Babysitting, dog walking, yard work, tutoring, and other teen-friendly roles can help you earn money and gain early experience. While jobs for 14-year-olds are more limited, there are still plenty of safe ways to start working and polishing your skills.
In this guide, we will cover these jobs in more detail and explain what skills each one requires. We will also touch on where to find work opportunities for 14-year-olds and what to know about labor laws and resumes so that you can move forward confidently.
Key Takeaways
You can legally work at 14 in some non-hazardous roles under the FLSA; however, you must still abide by state laws and strict rules around your working hours.
Babysitting, tutoring, and being a camp counselor are great options for 14-year-olds who love being around kids.
If you enjoy the outdoors, you can consider becoming a dog walker, lawn care worker, yard worker, or golf caddy.
Other jobs for 14-year-olds include being a grocery store bagger, fast-food crew member, movie theater team member, car wash attendant, and arcade attendant.
You can look for opportunities by asking around and using teen-friendly job boards and school resources.
Can 14-Year-Olds Legally Work in the U.S.?
14-year-olds can legally work in the U.S. in some states and specific roles. Under the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act), you may only hold non-hazardous roles and must follow strict rules regarding when and how long you can work.
You can only work outside of school hours, and you may not work more than 3 hours on a school day, more than 18 hours in a school week, or more than 8 hours a day during breaks. Furthermore, you are only allowed to work between 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M., although the cutoff is later in the summer, when you can work until 9:00 P.M.
Some jobs are entirely off-limits until you are 18, such as those in dangerous or industrial settings, e.g., construction, mining, manufacturing, warehousing, and most transportation-related work. You also can’t operate power-driven machinery, work in freezers or meat coolers, or take on jobs that involve high-risk equipment, such as scaffolding.
Besides these federal regulations, rules vary from state to state; for example, California requires minors to obtain a work permit through their school. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check your local labor department guidelines.
13 Best Jobs For 14-Year-Olds to Consider
Finding a job at 14 can feel limiting, but there are more options than you may realize. Here are 13 flexible options that you can consider to earn money and sharpen your skills:
#1. Babysitter
Babysitting is one of the most common weekend jobs for 14-year-olds and usually involves watching younger children for a few hours while parents are away.
You may help with simple tasks like playing games, preparing snacks, or getting the little ones ready for bed. CPR or babysitting certification can be helpful, but many families hire based on trust and interpersonal skills like patience, responsibility, and adaptability.
#2. Dog Walker
Dog walking is another teen-friendly job, especially for those who enjoy being active. The work centers around taking a neighbor’s or a family friend’s dog out and making sure they get their daily dose of walking. You may also be expected to feed the dogs or clean up after them during outings.
To do this job well, you need to be responsible, as pet owners rely on you to keep their dog safe. Basic leash-handling skills and awareness of your surroundings are also important, especially when walking near traffic.
#3. Lawn Care & Yard Work
Lawn care and yard work typically include tasks such as mowing lawns, raking leaves, pulling weeds, and watering plants. As such, they require physical energy, responsibility, and attention to detail.
In the U.S., this is often a seasonal job, with the most demand during spring and summer when lawns grow quickly, and again in the fall when leaves need to be cleared. Therefore, it is a flexible option for 14-year-olds looking for extra income during school breaks.
#4. Grocery Store Bagger
If you are seeking a steady first job for 14-year-olds, working as a grocery store bagger might be a good option for you. You will be packing items for customers, helping them carry their bags, and keeping the checkout areas clean.
Grocery store baggers need to be attentive, follow instructions well, and work efficiently during busy hours. In return, they gain customer service experience that can be useful in many future jobs.
#5. Fast Food Crew Member
Fast-food restaurants sometimes offer part-time opportunities for 14-year-olds, but only for limited roles. Generally, locally owned franchise locations are a bit more flexible with hiring younger teens compared to larger corporate stores.
As a crew member, you may help with taking orders, cleaning tables, or supporting customer service during rushes. So, to do well, you will need a mix of hard and soft skills, including basic food safety, speed and accuracy, and the ability to work as part of a team.
#6. Ice Cream Shop or Café Helper
If you don’t want to work at a fast-food restaurant but still want to build service experience, a café or ice cream shop helper role is worth considering. You may be tasked with wiping tables, restocking supplies, packaging orders, or bringing items out to customers at their tables.
Since you are often around customers, it is important to have a friendly attitude and clear communication skills. Additionally, you need basic problem-solving skills, as you may have to handle small issues on the spot, like fixing an order mix-up.
#7. Movie Theater Team Member
A movie theater job is suitable for teens who enjoy being in a social environment. You may be hired to take tickets, clean theaters between showings, or direct customers to the right screens.
While these tasks might sound trivial, over time, you will build confidence in public-facing roles and know how to handle responsibility in a real workplace. In addition, the experience can form your foundation in retail, hospitality, or event staffing.
#8. Tutor
Tutoring can be a fantastic job option for 14-year-olds who do well in school and enjoy helping others learn. It is a meaningful way to earn money while strengthening skills that can support your future career goals.
Many teens start by assisting younger students with homework in subjects like math, reading, or spelling. You may tutor neighbors, family friends, or children in your community, and most arrangements will be convenient after-school sessions.
#9. Car Wash Attendant
A car wash job is a solid choice for teens who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. You may be able to take on tasks such as drying vehicles, wiping windows, cleaning interiors, or guiding customers through the process.
This role calls for steady effort, a sharp eye for cleanliness, and the ability to stay productive while working on your feet for long periods. You also learn how to follow routine procedures and support coworkers in a fast-paced setting.
