Jobs That Hire at 14: Best Options Explained

At 14, you’re legally old enough to step into the working world.

And in today’s economy, where flexibility, independence, and a little extra cash go a long way, many teens (and their parents) are wondering the same thing: what jobs hire at 14?

But here’s the catch: finding those jobs can feel like a maze.

Between federal labor laws, state-specific rules, and employers with different age policies, figuring out where to even start isn’t simple.

Add in the challenge of balancing school activities and a social life, you’ve got a real puzzle on your hands.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve pulled insights from real sources, state labor laws, and job data to break it all down for you, clearly and completely.

Whether you’re in Florida, Texas, or searching the web for “what jobs hire at 14 near me,” we’ll cover everything you need to know.

From legal restrictions to top employers, to how to stand out with no formal experience, we’re spilling all the tea.

So if you’ve been asking, “What are some jobs that hire at 14?” or if you’re a parent looking to help your teen get started safely and confidently, you’re in the right place.

Let’s start with the legal ground rules.

What The Law Allows For 14-Year-Olds

It is always advisable to know what the law says before applying for a job as a teenager. That way, you can be in full compliance.

The Fair Labor Standards Act limits some key metrics for teens, from the type of job to the number of hours worked per week, but allows kids from 14 years upwards to work.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key federal rules:

• Only Non-Hazardous Jobs Are Allowed: That means no operating heavy machinery, no ladder work, and no exposure to dangerous conditions. Jobs like mining, roofing, and construction are completely off-limits.
  
• Hour Limits Are Strict: On school days, 14-year-olds can only work up to 3 hours. On non-school days, it’s capped at 8 hours. Weekly, that means no more than 18 hours during school weeks and 40 during breaks.
  
• Work Hours Are Restricted: No work before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. During summer, from June 1 through Labor Day, it’s 9 p.m. for the evening limit.

You also need to know that state laws can be more stringent than federal ones. Some states might require a work permit or parental consent.

Some regional employers regularly hire teens, and others do not permit it at all.

Quit trying to decode every employer policy and regional variation yourself.

Let our Smart Applier take the guesswork out of it.

It automatically filters job listings by age, location, and availability so that you can skip the endless scrolling.

Top Jobs That Hire 14-Year-Olds

As a 14-year-old who wants to start making money on their own, your possible options are going to be very few, but some positions are perfectly legal, enjoyable, and flexible, with lots of potential.

Whether your target is saving for the first cell phone, saving for college, or just looking to make money for the weekend, these jobs will help you to take on responsibilities, bulk up your resume, and get a taste of real-world work.

Here are the best starter jobs for 14-year-olds, and how to land them.

Grocery Stores (Bagger, Cart Collector, Front-End Support)

Grocery stores are the most common part-time employers of young people.

Publix, Kroger, Safeway, Winn-Dixie, and Stop & Shop all hire fourteen-year-olds as cart collectors, cashier’s helpers, baggers, or front service clerks, all good entry-level positions in which to pick up basic customer service and interpersonal communication skills.

Baggers have to carefully and efficiently pack groceries. Cart collectors keep the parking lot organized and safe and provide plenty of outdoor time.

These are physical jobs that help build work ethic, and they’re among the easiest to get if you’re asking what jobs hire at 14 near me.

Ice Cream Shops or Small Food Stands

What could be cooler than getting paid to serve joy in a waffle cone?

The Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, and neighborhood mom-and-pop shops very often hire 14-year-olds to do cleaning and run registers, especially during the summer months.

The prerequisites to these jobs are friendliness, remembering flavors, and rudimentary cash-handling skills.

Because you won’t be allowed to work with hot equipment, food stands and dessert shops make ideal food service starting points for young teens.

If you’re searching for what jobs hire at 14 in Florida or what jobs hire at 14 in Texas, you’ll find these spots hiring seasonally, and they’re always looking for dependable help.

Pet Care (Dog Walking, Pet-Sitting, Basic Grooming Help)

For those who love animals, taking care of a pet is more than a job; it’s a dream come true.

You can start offering services to your neighbors, family, friends, or even people within your local community group.

You can easily make money in the neighborhood by walking dogs or feeding animals. The list is practically endless.

