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What jobs are there that are legal for 14 year olds to work at legally?
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7 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Bonita 14-year olds are legally allowed to work in California. However, there are strict federal regulations governing your hours and the types of jobs you are allowed to do. Here are some of the restrictions you and your parent(s) must follow.
YOU MAY NOT WORK
• During school hours
• Between the hours of 7 pm and 7 am
• More than three hours on school days
• More than 18 hours on a school week
• More than 40 hours on a non-school week
• You must have a work permit from school.
• You must attend school full time (except for summer vacation) and cannot be truant.
WHO'S HIRING
Wondering where you can work at 14.
• RESTAURANTS — Local restaurant jobs that a 14-year-old may qualify for include busser, barista, host or hostess, server, dishwasher, and food prep. Since many national chain restaurants are independently owned, state and individual location guidelines may vary.
• AMC — Hires 14-year olds to do things like sell tickets and concessions, and perform maintenance around the theater. Contact your local AMC to learn more information.
• COMMUNITY CENTERS — Your local community center or parks and recreation department may have job opportunities for 14-year-olds. Positions may include front desk support, after-school youth support, program coordinators, coaches, tutors, lifeguards, and more. Check out your community center or your city's website to learn more.
• WENDY'S — Your local Wendy's may be willing to hire 14-year-olds to work as cashiers, restaurant cleaners, or in food preparation. Wendy's has flexible schedules that allow youth to still in involved in sports, band, and other youth activities.
• MCDONALD'S — Some McDonald's locations hire at 14. There are three crew teams: kitchen crew, counter crew, and maintenance crew. A nice benefit McDonald's has is their Archways to Opportunity Program, which supports its employees with their education.
CONCLUSION
Finally, when work Bonita, it’s vital for everyone involved to remember that adolescence is about many things, and learning about work, developing a work ethic, and growing into adulthood are parts of a bigger picture. With that in mind, it’s best for to have a conversation with your parent(s) to find a healthy balance between work, extracurricular activities, and school.
Hope this will be helpful Bonita, good luck
Although many of the jobs you’re pursuing won’t require a resume, going the extra mile to create one can help you make a positive first impression on prospective employers. Even without any work experience, you can still create a document that draws attention to your education achievements and involvement within your community. Consider using a resume maker to streamline the process and ensure your document is professional and well-organized.
Once you have your resume prepared, you’ll want to secure all the necessary documentation you’ll need for your job application. Tools like a resume editor can ensure your resume includes all essential details, such as your contact information and academic background. You’ll need to gather your Social Security number and bring some form of identification with you. You can obtain either a passport or photo ID since you don’t have a driver’s license.
Hiring managers will already have many concerns about hiring a teenager, especially regarding professionalism, so you’ll want to dress appropriately when applying for your first job. Showing up to apply for a job in jeans and a t-shirt may send the message that you don’t care enough to put the effort in should they choose to hire you. If you dress professionally during the application process and make a positive first impression, employers may be more willing to take a chance on bringing you in for an interview.
YOU MAY NOT WORK
• During school hours
• Between the hours of 7 pm and 7 am
• More than three hours on school days
• More than 18 hours on a school week
• More than 40 hours on a non-school week
• You must have a work permit from school.
• You must attend school full time (except for summer vacation) and cannot be truant.
WHO'S HIRING
Wondering where you can work at 14.
• RESTAURANTS — Local restaurant jobs that a 14-year-old may qualify for include busser, barista, host or hostess, server, dishwasher, and food prep. Since many national chain restaurants are independently owned, state and individual location guidelines may vary.
• AMC — Hires 14-year olds to do things like sell tickets and concessions, and perform maintenance around the theater. Contact your local AMC to learn more information.
• COMMUNITY CENTERS — Your local community center or parks and recreation department may have job opportunities for 14-year-olds. Positions may include front desk support, after-school youth support, program coordinators, coaches, tutors, lifeguards, and more. Check out your community center or your city's website to learn more.
• WENDY'S — Your local Wendy's may be willing to hire 14-year-olds to work as cashiers, restaurant cleaners, or in food preparation. Wendy's has flexible schedules that allow youth to still in involved in sports, band, and other youth activities.
• MCDONALD'S — Some McDonald's locations hire at 14. There are three crew teams: kitchen crew, counter crew, and maintenance crew. A nice benefit McDonald's has is their Archways to Opportunity Program, which supports its employees with their education.
CONCLUSION
Finally, when work Bonita, it’s vital for everyone involved to remember that adolescence is about many things, and learning about work, developing a work ethic, and growing into adulthood are parts of a bigger picture. With that in mind, it’s best for to have a conversation with your parent(s) to find a healthy balance between work, extracurricular activities, and school.
Hope this will be helpful Bonita, good luck
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thanks for the advice.
Bonita
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Bonita,
You need to comply with California Child Labor Laws. Children under the age of 18 need to obtain a work permit and there are restrictions as to how many hours they can work and which industries they can work in. I left some links for you below.
