14- and 15-year-old’s cannot work more than eight hours a day and three hours a day on school days.
Minors are banned from working in some professions that are deemed too hazardous and there are some exceptions to the rules and requirements for certain types of jobs.
The best types of jobs for 14- and 15-year-old’s are retail, food, service, and working with kids.
To apply to these jobs, you should learn how to apply, clean up your social media, get references, and prepare for an interview.
30 jobs for 14 and 15 year olds
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Barista Average Annual Salary: $24,000
If you enjoy interacting with people and are willing to learn the different types of coffee drinks individuals like, then a barista gig might be right for you. Beyond interacting with customers and making coffee, you may be required to do light cleaning, light food preparation, work the cash register, among other responsibilities. This job will give you customer service, problem-solving, and organization skills. -
Retail Clerk Average Annual Salary: $24,000
Working retail is a great way to get into customer service. Retail clerks can be responsible for everything from greeting customers to helping them find the perfect product to checking them out of the store. Depending on the store, you may also pick up some knowledge about a specific industry which can be helpful for your resume. This job will give you extensive customer service, sales, and marketing skills. -
Stocker Average Annual Salary: $28,000
Many companies have warehouses that require shelf stocking. This is an easy job that requires no experience but can help build a teenager’s resume up. Stockers may be required to lift heavier items depending on the job, but you’ll gain organization, efficiency, and reporting skills in this job. -
Cashier Average Annual Salary: $24,000
Cashiers are essential in businesses of all kinds. Younger teenagers should consider this position if they’re open to meeting new people and good with money. Every cashier’s job will look different, so it’s important to understand the store you’ll be cashiering for. For jobs at major retailers like Costco or Walmart, you may be required to lift heavier items. For cashier positions at stores such as Victoria’s Secret or smaller boutiques, you may be required to package up customer items delicately, with precision. This type of job will arm you with customer service, attention to detail, and efficiency skills. -
Amusement Park Game operator Average Annual Salary: $27,000
Depending on your location, amusement parks are typically open for a good portion of the year. Consider becoming a game operator, where you either encourage individuals to interact with a game or oversee an amusement park ride like a rollercoaster. This job will teach you responsibility, attention to detail, and how to work well in a team environment. -
Usher-Ticket Taker Average Annual Salary: $23,000
Whether you look for a job at a movie theater or a live theater, ticket takers are required to oversee individuals coming in and out of an event. This job will likely have some downtime where you may be asked to handle additional responsibilities such as light cleaning. This type of job will teach you customer service, assertion, and attention to detail skills. -
Grocery Bagger Average Annual Salary: $35,000
Similar to the cashier job, bagging at a grocery store can be a great option to make a little money and see how a grocery store operates. Bagging may require some heavy lifting, but the job will teach you how to effectively serve and interact with all types of customers. -
Ice Cream Server Average Annual Salary: $22,000
Scooping ice cream is a popular summer job for many young teens. This is another job that can adequately prepare you for the customer service world, as well as how to work well in a team environment. Depending on the ice cream shop, you may also be responsible for cashiering, inventory, and light cleaning. -
Baby Sitter/Nanny Average Annual Salary: $20,000
If you enjoy working with children, babysitting or nannying can be a good-paying and relatively easy job. If you live in a community with children, consider advertising your services yourself through word-of-mouth or consider a service such as Care.com. Being a babysitter or nanny can be beneficial for individuals who may be interested in working at a daycare, as a schoolteacher, or with special needs children. This type of job teaches you problem-solving, responsibility, and organization skills. -
Dog Walker-Pet Sitter Average Annual Salary: $20,000
If you love or have experience with pets, pet sitting could be a rewarding job to consider. Many people who work full time or travel frequently may need someone to care for their beloved pet. This job helps you gain responsibility, organization, and animal service experience. This is a great option for anyone who is looking to make extra cash or even consider a future career in veterinary services or animal health. -
Car Washer Average Annual Salary: $25,000
Washing cars is a job that gets a lot of attention since most people would rather not go through all of the trouble. With a hose, soap, and a sponge, you can clean most cars while earning some money too. The job will be appreciated by your clients, and you’ll learn the ins and outs of different types of cars. This type of job can teach you problem-solving, sales, and marketing skills. -
