Updated February 2019
Working at 14
Beginning a professional career often starts with that first job. While some states allow 14-year-olds to find steady employment, others face more obstacles due to the laws. Most businesses have a minimum age of 16, but there can be exceptions. Gaining experience can help teens get the jobs they want in the future.
Who Hires at 14?
Companies Hiring 14-Year-Olds
The businesses below will consider motivated 14-year-olds in fast food, grocery stores, retail shops, amusement parks, and other environments:
- McDonalds – Some McDonalds locations hire 14 year-old crew members.
- Safeway – 14-year-olds with permits can land a job at Safeway supermarkets as a bagger.
- Taco Bell – Taco Bell often employs people who are 14 and older.
- Baskin-Robins – This ice cream chain hires as young as 14 years of age.
- Chick-Fil-A – Many Chick-Fil-A stores will consider responsible fourteen-year-olds for jobs.
- Six Flags – In addition to part-time work as a skill game operator, Six Flags bring on teens to fill roles in food or ice cream trucks.
- Little Caesars – While they rarely hire those below 16, some Little Caesars shops will employ 14 and 15-year-olds with authorization.
- Burger King – Many Burger King locations accept 14-year-olds to to perform basic duties.
- Starbucks – Although the minimum age to work at Starbucks is usually 16, some will hire candidates as young as 14.
This is only a small number of possible employers. Some branches may accept people under 16 based on state laws or the involvement of local school districts. To find out if a company hires at age 14, review the details of the posting or ask a manager.
Be Creative
When looking for jobs that hire at 14, recruits may want to think outside of the box. Babysitting, floral arranging, dog walking, and lawn work are sometimes the best options until they turn 16. Still, there are other choices.
Some fourteen-year-olds may want to apply in newspaper delivery or as restaurant greeters. Certain movie theaters will hire young teens as ticket takers or concession stand attendants as well.
Those into athletics can become junior soccer referees or little league baseball umpires. Some theme parks and video arcades may also employ 14-year-olds to run game or prize booths.
Some people find employment at 14 as dishwashers, busboys, or car wash attendants. Hopefuls can offer to sweep their neighbor’s garages or walkways. Lifeguarding is an ideal summer job for 14-year-olds with the proper training.
Online jobs for skilled 14-year-olds can include web development, design, and management. While this usually involves formal education, free web tutorials can help give teenagers an early start.
Focused youngsters may also find work on the internet doing data entry or creative writing. Hobbies like blogging and YouTubing can become profitable once they attract large amounts of viewers and advertisers.
It can be difficult to find places willing to take a risk with those who are inexperienced. With this in mind, here is a list of a few more potential positions for fourteen-year-olds:
- Garden Assistant
- House Cleaner
- Crop Picker
- Leaf Removal
- Snow Shoveling
- Tutor
- Shoe Shiner
- Receptionist
- Hotel Bellhop
- Photographer
- Bike Mechanic
- Farm Hand
- Golf Caddy
- Household Assistant
- Pool Cleaner
- Swim Instructor
How to Apply for Jobs at 14
Know the Rules
In order to work legally, many teens have to get a permit. Not all states need them, so check with the Department of Labor office for further information. These agencies certify the applicant’s age and verify that the positions adhere to the laws. Some districts require students to earn acceptable grades and regular attendance, too.
Requirements for Underage Employees
After receiving permission, there are many guidelines to follow. During the week, fourteen-year-olds can only clock a maximum of three hours, and their shift must end by 7:00 pm. It is only on non-school days that they can cover an eight hour period.
Jobs for 14-year-olds can only provide 18 hours during a school week. Days can begin no earlier than 7:00 am unless otherwise allowed by state-sponsored work-study curriculum.
What Types of Jobs are Suited for Minors?
Applicants usually apply in restaurants or retail environments. Part-time positions such as cashier, grocery bagger, and shelf stocker are great options when seeking a first job. These roles teach youths important lessons about timeliness and responsibility.
