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You are 14, motivated, and ready to earn your own money. Maybe you want to stop asking your parents for cash every weekend. Maybe you are saving for a car, new tech, or just want the freedom that comes with having your own income. Whatever your reason, you are asking the right question at the right time.
Finding jobs for 14 year olds is genuinely possible, but it takes knowing where to look. Child labor laws limit what employers can offer at this age, but they do not shut the door entirely. There are dozens of real, paying jobs that hire 14-year-olds across the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, and many of them require zero prior experience.
In this guide, you will find 25 of the best jobs you can get at 14 right now, a breakdown of the legal rules that apply, tips for landing your first job, and answers to the questions most teens ask. By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly where to start.
What Jobs Can You Get at 14? Understanding the Rules First
Before you walk into any business and ask for a job application, it helps to understand what the law says about teen employment. The rules vary by country and even by state or province, but the basics are similar everywhere:
USA: Child Labor Laws for 14-Year-Olds
In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the national baseline. At 14, you can legally work in non-hazardous jobs for limited hours:
- No more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week
- Up to 8 hours on non-school days and 40 hours in a non-school week
- Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year (extended to 9 p.m. in summer)
Some states have stricter rules, so always check your state’s labor laws too. You will also likely need a work permit, sometimes called an age certificate or employment certificate, signed by a parent or guardian and your school.
UK, Canada, and Australia
In the UK, the minimum school leaving age is 16, but young people aged 13 and above can take on part-time work within specific limits. In Canada, rules differ by province, with many allowing 14-year-olds to work in light work with parental consent. In Australia, there is no national minimum working age, but most states permit teens to work part-time from around 14 or 15 with some restrictions on hours and job types.
Now that you know where you stand legally, here are the actual jobs that hire at 14.
25 Best Jobs for 14 Year Olds That Are Actively Hiring in 2026
1. Grocery Store Bagger or Cart Attendant
Many grocery chains hire 14-year-olds for entry-level positions like bagging groceries or gathering shopping carts. Major stores including Kroger, Publix, and Winn-Dixie in the USA have been known to hire at 14. Pay typically starts at or just above minimum wage, and the hours work well around a school schedule.
2. Movie Theater Crew Member
Theater chains like Regal Cinemas and AMC have historically employed teens starting at 14. Jobs include taking tickets, selling concessions, and cleaning auditoriums. A bonus is that many theater employees get free or discounted movie passes.
3. Fast Food Entry Roles (Limited Locations)
While most fast food chains set their minimum age at 16, some individual franchise owners in certain states do hire 14-year-olds for tasks like busing tables, taking orders, or restocking. Chick-fil-A is one brand frequently mentioned by teens who landed their first job at 14. Always call ahead and ask about their specific hiring age before applying.
4. Lawn Care and Yard Work
This is one of the most accessible jobs you can get at 14 because you can run it yourself. Offer mowing, raking, weeding, and seasonal cleanup services to neighbors. Charge $20 to $50 per yard depending on size and complexity. In summer, a teen with a lawn mower and a few regular clients can earn $200 or more per week.
5. Babysitting
Babysitting is a classic first job for a reason. Parents in your neighborhood are actively searching for reliable sitters, and trust is the only qualification that truly matters. You can charge $12 to $18 per hour in most US cities, and platforms like Sittercity allow you to create a profile and connect with local families. Getting a first aid and CPR certification gives you a real competitive edge and can justify higher rates.
6. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
If you love animals, this job practically sells itself. Dog walking typically pays $15 to $25 per walk, and overnight pet sitting can earn $30 to $60 per stay. Apps like Rover allow users to sign up and search for services, and while some platforms require users to be 18, you can operate locally through word of mouth, neighborhood apps, or flyers in your community.
7. Car Washing
Offering mobile car washing services to neighbors is a low-cost way to start earning immediately. With a bucket, some soap, and a sponge, you can charge $15 to $40 per car. Many teens build a regular weekend clientele just by knocking on doors or posting on a neighborhood Facebook group.
8. Tutoring Younger Students
If you do well in school, you have a skill other families will pay for. Tutoring younger kids in math, reading, or a second language is a legitimate job teens can start at 14. Rates typically range from $15 to $30 per hour depending on your subject and location. Parents are highly motivated to pay for academic help, which means clients are not hard to find.
9. Newspaper or Flyer Delivery
Delivery routes still exist in many suburban and rural areas. This type of job requires early mornings and physical activity but offers steady, predictable income. Check with local newspapers or ask community businesses if they need flyer distributors for promotions.
10. Farm Work and Agricultural Jobs
Agriculture is one of the industries explicitly exempted from some child labor restrictions in the USA. Teens aged 12 and up can work on farms with parental consent, and 14-year-olds can take on most farm tasks. Pay varies widely, but farm work builds discipline, physical fitness, and a strong work ethic.
