing, or public utilities.

There are exceptions so if you have a question, check with your local Wage and Hour Division office. State labor laws may be stricter than the federal laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are some jobs you can perform if you’re 14 years old. We’ve given you a list, but you still might have some questions. Here are the most asked questions.

Can a 14-year-old work in a restaurant?

There are many fast food and full service restaurants that will hire a 14-year-old. You cannot serve alcohol or, in some cases, cook, but there are duties you can perform. Some duties could include bussing tables or support.

Can a 14-year-old work in construction?

It is against U.S. federal child labor laws for a 14-year-old to work in construction. Regardless of what the task is, a child cannot work on a construction site.

Can a 14-year-old work in door-to-door sales?

A 14-year-old cannot go door-to-door and sell. They also cannot wave a sign to attract business or participate in other peddling activities. These are against U.S. federal labor laws.

14-Year-Olds and Jobs: Conclusion

If you’re 14 and want to make money, there are several ways to approach it.

You can create your own job by dog walking or mowing the grass. That way, you can be your own boss—in other words, you can start your own business.

The other option is to work for a company like McDonald's, Publix, or Burger King. Depending on state laws, all these companies have the potential to hire you.

Regardless of which direction you take, you’ll be earning money.