What Kind of Restrictions do Fourteen-Year-Olds Have?
According to child labor laws, those under the age of 18 cannot work in hazardous settings that involve mining, excavation, and power-driven tools. There are additional limitations specific for 14-year-olds. These young adults cannot hold the following jobs:
- Manufacturing
- Warehousing
- Loading or unloading trucks
- Janitorial or window washing
- Baking
- Public Utilities
- Roofing
- Trucking
- Logging
- Excavating
There may also be special procedures for young people employed with farms or kitchens. No matter the job, fourteen-year-olds cannot work with ladders, explosives, or radioactive materials.
Fill Out an Application
Once a teen has a permit and a job in mind, the next step is turning in the application. For young adults, handing written forms to hiring managers is often the best way to apply to jobs.
Return It in Person
Submitting a physical application gives teens a chance to meet potential colleagues and helps them make a good impression. Supervisors want to see that a 14-year-old worker is ready to handle helping customers. Eye contact, a friendly attitude, and mature behavior will help managers see these qualities.
Finding Applications with Job-Applications.com
At Job-Applications.com, we offer many printable applications for entry-level roles with America’s top brands. Our goal is to make it easy for applicants to find jobs, begin building resumes early, and start learning skills for later in life.
when your 14 with a workers permit , can you get a job at a fast food restaurant ?
Yes like Mcdonalds or try Chick-Fil-A
Definitely try Burger King for ages 17 and lower
You can get a job at publix at age 14. You just need a workers permit.
Hi I’m 14. I don’t have a workers permit. How do you get one?
You have to talk to your school about it.
Check ur states department of labor website
I’m 14. I want to get a job as a dishwasher but I’m out of school. Is there another way to get a workers permit?
you can get one from your school counselor
Some states do not require a work permit like Florida.
You have to talk to your school’s secretary about that.
My school gave me a permit.
Hey! i’m also 14 i got mine at school. Try going to your guidance counselor and ask them for one they usually give it to you and they’ll tell you to have your parents sign and you might also need a doctors note saying that you’re eligible to work ! Good luck 🤩
In Ohio, you do not get the work permit until you have an employer. There is a part of the application for the work permit that the employer fills out and then you turn all of your paperwork in to the school. They then take care of the rest. I was thinking that my son had to have a permit before he could get a job but I just found out this information today….the permit comes after you have a job. Again, that’s in Ohio 🙂
Yea you just have to have someone willing to hire him
Thanks for telling me this because I live in Ohio and i’m about to turn 14 and I want to get a job to help my family out.
I’m going to be 14 and doing some research beforehand. In Hawaii are 14 yr olds allowed to work at clothing or retail jobs?
What jobs in Columbus Ohio can 14 year olds get ?
Hi im 14 and live in Illinois how do I get a workers permit?
To get a workers permit you can either go to your school and talk to them about it or go to your local court house
What if I live in Florida, how do I get a workers permit?
Florida does not require a work permit.
I’m trying to get a job at 14, but I need a permit and we aren’t at school. How do you suggest I get a permit?
You should email your school counselor.
You can download a pdf for your states permit and email it to who ever needs to fill it out.
Try to email your school counselor
I live in Ohio and I’m bout 14 years of age, but it’s summer and I want a job. What do I do ?
If you’re 14 and want to get a job (say, at a fast food restaurant) do you need a permit in California to work or get employed? Also, what is a realistic pay check for 14 year olds working at places like Chick-Fil-A?
If you don’t wanna work during school–like if you want to work after school–do you still need a work permit?
I’m 14 years old and I live in Ohio, it’s now summer and i wanna get job to keep me busy but also help me make money at the same time. I live in heath, Ohio so what kinda job would i be able to get?
Hey I was wondering if I’m out of school and we really didn’t have school counselor to email, how would I manage to get a permit? In Milwaukee Wisconsin specifically.
Can you get a job at a book store at 14?
What if I’m homeschooled? How would I get a workers permit?