Golf Range Attendant Average Annual Salary: $24,000
Similar to the amusement park, mini-golf places are typically open for a good part of the year in most locations. This is a simple job with few requirements that take minimal training. This job may also require additional tasks such as organization, inventory, and light cleaning. You’ll learn good customer service, organization, and inventory skills in this type of position. -
Janitor/cleaner Average Annual Salary: $23,000
Individuals who help clean up after others are the people who keep businesses working smoothly. This is particularly a good job to pick up if you have a company of interest and aren’t sure how to get your foot in the door. As the janitor, you’ll not only be helping those who work at the company, but you’ll get to interact with them as well. This job typically requires basic cleaning skills as well as some heavy lifting. This job can teach you how to be efficient, network, and pay attention to the details. -
Newspaper Delivery Driver Average Annual Salary: $27,000
Although this job typically starts early in the morning, it can be a perfect job for many younger teens. Consider getting your work out of the way first thing in the morning so that your afternoons are free. Newspaper delivery takes no experience, just good aim, and a friendly smile. -
Landscaper/lawn mowing and raking Average Annual Salary: $26,000
Many individuals in communities are looking for a good landscaper or lawn maintenance. This job pays well and requires manual labor, so be sure you’re up for that before you decide to take this route. If you love plants and the outdoors, this job can be the perfect fit. Working in this field will teach you botany, customer service, sales, and marketing. -
Certified Lifeguard Average Annual Salary: $24,000
Although lifeguarding requires some certifications, it’s a perfect job for younger teens to pick up. Lifeguarding can be both easy and hard work, depending on where you work. However, most of your job will be sitting outdoors and enjoying time with your colleagues. This type of position can teach you customer service, problem-solving, and team management skills. -
Golf Caddie Average Annual Salary: $23,000
Another outdoor job that can be a great fit for young teens who may be interested in golf. This is a great way to meet new people and hone your customer service skills. Depending on the golf course, you may get certain perks for working at a golf course, such as free access to play, among other things. -
Tutor Average Annual Salary: $33,000
Many students who are struggling in a specific subject look for tutors to help them succeed. If you have special interests in certain subjects or excelled highly in school, then becoming a tutor is a great opportunity for young teens. This is a great job for individuals who may be interested in teaching jobs in the future. -
Assistant Coach Average Annual Salary: $45,000
Younger kids usually need coaches or assistants for many sports. If you have an interest in a specific sport, not only can this job make you some extra income, but it can be extremely rewarding. This job can teach you patience, responsibility, and customer -
Order Taker Average Annual Salary: $28,000
If you’re interested in working in the food industry, being an order taker is an option for younger teens. This type of position will hone your listening, attention to detail, and customer service skills. It will also teach you how to work in a restaurant environment with all different types of individuals. -
Waiter/Waitress Average Annual Salary: $20,000
Waiters and waitresses are needed at all kinds of establishments, from fast food to fine dining. When you’re first starting out, consider starting out in a fast food or diner establishment where you can learn the rules of the road before graduating to a job that offers tips. -
Customer Service Representative Average Annual Salary: $29,000
Working in customer service can be a great way to improve your people skills while teaching you organization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. All types of companies need customer service individuals from retail to retention jobs. Depending on where you work, you can even network and learn more about the specific industry you may be interested in. -
Web Designer Average Annual Salary: $61,000
If you’re a wiz with code and feel comfortable crafting websites, web design is an option for younger teens. Many small businesses or individuals aren’t sure where to start with websites, and hiring a service is sometimes extremely expensive. You and your services may be able to meet them in the middle to earn you some money while helping someone out. This is a great way to build your portfolio as a web designer, as well. -
Freelance Writer and Photographer Average Annual Salary: $52,000
Freelance writing can be an option if you like to write and are able to research and write on topics you may not otherwise know about. This type of job can hone many skills, including writing, editing, proofreading, and sales and marketing. -
Busser Average Annual Salary: $21,000
If you’re interested in the restaurant industry, then becoming a busser is a great option for many young teens. This is relatively easy work, although it requires heavy lifting. Being a busser can give you the opportunity to learn more about the restaurant industry or get your foot in the door to work in the kitchen. -