11. Camp Counselor Assistant
Summer and holiday camps actively seek teen helpers. While you may be too young to be a lead counselor, many programs hire teens as junior counselors or assistants to help with activities, supervision, and programs. This is a fantastic resume builder for anyone interested in education or youth services.
12. Swimming Pool Attendant or Lifeguard Assistant
Some public pools and community recreation centers hire teens at 14 for non-lifeguarding roles like monitoring pool areas, managing locker rooms, or handling admissions. Full lifeguard certification typically requires you to be 15 or 16, but assistant roles can start earlier.
13. Community Recreation Center Helper
Parks and recreation departments in many cities hire teens to assist with programs, events, and facility upkeep. These roles often come with structured hours and a small hourly wage. Check your local city or county parks department website for youth employment programs.
14. Retail Stockroom or Backroom Help (Certain Stores)
Some retail stores, particularly locally owned shops and certain chains, will hire 14-year-olds for backroom duties like organizing inventory, unpacking boxes, and preparing merchandise. These roles are less customer-facing and often easier for first-time workers.
15. Golf Course Caddy
Caddying is one of the more traditional teen jobs that still exists. Many golf courses hire caddies starting at 14. You carry a golfer’s bag, offer course advice, and rake sand traps. Pay includes a base rate plus tips, and a good caddy on a busy weekend can make $60 to $100 for a single round.
16. Amusement Park or Fair Work
Many amusement parks and seasonal fairs hire teens as young as 14 to run game booths, assist with rides (non-operating roles), or sell food. Six Flags and similar parks have publicly listed hiring ages of 14 in some states. These jobs are seasonal, but they pay hourly wages and are genuinely fun work environments.
17. Newspaper Carrier for Local Publications
Beyond major city papers, local community publications, real estate magazines, and weekly shoppers often need carriers. The route is small, the pay is consistent, and it is the kind of job you can do on your own schedule.
18. Cleaning and Housekeeping Help
Offering to help neighbors with house cleaning, window washing, or garage organizing is another self-started option. Rates typically run $12 to $20 per hour. Parents with young children or elderly neighbors are often the best clients since they genuinely need the help and are willing to pay for reliability.
19. Garden and Plant Care
Watering plants, weeding gardens, and helping with seasonal planting are jobs many homeowners are happy to outsource. You can market this as a subscription service where clients pay a monthly rate for weekly visits, which creates steady income over the growing season.
20. Social Media Helper for Local Businesses
You have grown up using social media. Many small local businesses have no idea how to use Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook effectively. Offer to manage their posts, create simple graphics using free tools like Canva, or help them grow their following. Charge a small monthly retainer of $50 to $150 and do the work on your phone or laptop after school.
21. Errand Runner for Elderly Neighbors
Running errands like picking up groceries, mailing packages, or returning library books is a genuine service that elderly community members often need and are happy to pay for. Always do this with parental knowledge and stick to people your family already knows or who are referred through a trusted community channel.
22. Photo or Video Assistant
If someone in your area does photography at events, weddings, or family portraits, they may welcome a junior assistant to carry equipment, manage props, or help with lighting. This gives you hands-on experience in a creative field and a reference for your future resume.
23. Volunteer with a Path to Paid Work
Some organizations, including libraries, animal shelters, and community theaters, start teens as volunteers but transition reliable helpers into part-time paid roles. Volunteering also builds references and work history that make it easier to land paying jobs later.
24. Online Freelancing for Simple Tasks
Platforms like Fiverr allow sellers as young as 13. Teens who can design graphics, write product descriptions, translate languages, or do basic data entry can earn real money online. Keep expectations realistic at first, but a 14-year-old with a solid Fiverr profile can earn $200 or more per month over time.
25. Selling Handmade Goods or Flipped Items
If you are creative or entrepreneurial, making and selling items like bracelets, art prints, or baked goods at a local market is a legitimate income stream. Alternatively, buying items at thrift stores and reselling them for a profit on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace is a skill that teaches real business thinking and earns real money.
Where Can You Work at 14 Near Me? Finding Local Opportunities
If you are wondering where you can work at 14 near you, the answer depends heavily on your location and local laws. Here are the most reliable ways to find openings:
- Search Indeed or Snagajob and filter by ‘part time’ and ‘no experience’ in your city
- Visit the websites of local grocery stores, theaters, and recreation centers directly
- Ask neighbors, family friends, and your parents’ contacts about informal work opportunities
- Check your school’s job board or guidance office, many schools maintain lists of teen-friendly employers
- Post in neighborhood Facebook groups or on Nextdoor offering your services
The reality is that many first jobs for 14-year-olds are found through personal connections rather than online job boards. Do not underestimate how far a simple conversation can go. Tell every adult you trust that you are looking for work.
