Jobs for 14 and 15 Year Olds: Job Ideas, Companies, and How to Get Hired

Many teenagers want to start earning their own money — for savings, hobbies, or simply the independence that comes with a first paycheck. At 14 and 15, that goal is realistic if you know where employers hire young teens and what child labor rules allow.

Common first options include retail and food service shifts, babysitting, yard work, pet sitting, and other entry-level roles that build early work habits. These jobs rarely require a long resume; reliability, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn matter more.

Federal child labor laws still limit hours and job types for workers under 16, but plenty of opportunities remain. This guide covers job ideas for 14- and 15-year-olds, companies that hire teens, online options, hour and permit rules, and practical tips for getting hired with no formal experience.

What jobs hire at 14?

Fourteen-year-olds can work in several entry-level roles, though federal and state child labor laws limit which jobs and schedules are legal. Many teens start with neighborhood services such as babysitting or dog walking; others find shifts in grocery stores, ice cream shops, or a parent's small business.

These early jobs teach punctuality, customer manners, and basic responsibility — skills you can reuse on every application after this one. Hiring age can also vary by store and state, so always confirm before you apply.

Where can you work at 14?

National chains and local businesses both hire teens at 14 for entry-level work, but policies differ by location and state law. Common places that hire 14-year-olds include:

Fast food and food service

• Baskin-Robbins
• Dairy Queen
• McDonald's

Retail and grocery

• Kroger
• Local grocery stores

Local opportunities

• Farms or agricultural work (rules can differ from non-farm jobs)
• Family-owned businesses
• Neighborhood services such as lawn care, babysitting, or pet sitting

Call or visit the specific location. A corporate careers page may list a higher age while a nearby franchise still hires at 14 under local rules.

1. Entertainment and family business jobs

If you perform, entertainment work is one of the clearest legal paths at any age: people of any age may work in radio, television, film, or theater when state entertainment rules and permits are followed.

Parents may also employ you in a family-owned small business when the role is allowed under child labor rules — for example, light retail or office help rather than hazardous machinery or forbidden occupations. Check your state's guidance and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act overview before you start.

2. Entry-level jobs for young teens

Many entry-level openings go unfilled, and some employers sweeten pay or schedules to attract dependable teens. That can mean more options and better conditions than older siblings faced a few years ago.

You already know the classics: mowing lawns, shoveling snow, pet sitting, dog walking, and babysitting. These gigs may feel less “official” than a store badge, and income can fluctuate week to week. They still count — they prove initiative and often lead to referrals for steadier work.

3. First jobs in retail or food service

If you want a structured team environment, many careers start in fast food, coffeehouses, movie theaters, or supermarkets. You learn cash handling, food safety basics, stocking, and teamwork skills that transfer to almost any later role.

Ask about after-school and weekend shifts that fit school-night hour limits. Managers hiring 14-year-olds expect to train from scratch — show up on time, dress neatly, and ask how you can help.

How to get a job at 14 with no experience

Getting a first job at 14 can feel intimidating when you have never been paid before. Most employers who hire young teens expect beginners. Reliability, responsibility, and a willingness to learn usually matter more than a long work history.

Simple ways to improve your odds:

• Ask local businesses if they are hiring. Small shops, grocery stores, and restaurants sometimes post openings only in the window or hire after a walk-in ask.
• Talk to people in your community. Friends, neighbors, coaches, and family often know about babysitting, yard work, or pet sitting before those gigs appear online.
• Be ready to fill out applications. Keep a list of your school, emergency contacts, and availability so you can complete paper or online forms without guessing.
• Show a positive attitude. Politeness, eye contact, and enthusiasm often outweigh experience for a first hire.

For a wider list of teen-friendly ideas beyond age 14 specifically, see our guide to jobs for teens.

How to write a resume and job applications for 14 year olds

Even without paid jobs, a short resume helps you look organized when you apply. Employers know 14-year-olds are starting out; they look for responsibility and effort more than titles.

A first resume might include:

• School achievements or strong grades (see how to list education on your resume)
• Extracurricular activities or sports teams
• Volunteer work
• Informal jobs such as babysitting, lawn care, or helping neighbors
• Skills such as teamwork, communication, or reliability

Ask a teacher, coach, or family friend if they will serve as a reference for a first job. Keep contact info ready when applications ask for references.