It’s also an excellent way to build trust and word-of-mouth referrals.

A pro tip is to print out simple flyers or business cards listing your availability and services.

For added credibility, include testimonials from people you’ve helped before, even if the work was unpaid at first.

These jobs can turn into a long-term side hustle.

Yard Services (Mowing Lawns, Weeding, Raking, Garden Care)

Lawn work is a good fit for those who do not mind a little dirt under their fingernails.

Mowing, weeding, leaf raking, and garden watering can be lucrative if the services are well-advertised around the neighborhood. 

The use of gas-powered lawnmowers and hazardous tools might not be allowed for minors, so always verify with parents first.

Many homeowners will appreciate 14-year-olds helping to weed flower beds, sweep walkways, and do basic upkeep. These are simple but great activities to earn a steady income.

Babysitting (Possibly With a Red Cross Babysitter Course)

Babysitting has long been a rite of passage for responsible teens.

At 14, you can start watching younger kids, especially for short periods or when parents are nearby. It’s a job that builds confidence, leadership, and communication skills.

To stand out, consider taking a course like the Red Cross Babysitting and Child Care program, which includes basic safety and first aid.

Mentioning that certification in your resume or cover letter makes a huge difference to parents looking for reliable childcare.

Babysitting is especially in demand among parents in local networks, so don’t be shy about asking around or putting up a flyer on a community board.

Tutoring (Help For Younger Kids or Peers)

Provided that you’re strong in a subject like math, reading, or science, tutoring is an excellent way to earn money and build serious resume points.

You don’t need a teaching degree, just patience, clear communication, and a solid understanding of the topic.

Start by offering help to younger students in your neighborhood or school. You could even trade tutoring sessions for something else (like help with a different subject or skill) before moving to paid gigs.

Online platforms sometimes allow 14-year-olds to set up profiles with parental supervision. Either way, tutoring helps reinforce your learning and gives you experience managing others.

Tool Tip: Use The Cover Letter Generator

Who you know at 14 isn’t all that matters when it comes to getting a job; it’s the way you present yourself.

Even without work experience, you can still craft a professional, age-appropriate cover letter that tells the hiring manager your strongest skills.

Teens will be able to write a perfect personalized letter related to the job they want to apply for, whether it be serving ice cream or babysitting the children next door, using the Undetectable AI Cover Letter Generator.

At 14, your work opportunities may be limited, but they are much more varied and significant than many individuals would assume.

From helping out at a local shop to building your pet care brand, there are countless ways to start working, earning, and growing today.

Still wondering what jobs hire at 14 in Texas or what jobs hire at 14 in Florida?

We’ll show you how to find local openings fast.

Where to Find These Jobs

Knowing what jobs you can do at 14 is only half the battle; the real challenge is finding the right opportunities in your area.

Since most big job platforms don’t allow age-based filtering, 14-year-olds are often left scrolling through listings they legally can’t apply for.

That’s frustrating and time-wasting. But don’t worry, there are better ways to find real, local jobs that match your age and availability.

Let’s break down where and how to look.

1. Start with Local Businesses That Commonly Hire Teens

Certain businesses have a history of hiring 14-year-olds. This includes national chains like:

• Baskin Robbins
• Publix
• Kroger
• Safeway & Albertsons
• McDonald’s (some locations)
• Wendy’s
• Dairy Queen
• Chick-fil-A
• Six Flags (for seasonal roles)
• Local movie theaters (like AMC)

While not all branches of these businesses hire at 14, many do, especially in states that are more youth-employment friendly.

Your best bet is to contact the local manager directly, visit in person, or check their careers page for location-specific eligibility.

You can narrow your search for what jobs hire at 14 in Texas or what jobs hire at 14 in Florida by focusing on these chain stores first.

2. Look Into Community Centers and City Programs

Check your local parks and recreation department or community center website.

Many cities offer youth employment programs, especially during summer, with roles in:

• Youth camps
• Lifeguarding (with training/certification)
• Front desk support
• Event set-up and clean-up
• Tutoring and homework help programs

These jobs not only pay but also offer structured environments with adult supervision, making them a great fit for younger teens.