Dishwasher-Server Average Annual Salary: $24,000
Just about every restaurant needs dishwashers, and they’re often willing to hire teens. This is another way to get a good idea of what working in a restaurant looks like on the inside while networking with different colleagues to get an idea of what you might like to do. Dishwashing itself is relatively easy, leaving you with the freedom to explore other jobs you may be interested in for the future. -
Host/Hostess Average Annual Salary: $21,000
If you enjoy interacting with people and don’t crumble under high-stress situations, a host or hostess job might be ideal for you. This job requires greeting customers and seating them appropriately. If you like a restaurant and want to work there as a server, starting out as a host or hostess is a perfect way to understand the lay of the land and get your foot in the door. -
Concession Stand Attendant Average Annual Salary: $23,000
Whether you’re at a ball field or an amusement park, working concessions is a job that teens can do. The job is relatively simple and can teach you skills in financials, customer service, and problem-solving. Along with serving customers, you may also be required to keep inventory and do some light cleaning. -
Painter Average Annual Salary: $31,000
Local painting companies might be willing to hire you if you’ve got an eye for detail and are a hard worker. If you have experience with painting, you can offer your services to those who need them. Painting can be hard work, and many times, people would prefer to pay someone to do it rather than doing it themselves. Just be sure you have the right tools and skill set before you start taking customers. -
Cart Attendee Average Annual Salary: N/A
If you don’t mind some lifting and being outside, being a shopping cart attendee, especially for busy stores, can be a great job fit for young teens. This job isn’t for everyone, but if you don’t mind working alone and being outdoors, this is a great way to make some money.
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Types of jobs that 14 and 15 year olds can do
There is a long list of jobs teens aren’t allowed to do; don’t get discouraged. There are still many jobs for high school students. The following are some areas where you might want to begin a job search when you’re 14 or 15.-
Entrepreneur. As a teen, you can create your own business and do odd jobs for people, such as babysitting, yard work, pet sitting and dog walking, cleaning houses, using social media, etc. It’s true; you can be your own boss and a business owner at 14. How awesome is that?
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Retail. One of the biggest employers of young people is the retail industry. Companies like Aeropostale, Target, Wal-Mart – you get the idea. All of these retail stores love to hire teens and give them a chance at their first job.
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Food service. There are a lot of opportunities for 14 and 15 year olds as a food service worker. You can cook food, serve it, work on a line, prepare food, clean and sanitize public areas, and take orders over the phone or online. This is not just a wonderful place for young adults to get a taste of a professional working environment; it can be a lifelong career.
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Work with kids. There are tons of jobs where teens get to work with younger kids. This is ideal for many young people who want to earn a little extra income. Babysitting is a very popular first job. You can get certified and work for a service, or you can start your own business. Other jobs working with children include soccer coach, camp counselor, tutor, lifeguard or swim instructor, and daycare assistant
Companies that hire teenagers
Not sure where to start on your job search? Below is the list of companies that hire teenagers between 14 and 15 on a regular basis.-
Arby’s. This fast-food sandwich restaurant has over 3,300 restaurants across the country and frequently hires teens. As of 2017, Food Wine called Arby’s “America’s second-largest sandwich chain (after subway).”
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Burger King. This American multinational chain of hamburger fast food restaurants is an American staple, and they hire teens as young as 14. As of 2018, Burger King boasted just under 18,000 locations across the United States.
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Baskin Robbins. This chain of ice cream and cake specialty shop restaurants is one of the world’s largest chains of ice cream specialty stores, and another great supplier of teen jobs. As of 2019, Baskin-Robbins had over 8,000 locations globally, including 2,500 in the United States.
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Kentucky Fried Chicken. This American fast-food giant specialized in fried chicken, and hires teens for varying positions. It’s the world’s second-largest restaurant chain, based on sales, only beaten out by McDonald’s. As of 2020, KFC had over 24,000 locations across America.
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Ben and Jerry’s. This manufacturer of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet has over 600 locations across the United States and typically hires teens in their stores to scoop ice cream or make sundaes.