#10. Arcade Attendant
Arcades can be a great workplace for 14-year-olds who like lively environments, don’t mind being around lots of people, and are looking for the best summer jobs for teens.
In this role, you might hand out prizes, help guests with games, tidy up the floors, or let staff know when a machine needs attention. A friendly personality and quick thinking are crucial, since customers often ask for help or have questions.
#11. Camp Counselor
Being a camp counselor is an excellent job for teens who enjoy working with kids and spending time outdoors. Some camps allow 14-year-olds to start as junior counselors or counselor helpers, assisting older staff with activities, games, and supervision.
You might set up equipment, lead group projects, or guide younger campers through their daily schedules, so this role requires energy, patience, and strong leadership skills.
For many teens, being a camp counselor builds confidence, communication skills, and a strong sense of independence. It might also motivate you to build a career in childcare, education, or coaching.
#12. Golf Caddy
If you are near golf courses or country clubs, working as a golf caddy can be a unique way to earn money while spending time in nature. Typically, the job involves carrying golf bags, cleaning clubs, and supporting players throughout their rounds.
You spend your time outside, stay moving, and often earn extra through tipping. It is also one of the few teen jobs where simply showing up consistently can lead to higher pay over time.
#13. Dishwasher
Dishwashing can be a simple first job if you want something steady and low-pressure to start with. You spend most of your time in the kitchen helping keep the space neat.
Similar to café jobs for 14-year-olds, dishwashing is hands-on work that helps you build endurance and get used to a real shift schedule. Even though it is not customer-facing, you are still an important part of the team, and it can be a solid starting point before moving into other restaurant roles later on.
Where to Find Jobs as a Teen
You can find a job as a teen by:
Asking neighbors, family friends, or parents in your community. Many first jobs come through people you already know. Babysitting, dog walking, and yard work, in particular, are often arranged informally.
Checking with local businesses. You can look for job adverts posted in cafés, ice cream shops, restaurants, and grocery stores. It is better to focus on smaller, locally owned businesses, as they tend to be more open to flexible schedules compared to large chains.
Using teen-friendly job boards. Websites like Indeed and Snagajob sometimes list part-time jobs for 14-year-olds. You can also browse local Facebook community groups to find nearby families or small businesses looking for help.
Looking through school resources. Some schools share job postings through bulletin boards or guidance counselors. It is also worth a shot to ask teachers and staff, as they may know families who are hiring teens for tutoring or babysitting.
Exploring youth programs and community centers. Narrow your search to parks departments, recreation programs, and summer camps. They regularly offer roles designed for teens, and these offer a good way to gain work experience because they are structured and supervised.
Do You Need a Resume at 14?
You don’t always need a resume at 14, but having one can help you stand out when applying for jobs. Most teens have little or no work experience, so just by taking the time to write a resume, you show employers that you are serious about the opportunity.
On your teen resume, you should include your name, contact details, and a summary of your strengths. It doesn’t have to be long; one page is enough. You should focus on outlining your school achievements and volunteer experiences, and list hobbies or responsibilities at home that show your transferable skills, like communication, collaboration, and teamwork.
If you aren’t sure where to start, our resume builder can help you create a clean layout quickly. Resume.co is designed to make it easy for teens to put together a first-job resume, even with limited experience.
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Job Hunting as a 14-Year-Old
Below are four mistakes you need to avoid when searching for a job at 14:
Don’t apply without checking age requirements. Most workplaces have strict rules about hiring, so focus on jobs that are legally available for 14-year-olds in your state. This saves you time and prevents you from leaving a poor impression on employers you may want to work with in the future.
Avoid relying only on online applications. For 14-year-olds, most opportunities come through neighbors, community connections, or small local businesses, not large job boards. It is usually also safer, as there are many job scams nowadays.
Don’t underestimate first impressions. Showing up late, dressing carelessly, or speaking unprofessionally can hurt your chances, even for entry-level roles. A polite attitude and basic preparation can go a long way.
Don’t ignore safety and supervision. You should be cautious with jobs offered by strangers online, and always involve a trusted adult when meeting an employer or starting a new role. Your safety should always come before earning money.
Let’s Create Your Resume Together!
Resume.co makes it easy to craft a polished one!Closing Thoughts
Getting a job at 14 is a great way to earn money and start building valuable skills early. While the types of work and hours are limited by law, there are still plenty of safe options for you to choose from.
To increase your chances of securing a role that suits your strengths and preferences, take the time to create a resume. It will help you stand out even if you don’t have formal work experience yet. You can look through the teen-friendly resume examples on our AI-powered builder for inspiration before writing your own!
Jobs For 14-Year-Olds FAQs
#1. How many hours can a 14-year-old work?
A 14-year-old can work up to 3 hours on a school day and up to 18 hours in a week when school is in session. When school is not in session, your hours can increase to 8 and 40, respectively.
#2. What’s the easiest first job?
The easiest first job depends on your strengths and preferences. For example, if you enjoy being around kids, babysitting, tutoring, or camp counseling are excellent options. Meanwhile, if you prefer working outdoors, dog walking or yard work may be an easier place to start.
#3. Can I work online at 14?
Yes, you can work online at 14, but you must still follow federal and state laws. Some job options include computer programming, teaching, and tutoring. However, keep in mind that many freelance platforms require users to be 18 or older. To land these roles, you should showcase strong technical skills on your resume.
#4. How much can a 14-year-old make?
A 14-year-old can make at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour in most jobs, although some states require a higher rate. In certain cases, employers may pay $4.25 per hour during the first 90 days if you are under 20.
