What Jobs Hire at 14: Exploring Work Opportunities for Young Teens in 2024

Finding a job as a 14-year-old can be an exciting way to gain work experience, learn responsibility, and earn some extra cash. Although the job market for young teens can be limited due to labor laws, there are still plenty of opportunities available. From retail and food service positions to creative entrepreneurial endeavors, here’s a detailed guide on what jobs hire at 14, with unique H3 headings and a focus on different types of roles suitable for young teens.

Retail Jobs That Hire at 14

Working in retail offers an excellent opportunity for teens to learn customer service skills while gaining valuable experience handling money and interacting with customers. Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and chain retailers hire teens as young as 14.

• Safeway: This large grocery store chain hires 14-year-olds for roles such as courtesy clerks, where they assist customers by bagging groceries, cleaning spills, and retrieving carts​
• Publix: Publix supermarkets employ 14-year-olds in positions like bagger or cashier, depending on state laws. Teens at Publix also learn the fundamentals of customer interaction​
• Local Supermarkets: Even smaller, local grocery stores often have roles for young teens as cashiers or baggers, making it easier for them to find work close to home​

Food Service Jobs for 14-Year-Olds

Fast-food restaurants and casual dining establishments are popular employers for teens. They offer flexible hours that work around school schedules, making them ideal for first-time workers.

• McDonald’s: One of the biggest names in fast food, McDonald’s often hires 14-year-olds for roles like cashier, food prep, or cleaning. It’s a fast-paced environment that teaches teamwork and time management.
• Subway: Subway frequently employs young teens to work as sandwich artists, where they can develop skills in food handling, customer service, and kitchen safety.
• Dairy Queen: Another option in the food industry, Dairy Queen offers positions to young teens, often involving cashier duties, making treats, and light cleaning​

Entertainment and Amusement Park Jobs

Teens who love excitement and outdoor activities may find jobs at amusement parks or entertainment venues particularly appealing. These jobs are typically seasonal, making them perfect for summer work.

• Six Flags: Six Flags parks hire teens as young as 14 to work in various roles like ride attendants, concession workers, or entertainers. It’s an exciting and dynamic work environment for teens​
• Local Amusement Parks: In addition to large chains like Six Flags, many local amusement parks or fairs offer roles for young teens, especially during peak seasons like summer​

Creative and Entrepreneurial Opportunities

For artistic and creative teens, starting a small business or offering services like arts and crafts or pet care can be both enjoyable and profitable.

• Arts and Crafts: Teens with an artistic flair can design and sell their creations at local craft fairs or online marketplaces like Etsy. This allows them to learn the ins and outs of entrepreneurship while honing their creative skills​
• Pet Care: Many families look for pet sitters or dog walkers, providing teens a great opportunity to earn money while spending time with animals. This is an excellent choice for responsible teens who love pets​

Outdoor Jobs for Active Teens

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities that allow you to make money while staying active.

• Lawn Care: Mowing lawns and gardening services are popular options for 14-year-olds, especially during the summer months. Teens with access to basic gardening tools can offer services like lawn mowing, weeding, and hedge trimming​
• Shoveling Snow: In colder months, teens can offer snow removal services to neighbors. It’s a great way to help the community while earning money during winter​

Babysitting and Childcare

Babysitting remains one of the most popular jobs for young teens, especially those who are responsible and enjoy working with children.

• Babysitting: Teens can start babysitting for family friends, neighbors, or through online platforms like Care.com. Babysitting is an excellent way to learn responsibility and time management while making a difference in the lives of younger kids​
• Camp Counselor: For teens who enjoy working with younger kids and being outdoors, being a junior camp counselor is a great option. Many camps hire teens to help run activities, supervise campers, and ensure safety during summer months​

Seasonal and Part-Time Jobs

Seasonal positions offer flexibility and a chance for young teens to gain experience without long-term commitments. Summer and winter break often provide plenty of job opportunities for 14-year-olds.

• Lifeguard: Some teens are able to train and get certified as lifeguards by age 14. Many pools and water parks hire teens for lifeguard positions, which typically offer competitive pay while allowing teens to enjoy the outdoors​
• Caddying: Golf courses often hire teens as young as 14 to work as caddies. It’s a physically active job that requires knowledge of the game and offers the chance to make money through tips​

FAQs

1. What jobs pay the most for 14-year-olds?

Some of the highest-paying jobs for 14-year-olds include tutoring, pet care, and caddying, where pay can range from $15 to $25 per hour depending on location and demand.

2. Can a 14-year-old work during the school year?

Yes, but there are restrictions. Labor laws typically limit the number of hours 14-year-olds can work during the school year, with more flexibility during summer and holidays.

3. What should I consider before applying for a job at 14?

Teens should consider the type of work, pay, schedule, and age requirements before applying. It’s important to balance work with school and extracurricular activities to avoid burnout.

4. How can I find a job at 14?

Start by checking local grocery stores, fast food chains, and entertainment venues. Online job boards and platforms like Indeed or Care.com also list age-appropriate jobs for teens.

5. Are there restrictions on the types of jobs a 14-year-old can do?

Yes, labor laws often restrict hazardous work environments for teens. Jobs involving heavy machinery, dangerous chemicals, or certain hours of the night are typically off-limits for 14-year-olds.