If you are 14 and ready to earn your first paychecks, the good news is: yes, you can work—legally—under federal law. The key is understanding which jobs are allowed at 14, how many hours you can work during school weeks vs. summer, and what your state requires for work permits (“working papers”). This guide keeps it practical: real job ideas that hire at 14, what tasks you can and can’t do, how to get hired, and the documents you’ll need on day one.
This article covers non‑agricultural work under federal rules for 14–15‑year‑olds. States may be stricter, and many require permits. Always follow the stricter rule where state and federal standards differ. Agricultural jobs have separate age rules; a short overview is included below.
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What’s Legal at 14 (Federal Basics)
Minimum age: 14 for most non‑farm jobs.
When you can work (14–15):
- During the school year: outside school hours; up to 3 hours per day on a school day; up to 18 hours in a school week; between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- On non‑school days/weeks: up to 8 hours per day; up to 40 hours in a non‑school week
- Summer (June 1–Labor Day): evening limit extends to 9 p.m.
Where you can work: Retail shops, offices, recreation facilities, restaurants (with limits), service businesses, parks and camps (non‑hazard tasks), and certain delivery/errand roles on foot or bicycle.
What’s off‑limits at 14: Construction sites, manufacturing plants, roofing, excavation, operating most power‑driven machinery (like meat slicers and power saws), driving a motor vehicle, working in freezers/meat coolers, and cooking over open flames or with non‑automatic deep fryers. If an employer asks you to do one of these, say you’re not allowed and ask for a different task.
State rules and permits: Many states require work permits for workers under 16. Your school, district office, or state labor department typically issues them. You’ll usually need proof of age, a parent/guardian signature, and an employer’s promise of a job that follows youth rules.
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25+ Real USA Jobs That Commonly Hire at 14
Below are starter roles that match federal limits. For each category, you’ll find typical duties you can do at 14 and common tasks to avoid.
A) Retail & Customer Service
Good fits:
- Cashier/bagger at small groceries or boutiques (with a supervisor on site)
- Store helper: stocking shelves (not in freezers/meat rooms), price marking, straightening displays
- Greeter/host at shops or entertainment centers
- Car wash attendant (hand wash/polish) at non‑mechanized stations
Avoid: work in freezers/meat coolers; using compactors/balers; operating power‑driven equipment.
Why retailers hire 14‑year‑olds: Afternoons, early evenings, and weekends are busy; stores need friendly help for bagging, facing shelves, and running small registers.
B) Food Service USA Jobs(Front of House + Limited Kitchen Tasks)
Good fits:
- Counter service at ice‑cream shops, cafés, quick‑serve
- Dining room assistant: bussing, wiping tables, refilling stations
- Dish room aide (non‑industrial washers; follow safety training)
- Cold prep: washing produce, portioning, simple assembly (no open flames)
Avoid: using slicers, mixers beyond light duty, open‑flame grills, or deep fryers without automatic baskets. Don’t work in a freezer or meat cooler.
Why restaurants hire 14‑year‑olds: After‑school and weekend rushes, plus summer tourism seasons. Many chains and local cafés have roles designed for young workers.
C) Office & Clerical USA Jobs
Good fits:
- Filing/records helper at clinics, nonprofits, small offices
- Reception support: answering phones, greeting visitors (with supervision)
- Data entry (simple spreadsheets), mailroom sorting
- Library aide at school or community libraries
Avoid: handling confidential medical/legal files without training; unsupervised front‑desk roles.
D) Tutoring & Academic Support
Good fits:
- Homework helper for middle‑school students
- Peer tutor in math, reading, languages, or coding
- Test‑prep assistant for younger grades (under an adult’s program)
Avoid: independent off‑site work late at night; always meet in safe, supervised spaces or via approved online platforms with a parent’s consent.
E) Parks, Recreation, and Events
Good fits:
- Recreation attendant: setting up equipment, handing out gear, scorekeeping
- Skate rink or bowling lane assistant (non‑hazard tasks)
- Ball kid/batboy/girl for local leagues (with adult supervision)
- Camp helper (not sole counselor) for day camps
Avoid: operating ride machinery, heavy maintenance equipment, or any task marked “hazardous.”
