Are you a 14-year-old looking to earn your own money? Maybe you’re saving up for a car, planning for college, or just wanting more freedom. There are many great jobs out there for you. But, it can be hard to know where to start because of all the rules about work.
How do you find the best jobs for 14-year-olds that fit your interests and skills? And how do you make sure they’re legal?
Key Takeaways
- Numerous job options exist for 14-year-olds, including traditional roles in the service industry and freelance/entrepreneurial opportunities.
- The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state-specific rules place limits on work hours, schedules, and tasks for 14-year-olds.
- Competitive pay rates are available for jobs like golf caddying, dog walking, babysitting, and grocery bagging.
- Online jobs and side hustles can provide flexible earning opportunities for tech-savvy teens.
- Balancing work with school and extracurricular activities is key for 14-year-olds entering the workforce.
By understanding the legal rules and looking at different jobs, 14-year-olds can earn money, get work experience, and prepare for the future. All while following the rules. Let’s explore the best jobs for 14-year-olds to start earning now!
Understanding the Rules for Working at 14
Working at 14 comes with rules from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state laws. These rules help keep young workers safe and let them gain work experience.
FLSA Restrictions
The FLSA sets limits on how many hours and what kind of work 14-year-olds can do. During school, they can work up to 18 hours a week, but no more than 3 hours on school days. They also can’t work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
When school is out, they can work up to 40 hours a week. But they still can’t work before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day.
State-Specific Rules
Many states have their own child labor laws and employment rules. These rules might be stricter than federal laws. So, 14-year-olds and their parents should check their local laws before getting a job.
Knowing about child labor laws, employment laws for minors, FLSA regulations, state child labor laws, and local employment regulations for minors helps 14-year-olds work safely and legally. They can earn money and gain work experience.
Where to Look for Jobs That Hire at 14
Looking for best places to work for 14 year olds? The restaurant and retail sectors are great for entry-level job opportunities for teens. You can also check out self-employment and service jobs for job search for teenagers.
Traditional jobs might be hard to find, but 14-year-olds can look into freelance and entrepreneurial paths. These offer more freedom and independence. Here are some places to think about for best places to work for 14 year olds:
- Local restaurants and eateries hire 14-year-olds for tasks like bussing tables, washing dishes, or working in the concession stand.
- Retail stores offer jobs for 14-year-olds as cashiers, greeters, or shelf stockers.
- Freelance services like dog walking, lawn mowing, or babysitting let 14-year-olds work on their own time.
- Community groups, such as the local youth bureau or conservation corps, have job search for teenagers and training programs.
When checking out best places to work for 14 year olds, know the state laws and rules that apply. This way, 14-year-olds can find entry-level job opportunities that match their skills and interests.
18 Best Jobs for 14 Year Olds
Looking for jobs for 14-year-olds? Consider options like golf caddy, dog walker, or babysitter. These jobs offer high-paying opportunities for teens who want to start earning.
Golf Caddy
Being a golf caddy at a local course is great for 14-year-olds in sunny areas. They carry golfers’ clubs and help with simple tasks. Golf caddies make about $19.96 an hour, plus tips.
Dog Walker
Freelancing as a dog walker is a good choice for teens. They can offer their services to neighbors, walking dogs before or after school. Dog walkers earn about $12.68 an hour, and can make more by walking for multiple owners.
Babysitter
Babysitting is a top-paying job for 14-year-olds. They can make $10 to $30 an hour, based on the number of kids and tasks. It’s flexible, allowing teens to work on their own schedule and even do homework during the night.
Grocery Bagger
Some stores hire 14-year-olds as grocery baggers, not cashiers. Their job is to bag groceries and help customers with their shopping. Grocery baggers earn about $12.00 an hour, a fair wage for no experience.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Barista | $24,000 |
| Retail Clerk | $24,000 |
| Stocker | $28,000 |
| Cashier | $24,000 |
| Amusement Park Game Operator | $27,000 |
| Usher-Ticket Taker | $23,000 |
| Grocery Bagger | $35,000 |
| Ice Cream Server | $22,000 |
| Babysitter/Nanny | $20,000 |
| Dog Walker/Pet Sitter | $20,000 |
“One of the highest-paying jobs for 14-year-olds is babysitting. Babysitters can earn $10 to $30 per hour, depending on the number of children and other tasks involved.”
Restaurant Dishwasher
If you’re a 14-year-old looking to earn some extra cash, becoming a restaurant dishwasher could be a great choice. This job doesn’t usually need much experience, making it easy for young people to get into. Since it doesn’t involve cooking, many rules don’t apply, making it a good option for teenagers.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the restaurant industry has many jobs for people, including restaurant jobs for 14 year olds and dishwasher jobs for teens. Teens can work as bussers and dishwashers. They clean tables, take dirty dishes to the back, and wash them.
| Verified Pay | Comparative Pay | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| $15.13 – $19.50 per hour | $0.69 per hour more than average |
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A restaurant dishwasher usually makes about $12.00 an hour. You could earn more with experience and where you work. Some small places might mix bussing and dishwashing into one job. But bigger places usually have separate jobs for bussers and dishwashers.
