Just because you’re a teen doesn’t mean you can’t be responsible and handle a real-world job while also making good money. Here are some places that hire 14 and 15-year-olds, as well as older kids.
The minimum legal age to work varies from state to state. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, as a general rule, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets 14-years-old as the minimum age for employment and limits the number of hours that can be worked by minors under the age of 16.
So, if you are in the fluid 14-15 age group or a parent of someone who is, you are more than able to get a job at any number of reputable companies. Since minimum working age laws are different in each state, however, be aware that a company that hires 14-15-year-olds in one state may not be hiring in that same age group in another state. Also, keep in mind that there are hour restrictions for workers aged 14 and 15.
Per FLSA, 14- and 15-year-olds:
- May not work during school hours.
- Can work no more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week when school is not in session.
- May work no more than 3 hours in a day or 18 hours in a week when school is in session.
- Can work only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year. However, between June 1 and Labor Day, they may work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
If you’re mature, reliable, and hard-working for your young age, there’s no reason to wait until you’re 16 to get a job.
Whether you’re wanting to get a head start on saving for a car or just want to stay busy outside of school, there are many places to which you can apply and be hired as young as 14.
Companies that will gladly hire 14 & 15-year-olds and other teens
- 2 Brothers Moving and Delivery
This moving company is based in Portland, Oregon, but they accept applications for teens who must be at least 15-years-old. You can apply to be an actual mover (but must be able to lift 75 lbs. without assistance) or a client services coordinator.
- AMC Movie Theatres
Select AMC Theatres will hire ushers and movie theater concession workers who are 14 years and older. Per their website:
AMC follows all local and federal guidelines for employing minors in the workplace. We often provide offers for employment to persons between the ages of 14-17, based on the times that they can work as indicated by their school work permits.
Because the labor laws can vary from state to state, we’d encourage you to contact your local theatre and speak with the manager. He or she will be the best person to ask about age requirements for employment.
- Arby’s
A popular fast-food chain that will hire teens who are 15 years old and older.
- Bahama Breeze
Bahama Breeze is a restaurant chain serving Caribbean-inspired seafood, chicken, steaks, and tropical drinks. They are not in every state but if there’s one near you, they start hiring young adults at 15 years old. You can apply to be a host, server, or line/prep cook.
- Baskin-Robbins
This lovely chain of ice cream and cake specialty shop restaurants hires team members who are 14 years and older at select locations. You can apply to be a crew member, cake decorator, counter help, or team lead. It’s a fun food service job that could be a perfect part-time job.
- Ben and Jerry’s
Ben and Jerry’s are mostly sold in grocery stores and convenience stores, but they have scoop shops across the nation, and they hire workers as young as 14 years old at most of their locations. Summer jobs + ice cream = can’t go wrong!
- Bruster’s
Bruster’s is another ice cream chain that hires team members 14 years and older at select locations. Per their website:
State child labor laws and store policies determine hiring under the age of 16. Check with your local store for age requirements.
- Boston Market
A fast-casual restaurant chain that hires young, but you must be at least 15 years old to apply here.
- Burger King
Burger King restaurants in select states hire team members 14 years and older. Job seekers can apply to be a team member and be responsible for front counter or drive-thru duties. Most fast-food restaurants will not allow you to work in the kitchen until you are 16 or 18 years old as those positions are more hazardous.
- Chick-fil-A
One of the nation’s most popular fast-food chains allows 14 years and older team members at select locations. A great perk if you’re working at Chick-fil-A is that you’ll never have to be there on a Sunday. All locations are closed on Sundays due to the founder’s religious beliefs.
- Culver’s
This casual fast food restaurant chain hires team members 14 years and older at select locations. You can apply to be a crew member, line cook, cashier, or porter.
- Dairy Queen
Another popular fast-food chain, Dairy Queen hires teens 14 years and older at select locations.
- Fareway
This Midwest-based grocery company hires team members 14 years and older. Per their website:
At Fareway, you must be age 14 years and older to work in our Grocery Department. You must be ages 18 years and older to work in the Meat Department, or the Bakery Department.