F) Errands & Delivery (On Foot/Bike)
Good fits:
- Flyer distribution for local businesses
- Library/office runner within a campus or office complex
- Food/parcel delivery on foot or bicycle where allowed (daytime/early evening)
Avoid: driving a vehicle or using motorized scooters/cars for work. Stick to foot, bike, or public transit.
G) Household Services (Casual/Exempt Work)
These are generally outside of the stricter youth employment rules but still must be safe and age‑appropriate.
Good fits:
- Babysitting (complete a local babysitter safety course first)
- Pet sitting/dog walking
- Yard work: lawn mowing with a walk‑behind mower you know how to use, leaf raking, watering, weeding, snow shoveling (hand tools only)
Avoid: power edgers, chain saws, large snowblowers, or ladders.
H) Agriculture (If Available)
Agricultural work follows different rules. At 14–15, you may perform non-hazardous farm work outside of school hours (e.g., picking/packing produce, farm stand sales), with restrictions regarding machinery and chemicals.
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What You Can’t Do at 14 Working USA Jobs(Common Deal‑Breakers)
Before you say yes to USA jobs at 14, scan this list and ask questions. If a task appears here, it’s not for 14‑year‑olds under federal rules.
- Construction, manufacturing, and most warehouse equipment tasks
- Operating power‑driven machinery (meat slicers, bakery mixers beyond light duty, circular saws, nail guns)
- Working in freezers or meat coolers; loading/unloading to or from these areas
- Cooking over open flames or using deep fryers without automatic, raising‑lowering baskets
- Driving a motor vehicle or working as a driver/helper
- Roofing, excavation, demolition, or logging
- Any task your state marks as hazardous for minors
If you’re ever unsure, ask the manager for a written list of your duties and compare it against your state’s youth employment page.
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State Rules & Work Permits for USA Jobs (How to Get Legal Fast)
Most states require work permits, also known as “working papers,” for teens under the age of 16. The process is straightforward:
Typical steps
- Find the form: Search for “[Your State] work permit under 16” or check your school counselor’s office.
- Get an employer offer: The permit usually requires an employer to state your job title, duties, and hours.
- Collect signatures: Parent/guardian and school authorization (during the school year) are common.
- Prove age: Birth certificate, passport, or state ID.
- Submit and keep a copy: Your employer keeps one on file; you keep one for your records.
A few well‑known examples
- California: “Permit to Employ and Work” (school issues it; needed even during summer).
- New York: “Student Non‑Factory Employment Certificate” for under 16; your school or issuing officer provides it.
- Texas: No standard work permit, but employers must follow federal and state hour/duty limits; some school districts still issue approval forms.
- Washington/Indiana: Publish clear hour charts—useful to double‑check schedules.
Tip: If your state doesn’t require a permit, ask your employer for a written summary of your schedule and tasks that confirms they follow youth rules.
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How to Get Hired at 14 for USA Jobs(Step‑by‑Step)
Step 1: Build a one‑page teen resume for USA Jobs
You don’t need long experience to look prepared. Include:
- Contact info (phone/email you actually check), city/state, and a parent/guardian contact
- Objective: “Responsible 14‑year‑old seeking after‑school and weekend shifts in retail or food service. Available 3–7 p.m. weekdays; all day Saturdays.”
- Education: school, grade, relevant classes (e.g., Intro to Foods, Computer Apps)
- Experience: babysitting, pet sitting, lawn care, school store, volunteer work, club officer roles
- Skills: cash handling, customer service, Google Sheets, food handler card (if you have one), conversational Spanish, CPR/babysitter certification
- References: 2–3 adults (coach, teacher, youth leader) who agreed to vouch for you
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Step 2: Target nearby employers for USA Jobs
Make a simple map of businesses within a 15‑minute radius: groceries, cafés, frozen yogurt, bookstores, bowling/skate rinks, mini‑golf, camp programs, community centers, and local retail.