Pro Tip: Many jobs for teens are not posted publicly. Walk into local businesses, ask to speak with the manager, and introduce yourself politely. This kind of initiative impresses hiring managers more than a submitted application alone.
What Jobs Can I Get at 14 With No Experience?
Nearly every job on this list requires zero formal experience. But employers still want to see that you are responsible, reliable, and willing to learn. Here is how to present yourself well even when you are just starting out:
- Get a reference from a teacher, coach, or family friend who can vouch for your character
- Highlight school achievements, clubs, volunteer work, or any self-started projects
- Be honest about your availability and stick to it, this matters more than any resume line
- Show up on time, dressed appropriately, and ready to listen
For more ideas on how teens are building income before they even graduate, check out our guide on Side Hustles for High Schoolers: How Teens Are Making $500+/Month Before Graduation, which covers creative income strategies that pair well with any part-time job.
How to Get Your First Job at 14: Step-by-Step
Landing your first job takes a little preparation. Follow these steps and you will be ready to impress any employer:
Step 1: Get Your Work Permit
Most US states require teens under 16 to have a work permit before they can be legally employed. Ask your school’s administrative office for the form. Your parent or guardian and your employer will also need to sign it.
Step 2: Write a Simple Resume
Even without job experience, you can list your school year and GPA, relevant classes or skills, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, sports, and a character reference. Keep it to one page and use a clean, easy-to-read format.
Step 3: Practice Your Introduction
When you walk into a business or show up to an interview, be ready to say: your name, that you are 14 and looking for part-time work, what hours you are available, and why you are interested in working there. Keep it confident and brief.
Step 4: Apply Broadly
Do not apply to only one place and wait. Apply to five to ten places at the same time. The more doors you knock on, the faster one will open.
Step 5: Follow Up
If you applied and have not heard back in a week, call or stop by and politely ask about the status of your application. This shows initiative and keeps your name fresh in the manager’s mind.
Jobs for 14 Year Olds vs. Jobs for 15 Year Olds: What Changes?
One of the most common questions teens ask is whether they will have more options when they turn 15. The answer is yes, but not dramatically. Most of the same jobs are available at both ages, and the real jump in opportunity comes at 16 when more federal and state restrictions lift.
That said, being 15 does open a few more doors, particularly in states with stricter 14-year-old employment laws. If you want to see what that next stage looks like, our article on Where Can 15 Year Olds Work? 25+ Real Jobs Hiring Teens Right Now (2026) lays out the expanded options available once you hit that next milestone.
For now, focus on what you can access today. Many teens who start working at 14 have a noticeable head start on their peers by the time they reach 16, both in terms of saved money and real-world experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jobs for 14 Year Olds
What is the best job for a 14-year-old with no experience?
The best starting point depends on your personality. If you like working with people, babysitting or retail is a good fit. If you prefer working outdoors, lawn care or farm work is ideal. If you want flexibility, tutoring or social media help for local businesses lets you set your own schedule. Any of these can be started with zero experience.
Do 14-year-olds need a work permit?
In most US states, yes. A work permit (also called an employment certificate) is required for anyone under 16. Your school office will have the form, and it typically needs a parent signature and sometimes a job offer letter from your employer. Check your specific state’s Department of Labor website for exact requirements.
How many hours can a 14-year-old work per week?
Under federal law in the USA, 14-year-olds can work a maximum of 18 hours during a school week and 40 hours during a non-school week. On school days, the limit is 3 hours per day. These limits exist to protect your education. Some states have even stricter caps, so check your local laws.
Can a 14-year-old work at McDonald’s?
McDonald’s corporate policy sets the minimum hiring age at 16, but individual franchise owners have discretion. Some franchise locations do hire at 14 in states where it is legally permitted. Call your local McDonald’s directly and ask whether they hire at 14. The answer varies by location.
How much money can a 14-year-old make?
It varies widely depending on the job and hours. Self-employed options like lawn care or babysitting can bring in $100 to $300 per week during summer if you are consistent. Part-time retail or food service jobs typically pay minimum wage, which in 2026 ranges from $10 to $17 per hour depending on your state. Over a summer, a motivated 14-year-old can realistically save $800 to $2,000 or more.
You Are Ready to Start: Here Is Your Next Move
There are real jobs for 14 year olds out there, and they are being filled by motivated teens every day. The key is to stop waiting and start taking action.
Start with the jobs that fit your skills and your schedule. If you love animals, put up dog walking flyers this weekend. If you are responsible with kids, text a neighbor and offer to babysit. If you want a formal employer on your resume, visit three local stores or grocery chains this week and ask about their hiring age.
Every dollar you earn at 14 is a dollar you do not have to ask anyone else for. It is also a habit of resourcefulness that pays off far longer than any single paycheck.
You have the list. You know the law. Now go get the job.