Job ideas for 15 year olds

By 15, teens often have more openings than at 14. Federal rules still limit certain work and hours, but many employers are comfortable hiring 15-year-olds for retail, food service, recreation, and seasonal roles. These jobs build customer service skills, earn spending money, and give you stories for later applications.

Common job ideas for 15-year-olds include:

• Retail jobs such as cashier or stocker
• Food service jobs like fast-food crew member or restaurant host
• Recreation roles such as lifeguard or camp counselor assistant
• Grocery store jobs including bagger or shelf assistant
• Local service jobs like babysitting or pet sitting

1. Retail jobs

Retail work usually means helping customers, organizing products, and keeping shelves and floors tidy.

• Cashier
• Retail sales associate
• Stocker or shelf assistant

Holiday and back-to-school seasons often add temporary hours — useful if you want extra income without a year-round commitment.

2. Food service jobs

Restaurants and quick-service locations frequently hire teens to serve customers and keep service moving.

• Fast food crew member
• Restaurant host or busser
• Ice cream shop worker

Expect standing shifts, busy rushes, and clear closing checklists. Training is usually on the job.

3. Recreation and seasonal jobs

Seasonal hiring spikes in summer when camps, parks, and pools need extra help.

• Lifeguard (with certification)
• Camp counselor assistant
• Amusement park worker

Certification courses for lifeguarding take planning — start early in spring if you want a pool job by June.

4. Other entry-level jobs

Some teens prefer quieter settings where organization and basic customer service still matter.

• Library assistant
• Office helper
• Grocery store bagger

These roles can be easier to balance with homework if evenings stay quieter than restaurant rushes.

What places hire 15 year olds?

Many national chains and local businesses hire starting at 15, especially for part-time or seasonal work. Common places include:

1. Fast food and food service

• McDonald's
• Dairy Queen
• Pizza Hut

2. Retail and grocery stores

• Publix
• Kroger
• Local grocery stores

3. Entertainment venues

• AMC Theatres
• Bowling alleys
• Arcades

Community centers, camps, and recreation departments may also hire 15-year-olds for entry-level seasonal roles. Always verify the age policy at the location where you want to work.

Online jobs for 15 year olds at home that pay

Some 15-year-olds want flexible work from home. Many platforms set higher minimum ages, but teens can still earn online with parental permission or by offering services directly to neighbors and classmates.

Treat online income like any other job: get a parent involved before you create accounts, never share personal data in public posts, and keep schoolwork first.

1. Online tutoring

If you do well in school, tutoring younger students online (or over video with parental setup) is a strong fit.

• Tutoring elementary students in math or reading
• Helping classmates prepare for tests
• Assisting younger students with homework

Start with families you already know, then expand through teacher or neighbor referrals.

2. Selling crafts or digital products

Creative teens can sell handmade or digital items when a parent helps with the store account and payments.

• Handmade crafts or jewelry
• Stickers or printable art
• Digital templates or graphics

3. Freelance writing or creative work

If you like writing or design, small projects for local groups or family businesses can pay while building a portfolio.

• Short blog posts or articles
• Helping a small business with social media drafts
• Creating simple graphics or digital content

4. Online surveys or small tasks

Some sites pay small amounts for surveys or microtasks, but many require you to be 18 or to use a parent-owned account.

• Online surveys
• Product or music reviews
• App testing or watching ads where allowed

Always check age requirements and ask a parent or guardian before signing up for any site or payment app.

How to get a job at 15 with no experience

Landing a first job at 15 is still doable without a formal work history. Employers who hire teens expect beginners. What matters most is showing you are responsible, willing to learn, and ready to help. School activities and helping neighbors already demonstrate dependability.

• Ask local businesses if they are hiring. Restaurants, grocery stores, and small retail shops often need part-time entry-level help.
• Tell your network you are looking. Friends, family, neighbors, and teachers may know about babysitting, yard work, or store openings.
• Be prepared to complete an application. Have availability, school info, and references ready for online or in-person forms.
• Show that you are reliable. Arrive on time for drop-offs of applications, dress neatly, and follow up politely once.