Step 3: Ask in person at the right times
Visit 2–4 p.m. on weekdays (between lunch and dinner rush) or mid‑morning on Saturdays. Wear a clean polo/tee and jeans, bring five printed resumes, and ask: “Hi, do you hire 14‑year‑olds for after‑school or weekend shifts? I brought a resume in case.” If the answer is no, ask, “What age do you start at?” and note the date to try again when you turn 15/16.
Step 4: Follow up within 48 hours
Email or call: “Thanks for your time on Tuesday—attaching my resume. I’m available Mon–Thu 3–7 p.m. and Saturdays any time. If 14 isn’t eligible, I’d appreciate a note when I turn 15.”
Step 5: Prepare for a short interview
Expect a 10–15 minute chat. Practice answers to:
- “Why do you want to work here?”
- “What’s good customer service?”
- “How would you handle a busy rush?”
- “What hours can you work with school and activities?”
Bring your work permit form if your state requires it, so the manager can fill their section on the spot.
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Safety & Rights for USA Jobs (Read This Before Your First Shift)
- You must be paid at least minimum wage (federal or state, whichever is higher). Tip‑based roles follow special rules; ask how tips are tracked.
- Keep an hours log: write your start/stop times every shift. Compare your log with your pay stub. If there’s a mismatch, ask your manager politely to fix it.
- Ask for training on any cleaning chemicals or tools you’ll use. If a task feels unsafe or seems on the “prohibited” list, say you’re not allowed to do it and ask for another task.
- Breaks: Some states require rest and meal breaks for minors. Ask what the policy is and write it down.
- Late shifts: Remember the time windows—no later than 7 p.m. during the school year (9 p.m. in summer). If the schedule goes past that, speak up.
- If something goes wrong: Talk to a parent/guardian or trusted adult. Keep notes. Every state has a labor office that can answer youth employment questions.
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Sample Pay Expectations for USA Jobs (Direction of Travel)
Pay varies by state and employer. As a rough guide for entry roles in 2025:
- Retail helper/cashier: often around state/local minimum wage to +$1–$2/hour
- Food service front‑of‑house: base wage near minimum wage, sometimes with tip‑sharing for bussers/counter roles
- Office/clerical aide: typically near local minimum wage
- Babysitting/pet sitting: set by family; often above minimum wage for reliable sitters
When comparing offers, look at commute time, schedule, and whether the job fits your age rules—don’t accept a role that pushes prohibited tasks.
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Templates & Checklists for USA Jobs
A) Teen Resume (One Page)
Name
City, ST • Phone • Email
Parent/Guardian: Name • Phone
Objective
Responsible 14‑year‑old seeking after‑school and weekend shifts in retail or food service. Available Mon–Thu 3–7 p.m.; Saturdays flexible.
Education
School Name, City (Grade 9)
Experience
Babysitting (June–Aug 2024) — Watched two children (6 and 8); prepared snacks; kept a daily log for parents.
School Store Volunteer (2024–present) — Stocked shelves, handled cash drawer with supervision, answered student questions.
Dog Walking (ongoing) — Two neighborhood families; on‑time pickups; text updates after each walk.
Skills
Customer service • Cash handling • Google Sheets • Food handler card (2025) • CPR/First Aid (2025) • Conversational Spanish
References
Coach Taylor (555‑123‑4567) • Ms. Chen, Science Teacher (email) • Youth Group Leader (email)
B) Work Permit Checklist for USA Jobs (Under 16)
- Employer name, address, phone
- Job title and allowed duties
- Proposed schedule (days/hours)
- Parent/guardian signature
- Proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or state ID)
- School authorization (during the school year)
- Copy for you + copy for employer
C) First‑Day Safety Card (Print and Keep in Your Pocket)
- My tasks today: ___________________________
- I am not allowed to: power equipment • freezers/meat coolers • open‑flame cooking • late hours past 7 p.m. (9 p.m. in summer)
- My supervisor today: ______________________
- If asked to do a prohibited task: “I’m only 14—can I get a different task?”