“Dishwashing is a great entry-level job that allows teenagers to gain valuable work experience and earn money, while developing skills like time management and attention to detail.”
If you’re a 14-year-old looking into restaurant jobs for 14 year olds or dishwasher jobs for teens, check out this chance. It’s a way to start building your skills and making money.
Freelance Yardwork Business
For 14-year-olds wanting to make some extra money, a freelance yardwork business is a great idea. They can do simple lawn care tasks like mowing and weeding. This helps homeowners in the area.
Freelance yardwork pays well, about $15.34 per hour. It’s a chance for teens to learn, grow their skills, and earn money on their own.
To begin, teens can make flyers or talk to neighbors about their services. They should know the rules about working as a teen. With the right steps, a freelance yardwork business can help both the teen and the homeowner.
- Lawn care jobs for 14 year olds
- Freelance yard work for teens
- Earn extra cash through yardwork
Recent stats show that about 1.75% of teen side hustles are in yard work. Teens can earn $15 to $25 an hour. 2.5% of teens make yard work their main job, and 10,000 teens work on yard work during summer.
For 14-year-olds starting their own yardwork business, the earnings can be big. Working with 3-5 yards a week, teens can make $300 to $1,000 a month. With a 3.5% yearly growth in teen yard work, the demand is rising.
Concession Worker
If you’re a 14-year-old looking to earn extra cash, consider becoming a concession worker at local events. Some restaurants might not hire young people because of cooking rules. But, concession stands often have easier rules. Movie theaters, ballparks, theme parks, zoos, and more are places that hire 14-year-olds for these jobs.
Concession workers can make between $8.00 to $12.00 per hour. Some jobs even pay over $16.00 per hour. You won’t get special training, but the person in charge will show you the ropes. You’ll need to be nice to customers and handle money well.
| Job Responsibilities | Compensation |
|---|---|
|
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The concession season is from May 1st to early August, with more work in the fall. This job is perfect for concession stand jobs for 14 year olds and event jobs for teens. It offers flexibility and a chance to make extra money.
“The concession stand was a perfect fit for me as a 14-year-old. I was able to work at local events and earn extra money, all while learning valuable customer service skills.”
jobs for 14 year olds at Fast Food Restaurants
Fast food restaurants are a good choice for 14-year-olds looking for work. They can’t do all jobs, but many places hire young people. This is a great way for teens to join the workforce.
The Fair Labor Standards Act says 14 is the youngest age to work in the U.S. This means fast food jobs for teens and entry-level restaurant jobs for 14 year olds are common.
Chains like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Baskin-Robbins often hire 14-year-olds. Grocery stores such as Kroger, Wegmans, and Safeway also have entry-level restaurant jobs for 14 year olds in their cafes and food areas.
14- and 15-year-olds can’t work with power tools, open flames, or serve alcohol. But, they can help with daily tasks at fast-food places. These jobs usually pay around $11.60 an hour, giving teens a good first job experience.
Teens aged 14 and 15 can work up to 3 hours a day and 18 hours a week on school days. This can change based on the state. As they get older, they can work more hours. By 18, most work laws don’t apply.
Fast food jobs for teens and entry-level restaurant jobs for 14 year olds are great for young people. They offer work experience, skills, and a chance to earn money. With hard work and a positive attitude, 14-year-olds can do well in these jobs.
Cart Pusher
If you’re looking for a simple job and don’t mind being outside, consider becoming a cart pusher for 14-year-olds. Your main job is to pick up carts from the parking lot and return them to the store. You might also clean carts or take out trash left by shoppers.
Job Responsibilities
- Collect shopping carts from the parking lot
- Bring carts back into the store
- Wipe down carts to maintain cleanliness
- Remove any garbage or debris left in the carts
Pay Rate
Cart pushers get paid well, given the easy nature of the job. They usually earn between $10.00 to $16.00 per hour. This is a good wage for a job that’s not too stressful.
“Working as a cart pusher is a great way for 14-year-olds to earn some extra money without a lot of hassle. The pay is decent, and the tasks are straightforward.”
Conclusion
Finding jobs for 14-year-olds can be tough due to laws and limits. But, there are many great ways for teens to earn money and get work experience. They can choose from jobs in the service industry, freelance work, or starting their own business.
Teens need to know the rules from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state laws. They can look for jobs online, check local newspapers, or contact businesses directly. This way, they can find jobs like golf caddying, dog walking, dishwashing, or working at concession stands.
The key is for 14-year-olds to balance work and school. They should make sure their school work doesn’t suffer. By working part-time, they can learn new skills, become financially independent, and prepare for the future.