How to write a job application for 15 year olds with no experience

A simple resume still helps you stand out on applications. Hiring managers want signs you are responsible, motivated, and able to work with others — not a decade of titles.

A first resume for a 15-year-old might include:

• School achievements or good grades
• Extracurricular activities such as sports or clubs
• Volunteer work or community involvement
• Informal jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, or lawn care
• Skills such as teamwork, communication, or reliability

For a step-by-step walkthrough, use how to make a resume for a first job and how to write a resume with no experience. Then apply at local businesses, restaurants, grocery stores, and other teen-friendly employers in your area. You can also start building from a free resume builder once your bullet points are drafted.

Jobs you can do at 14 vs 15

Some jobs are open at both 14 and 15; others become more realistic once you turn 15. The table below shows common examples — always confirm local hiring age and labor rules.

Job	Age 14	Age 15
Babysitting	✓	✓
Dog walking	✓	✓
Ice cream shop worker	✓	✓
Retail cashier	—	✓
Restaurant host or busser	—	✓
Lifeguard	—	✓
Camp counselor	—	✓

What companies hire young teens?

Many national chains and local businesses hire teens for entry-level roles. Policies can vary by location; these companies are commonly known for hiring young workers:

Company	Minimum hiring age
Baskin-Robbins	14
Dairy Queen	14
McDonald's	14–15 depending on location
AMC Theatres	15
Publix	15
Pizza Hut	15

Local businesses, grocery stores, and restaurants may also hire young teens for part-time roles, especially during busy seasons or summer months.

How many hours can 14 and 15 year olds work?

Child labor laws limit how many hours teens aged 14 and 15 can work during the school year and outside school. The rules protect students so paid work does not crowd out education. Details can vary by state, but most employers follow federal guidelines under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Situation	Maximum hours allowed
School day	3 hours
School week	18 hours
Non-school day	8 hours
Non-school week	40 hours
Evening limit	7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day)

These limits apply to non-agricultural jobs such as retail, restaurants, and other service roles. Agricultural work may follow different rules, and some states add stricter limits. When state and federal rules differ, employers generally must follow the more protective standard — confirm with your state labor department using the DOL's state child labor directory.

Do 14 and 15 year olds need working papers or a permit?

Yes — in many states, 14- and 15-year-olds must have working papers or an employment certificate before they start a job. These documents confirm your age and show you are legally allowed to work under child labor laws.

Schools often help issue permits, and employers usually keep a copy on file before your first shift. Requirements vary by state, so check your state labor department site or ask a school counselor before you accept an offer.

What are the highest paying jobs for young teens?

Some roles available to 14- and 15-year-olds pay more than typical entry-level store shifts, especially when they need trust, a skill, or a certification. Many of the better-paying options involve helping people in your community.

• Babysitting for multiple children or regular families
• Tutoring younger students in school subjects
• Lifeguarding (with proper certification)
• Yard work such as mowing lawns or landscaping help
• Pet sitting or dog walking for several households
• Helping neighbors with technology or computer setup

These jobs can out-earn standard entry-level wages because families pay for reliability and specialized help — not just a company time clock.

Frequently asked questions

If you are looking for your first job as a young teen, these answers cover common questions about hours, pay, and work under age 14.

Can 15 year olds work full-time?

No. Fifteen-year-olds generally cannot work full-time during the school year under federal labor laws. Teens aged 14 and 15 are limited to rules such as three hours on a school day and up to 18 hours in a school week. They may work up to 40 hours in a non-school week, such as during summer vacation, within evening limits.

How much can a 15 year old earn every month?

Monthly earnings depend on hours worked and the local minimum wage. Many entry-level jobs pay at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, though some states and cities require higher wages. A teen working part-time after school might earn a few hundred dollars per month depending on schedule and local pay rates.

What jobs can you get under 14?

Most traditional W-2 jobs are not available until age 14 because of child labor laws. Younger teens may still earn money through newspaper delivery where allowed, helping in a family business, certain agricultural work, or performing in entertainment such as acting or modeling when state rules are followed. Always involve a parent and check local law before taking on paid work under 14.