D) Hours Log (Attach to Your Pay Stubs)
| Date | Start | Stop | Total Hours | Manager Initials |
| Mon | 3:30p | 6:30p | 3.0 | ____ |
| Wed | 3:30p | 6:30p | 3.0 | ____ |
| Sat | 10:00a | 4:00p | 6.0 | ____ |
Weekly total (school week limit = 18 hrs): ______
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Parent/Guardian Corner on USA Jobs for 14-Year-Olds (Make It Smooth)
- Transportation plan: Decide who drives on which days, or map safe walking/bus routes. Share live location if possible.
- School first: Keep a shared calendar for homework, sports, and shifts. If grades slip, reduce hours or shift to summer work.
- Taxes & forms: Your teen will fill out an I‑9 (work authorization) and W‑4 (tax withholding). If paid in cash (some small businesses do this), they still must receive a pay stub and all earnings are taxable. Keep records for filing a simple tax return if needed.
- Banking: Open a teen checking/savings account. Set a 50/40/10 split (spend/save/give) or your family’s preferred system.
- Safety check‑ins: Quick text at start/end of shift. Ensure your teen knows who the on‑duty supervisor is each day.
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FAQs
Can a 14‑year‑old work past 7 p.m.?
During the school year, no. From June 1 to Labor Day, you can work until 9 p.m.
Do 14‑year‑olds need a work permit?
Many states require permits for under‑16s. Ask your school or search your state’s labor department page. Follow whichever rule is stricter—state or federal.
Can a 14‑year‑old work at a family business?
Often yes, but hazardous jobs are still off‑limits. Family ownership does not override safety rules.
Can I do food delivery by car or scooter?
No driving for work at 14. Stick to walking or bicycle routes approved by your parent/guardian and employer.
Are babysitting and yard work taxable?
Yes. Keep a simple income log and save any receipts or payment notes. If you earn enough to file, you’ll need those records.
Is lifeguarding allowed at 14?
Most lifeguard jobs require age 15+ plus certifications. Check your local pool’s rules.
Quick State Directory (Where to Start)
Use these phrases to find the right page fast (search: [State] youth employment work permit):
- Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas — “work permit under 16” + state name
- California — “CA Permit to Employ and Work”
- Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware — “youth employment certificate [state]”
- District of Columbia — “DC youth work permit”
- Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho — “teen work permit [state]”
- Illinois — “Illinois work permit minors employment certificate”
- Indiana — “IN youth employment system”
- Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky — “work permit minors [state]”
- Louisiana — “employment certificate minor Louisiana”
- Maine — “Maine work permit under 16”
- Maryland — “MD work permit minors”
- Massachusetts — “MA youth employment permit”
- Michigan — “CA‑7 work permit Michigan”
- Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana — “youth employment [state] work permit”
- Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire — same query format
- New Jersey — “NJ working papers” (now online)
- New Mexico — “work permit minors New Mexico”
- New York — “NY working papers under 16”
- North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma — “youth employment certificate [state]”
- Oregon — “minor employment permit”
- Pennsylvania — “PA working papers under 16”
- Rhode Island — “RI work permit minor”
- South Carolina, South Dakota — same query format
- Tennessee — “TN youth employment”
- Texas — “Texas child labor law” (no standard permit, but rules apply)
- Utah, Vermont, Virginia — “work permit minors [state]”
- Washington — “WA youth employment hours minors”
- West Virginia — “WV work permit minor”
- Wisconsin — “WI work permit under 16”
- Wyoming — “Wyoming child labor work permit”
If your school provides working papers, start there—they’ll route you to the right state forms.
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Final Take
At 14, you can build real experience, earn money, and learn workplace habits that pay off for years. Aim for USA jobs that match federal hour and duty limits, get the right state permit, and keep an hours log from day one. Start with nearby retailers, cafés, recreation centers, libraries, camps, and safe household services. Be reliable, ask for training, and protect your schedule around school. When you turn 15 and 16, your options expand—use this first year to build references and confidence.
This guide is general information—not legal advice. Always check your state’s latest youth employment rules and follow the stricter standard.