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Dairy Queen. This American chain of soft-serve ice cream and fast food boasts almost 7,000 locations worldwide, with 4,455 in the United States alone, making it a great choice for a summer job as a teenager (or whenever).
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Boston Market. As of 2020, Boston Market offers traditional American comfort food in almost 350 locations across the United States.
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Chick-Fil-A. This fast-food restaurant is among the largest in America, which specializes in chicken sandwiches and hires teens as young as 14. Chick-Fil-A has over 2500 locations across the United States.
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Pizza Hut. This multinational restaurant chain and international franchise can provide a great job for a teen. They offer pizza and other Italian dishes such as pasta. Pizza Hut has almost 19,000 locations across the globe as of 2020.
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Giant Food. This American supermarket operates stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Currently, Giant Food has almost 200 stores across this area.
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Kroger. Kroger is an American retail company and is the United State’s largest supermarket based on revenue, and it hires teens 14 and above for certain positions. It operates across the United States with almost 3,000 locations.
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Publix. This employee-owned American supermarket chain operates in the southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. As of 2021, Publix had 1272 locations.
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Stop Shop. This chain of supermarkets operates in New England, Downstate New York, and New Jersey, where it boasts over 400 stores.
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AMC Theaters. AMC is an American movie theater chain and the largest movie theater chain in the world. Currently, AMC has almost 1000 theaters with 10,833 screens.
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Six Flags. This American amusement park corporation has properties across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The company owns more theme parks and waterparks combined than any other company in the world. It has 27 properties in North America.
How to get a job as a teenager
Now that you have some ideas about jobs you might want to get, the next big question is how to get a job.-
Learn how to apply. The good news is that many entry-level jobs don’t have professional requirements, so you won’t need to create a resume. It’s a great idea to call the business and ask them how they prefer to get job applications. Some will have you stop in to pick up a job application and then drop it off when you’ve completed it. Other jobs would rather have you complete an online application.
If a business requires a resume, don’t be discouraged. It’s good practice to make one when you’re in high school. Of course, you won’t have a lot to put on it, but you’ll be better prepared for it the next time around. -
Clean up social media. A lot of employers will check out the social media accounts of people before they hire them. This gives them information on what your personality is. Do your accounts show that you’d be a good hire, or are they something an employer wouldn’t want to see?
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Get references. Find three people (who aren’t your family members) to vouch for your character and work habits. Teachers are usually a great place to start looking.
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Prepare for an interview. Ask your parents or friends to help you do a mock interview to have an idea of the questions they might ask. Think about what your answers might be beforehand so you feel confident and well-prepared when you go in.
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Send a thank you. After you’ve been interviewed, send a thank-you email or letter. This always leaves a good impression.
Jobs for 14 and 15 Year Old’s FAQ
Are work permits required for 14 and 15 year old’s?
Only some states require a work permit for a minor to work; the federal government does not. That means you don’t need one unless your state requires it, or you might find an employer that requires it.
Work permits are designed to protect an employer from hiring someone who is underage. Without a legitimate work permit, a 13-year-old can easily claim to be 14 and get a job, and then the employer can get in trouble for hiring someone who legally isn’t allowed to work.
Work permits typically are available at your school and require your parents to fill out some paperwork, and often the employer has a little paperwork to do too. Employers who often hire teens can guide you in how to get your work permit. Your school is also an excellent resource for information related specifically to your state and teen employment.
How much are 14- and 15-year-old’s allowed to work?
Federal law states that 14- and 15-year-old’s cannot work more than eight hours a day. They also cannot work more than three hours on a school day, and no more than 40 hours a week. They cannot work more than 18 per week while in school. Minors are not allowed to work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
Most states have their own laws regarding how many hours a child can work, so some may be stricter than others. Check your own state law before applying to a position.
What types of jobs are 14- and 15-year-old’s not allowed to work at?
14- and 15-year-old’s are not allowed to have any jobs that are too hazardous for minor’s. Some of these jobs may include:
Operating a forklift
Operating balers or compactors
Slaughtering or rendering of poultry
Operating power-driven saws, chippers or abrasive cutting discs
References
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Cashier Occupational Outlook
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