3. Go Hyper-Local: Word of Mouth and Flyers Still Work

When you’re 14, neighbors, friends, and local businesses are your best leads.

Ask around, many babysitting, dog-walking, and yard work jobs are never posted online. They’re given to someone’s niece, neighbor, or friend-of-a-friend.

Build a short pitch or flyer that lists your services, availability, and contact info, and pass it out locally.

Also, talk to teachers, coaches, or family friends; they often know someone looking for help or can refer you to a parent who’s hiring.

4. Try Safe Online Platforms (With Supervision)

There are also job boards and online platforms where you can list your services (like tutoring or pet care), but many require a parent or guardian to set up your account.

Sites like Care.com or Rover may allow 14-year-olds to join if they’re part of a supervised family account.

And if you’re leaning toward online gigs, like blogging, content creation, or affiliate sales, you’ll need to partner with a parent to stay compliant with age requirements.

5. Shortcut The Process With The Smart Applier

You can skip the hassle of filtering, guessing, and applying to places that can’t hire you. Simply use our Smart Applier.

It scans listings based on your age, location, and availability, then lets you auto-apply to jobs you’re eligible for, no legal gray areas, no wasted time.

This tool is perfect if you’ve been Googling what jobs hire at 14 near me and coming up empty.

Instead of digging through job sites, the Smart Applier does the work for you, letting you focus on interviews and getting hired.

Finding your first job at 14 isn’t always easy, but with the right tools and approach, it’s 100% doable.

Next, we’ll show you how to stand out once you find the right role, even if you don’t have any official experience yet.

How to Stand Out at 14

Getting your foot in the door at 14 takes more than just showing up.

Since most employers don’t expect you to have a full resume, how you present yourself makes all the difference.

It’s about showing that you’re responsible, motivated, and ready to learn, even if this is your very first job.

That’s where the Resume Builder comes in. It’s built specifically to help young teens highlight what matters most at this stage: soft skills, school achievements, volunteer work, and personal qualities.

Think of your resume not as a job history, but as a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table. 

Here’s what you can include, even without a formal job:

• Reliability: Do you consistently show up to school or practice on time? Have you helped regularly with family chores, younger siblings, or school duties? That counts.
  
• Quick Learning: Are you great at picking up new tech or tools? Mention how fast you learned to use editing software, helped set up a student club, or taught yourself a skill online.
  
• Academic Strengths: Strong grades, good attendance, or a favorite subject can speak volumes about your commitment and mindset.
  
• Volunteer or informal experience: Babysitting for neighbors, dog walking, tutoring a younger sibling, all demonstrate responsibility.

Finally, be forward in how you communicate with employers. A firm handshake, clear speech, and professional behavior can differentiate you from older applicants.

Attach a simple, gracious cover letter when you apply so that they know why you want to work and why you would be excellent for the position.

For Parents: Supporting a Young Worker

Parents play a crucial role in helping 14-year-olds take their first steps into the workforce.

It’s not just about giving rides or signing work permits, it’s about teaching the mindset that makes a job a success.

Support your teen by:

• Helping Them Prepare: Practice interview questions, help build their resume, and role-play job scenarios so they know what to expect.
• Staying Involved, But Not Taking Over: Let them take the lead, but be available to guide when needed. Teach them to ask questions, follow up, and communicate professionally.
• Emphasizing Balance: Make sure the job supports and does not compete with school, rest, and other responsibilities.
• Reviewing Legal Limits: Help ensure the job meets labor law requirements and that the employer is teen-friendly and safe.

The first job is more than a paycheck, it’s the start of their work ethic, independence, and confidence.

With the right support, it can be an empowering and formative experience.

Access our AI Detector and Humanizer directly through the widget below.

Conclusion

It is super beneficial to get a job at 14. Even more so when it contributes to building confidence and skills at such an early age.

If you are trying to find out what jobs hire at 14 in Texas or what jobs hire at 14 in Florida, you do not have to go on that search alone.

Our Smart Applier, Resume Builder, and Cover Letter Generator allow you to hunt and apply for jobs in a smart and secure fashion.

Start today and make your first job something more.