- Kroger
Kroger starts hiring at 14 years old. You must, however, have a work permit to start with them and can only do jobs such as bagging or stocking.
- McDonald’s
Another popular fast-food chain that hires team members 14 years and older at select locations especially during the summer and fall/winter breaks in the school year. Countless young people gain their first work experience at a McDonalds or other chain restaurant.
- Publix
Publix starts hiring at 14 years old for the positions of cashiers and clerks. Per their website:
Our Cashiers are the most visible associates to our customers, so they play a critical role in providing premier customer service. Because they ring up groceries, they also play an essential role in our profitability. We rely on them to ensure the correct price is charged for each item sold and provide the correct change to our customers.
A required qualification to be a cashier at Publix is to be at least 14 years of age.
- Rita’s Italian Ice
This chain which sells Italian ice, frozen custard, and specialty creations, has locations in almost all states and starts hiring at 14 years old. You can apply to be a treat team member, cashier, or ice maker/server.
- Safeway
Just like Kroger, Safeway also hires 14-year-olds, but you must have a work permit. You can apply to be a courtesy clerk, food clerk, or stocker.
- Six Flags
This may come as a surprise, but this popular amusement park allows 14-year-olds to work with them. Job positions depend upon location and season. But you will probably be hired to act as a tour guide to visitors who need help navigating the park, operate game booths, work in retail positions and more.
Even if you don’t have a Six Flags in your area, make a call to your local amusement park or water park. They will probably be willing to hire you, as well. This sounds like a fun summer job!
- Taco Bell
Another popular fast-food chain that hires team members 14 years and older at select locations.
None of the jobs above require work that is dangerous or too strenuous for young bodies or minds. The positions offered for 14-15-year-olds are relatively easy and with the right management and coaching can provide an amazing first job opportunity. There are even safety guidelines in place at all jobs when it comes to minors. For example, 14-year-olds cannot work with ladders, knives, explosives, radioactive materials, or power-driven tools, regardless of their job position.
Companies that involve work in hazardous settings are unable to hire minors. Such jobs include, but are not limited to: Manufacturing, warehousing, loading or unloading trucks, public utilities, roofing, trucking, and excavating.
There are many local companies such as small coffee shops (learn to be a barista!) or clothing boutiques that might be open to hiring 14-15-year-olds for a few hours a week.
Additionally, there are other opportunities available to 14-15-year-olds outside of more traditional workplace environments such as.
- Babysitter / Childcare – Many parents are open to having a young teenager watch their smaller children. Local opportunities are numerous. Keep an eye on apps like Nextdoor for people looking for help with babysitting.
- Church – Many churches are looking for someone to help in Sunday School, the nursery, or with special programs such as VBS or AWANA. Some are volunteer-based, but many churches are willing to pay for such help.
- Digital assistant – Many bloggers and influencers need help managing their online presence. You could help write content or schedule social media posts for them.
- Dog walking – Build up your client base by offering to walk dogs in your area. You can start by seeing if your neighbors need assistance.
- Landscaping & Lawn mowing – This is especially popular in the summer. You can offer to mow lawns in your area or do other lawn work such as trimming shrubs or watering flowers.
- House sitting – Many people who go out of town want someone to watch their house while they’re away. If pets are involved, you may be asked to feed, water, and walk them, etc. But if pets aren’t involved, the job is relatively easy. You will probably be asked to pick up mail, sign for any packages, water plants, and just make sure that the house is kept in good condition until the owner(s) return.
- Run errands – There are many people who need assistance with everyday tasks. You could pick up groceries for a busy mom or drop off medicine for a senior. There are many things you could do to help others while making money.
Make sure to keep an eye out for additional part-time or full-time jobs like Lifeguard, Camp Counselor, Barista, or Retail Sales Associate. As you take a break from classes, keep an eye on the windows of your local small business shops and apply wherever you see a Help Wanted sign. Good luck with your job search!
