Yes, a 14-year-old can legally work in many non-hazardous, non-manufacturing jobs in the U.S. (subject to federal FLSA rules and stricter state laws), such as in retail, food service, grocery stores, or as a barista. They must work outside school hours, with limited hours (3 hours/school day, 18 hours/week).
Yes, it's generally okay and legal for a 14-year-old to get a job in the U.S., but it comes with strict federal and state-specific rules on when they can work (limited hours, not during school) and what jobs they can do (no hazardous work like manufacturing or operating heavy machinery). Common jobs include retail, food service, babysitting, or yard work, but they usually need a work permit, and success depends on balancing work with school and personal time.
The jobs that you are allowed to work at include the following:
How to make $1000 fast as a 14-year-old? You could make $1,000 by combining online jobs like freelancing, taking surveys, or selling clothes online with local gigs like babysitting, yard work, or flipping items. Promoting your services through social media or flyers may help you find more opportunities quickly.
Cleaning is a great job to get as a 14 year old, especially because it's pretty easy to pick up experience. Most parents or guardians will pay their kids to do chores, so you could make this a regular opportunity with your family.
A 14-year-old must generally be paid at least the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr), or a higher state minimum wage if applicable, though employers can pay $4.25/hr for the first 90 days for workers under 20, with exceptions for casual babysitting (often exempt). Rates vary significantly by job, with babysitting often paying much more ($15-$25+) depending on experience and location, while formal jobs follow legal minimums.
There are restrictions on the jobs that people under 18 years old can do. Some jobs for people 14 years old and younger require a government permit. This varies by age group and type of work. People aged 14 and under need to get a parent or guardian's permission to work.
Good first jobs for teens build responsibility and skills, with popular options including retail cashier/stocker, fast-food crew member, babysitter, pet sitter/dog walker, lifeguard, camp counselor, movie theater usher, and library assistant, offering experience in customer service, teamwork, and time management without needing prior experience. Flexible options like tutoring, data entry, or even freelance online work are also great for balancing school.
Yes, a 14-year-old can work at McDonald's in Hamilton, Ontario, but only in certain roles with restrictions.
The minimum wage for students under 18 is $13/hour. Employers can choose to pay students more than this minimum wage. This rate applies to the first 28 hours worked in a week when school is in session. Students must be paid the general minimum wage of $15/hour for any hours exceeding 28 hours in one week.
They may not work:
Yes, you can legally hire and pay your child to work for you. There is no minimum age someone must be before they can earn a salary. To make sure you are compliant with the IRS: Choose a job that is appropriate for their age.
Young workers and the minimum wage
Here are some common part-time jobs for 14-year-olds: Retail Positions: Some retail stores hire teens for roles such as cashier, stocker, or sales associate. Food Service Jobs: Fast food restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops often have openings for teens. Roles can include cashier, server, or kitchen assistant.
The primary qualifications for getting a job as a 14-year-old are a willingness to learn and the ability to perform the required functions. At this age, employers do not expect you to have prior experience or training—they provide both.
12 Essential job skills for teenagers
A 14-year-old can legally work outside school hours, limited to 3 hours on a school day, 18 hours in a school week, 8 hours on a non-school day, and 40 hours in a non-school week, generally between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. from June 1st to Labor Day) under federal law (FLSA), but specific state laws can add more restrictions.
Minors ages 14-15 may not work more than 8 hours per day, 6 days per week, 40 hours per week or before 7am or after 9pm each day. Documented breaks of at least 30 minutes are required for minors ages 14-15 working 5 or more continuous hours per day.