Typical jobs for teens with limited hours and some flexibility would be fast food and retail. Parks or sports centers are another option. You can also offer garden services, clean-up, baby-sitting or pet walking services on your own. If you have any skills and talents like computer skills or arts and crafts, you can sell products. If you are good in certain school subjects, you can offer tutoring for younger kids.
If you want to do baby-sitting look for classes and certifications, e.g. from the Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org/local/california/take-a-class/babysitting-fresno-ca).
You can ask neighbors and family friends if they need any help. Walk around your neighborhood and malls in your area. Look for "help wanted" signs or just walk in, express your interest and drop a resume. You can also look for jobs on ZipRecruiter, Snagajob or Indeed. Filter for your age group.
Consider your earning potential in different kinds of jobs. You can also start to think about what kind of jobs/careers you would like to pursue when you grow up and use your teen jobs as an opportunity to get an inside look into certain careers and businesses.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/dlse-cl.htm
https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/blog/california-work-permit/
You need to comply with California Child Labor Laws. Children under the age of 18 need to obtain a work permit and there are restrictions as to how many hours they can work and which industries they can work in. I left some links for you below.
Typical jobs for teens with limited hours and some flexibility would be fast food and retail. Parks or sports centers are another option. You can also offer garden services, clean-up, baby-sitting or pet walking services on your own. If you have any skills and talents like computer skills or arts and crafts, you can sell products. If you are good in certain school subjects, you can offer tutoring for younger kids.
If you want to do baby-sitting look for classes and certifications, e.g. from the Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org/local/california/take-a-class/babysitting-fresno-ca).
You can ask neighbors and family friends if they need any help. Walk around your neighborhood and malls in your area. Look for "help wanted" signs or just walk in, express your interest and drop a resume. You can also look for jobs on ZipRecruiter, Snagajob or Indeed. Filter for your age group.
Consider your earning potential in different kinds of jobs. You can also start to think about what kind of jobs/careers you would like to pursue when you grow up and use your teen jobs as an opportunity to get an inside look into certain careers and businesses.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
In the U.S., 14-year-olds can work in various safe jobs outside school hours. However, state laws might have stricter rules, so it's smart to check local regulations. Here are some job ideas for 14-year-olds:
Retail: Jobs like cashiering, selling, marking prices, packing, and shelving.
Office and Food Service: Tasks include office work, bagging groceries, stocking, cashiering, and simple kitchen duties like reheating food and cleaning.
Creative Work: Tutoring, teaching, singing, acting, or playing an instrument.
Delivery and Errands: Delivering newspapers or packages on foot, by bike, or using public transport.
Yard Work: General yard work and cleanup, as long as it doesn't involve power tools.
Some places that might hire 14-year-olds include:
Grocery Stores: Stores like Publix, Kroger, and Safeway may hire for roles like bagger, cashier, or cart attendant.
Fast Food: Restaurants like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, and Wendy's might offer jobs like dining room attendant or kitchen helper.
Ice Cream Shops: Places like Baskin-Robbins, Bruster's, and Dairy Queen often hire young teens.
Entertainment Venues: Movie theaters like AMC and amusement parks like Six Flags may hire for roles like ushers or game attendants.
Freelance Jobs: Babysitting, dog walking, yard work, and car washing are popular choices.
Community Centers: Some centers offer roles like front desk support or help with youth programs.
Important things to remember:
Work Permits: Many states require a work permit for minors, which might need parental or school approval.
Hours: There are limits on how many hours 14-year-olds can work, especially during school days.
Hazardous Jobs: Teens under 18 can't work in dangerous jobs like excavation or using certain power tools.
State vs. Federal Law: If state and federal laws are different, the stricter rule applies.
Check Directly: Contact businesses to learn about their hiring policies for 14-year-olds.
Retail: Jobs like cashiering, selling, marking prices, packing, and shelving.
Office and Food Service: Tasks include office work, bagging groceries, stocking, cashiering, and simple kitchen duties like reheating food and cleaning.
Creative Work: Tutoring, teaching, singing, acting, or playing an instrument.
Delivery and Errands: Delivering newspapers or packages on foot, by bike, or using public transport.
Yard Work: General yard work and cleanup, as long as it doesn't involve power tools.
Some places that might hire 14-year-olds include:
Grocery Stores: Stores like Publix, Kroger, and Safeway may hire for roles like bagger, cashier, or cart attendant.
Fast Food: Restaurants like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, and Wendy's might offer jobs like dining room attendant or kitchen helper.
Ice Cream Shops: Places like Baskin-Robbins, Bruster's, and Dairy Queen often hire young teens.
Entertainment Venues: Movie theaters like AMC and amusement parks like Six Flags may hire for roles like ushers or game attendants.
Freelance Jobs: Babysitting, dog walking, yard work, and car washing are popular choices.
Community Centers: Some centers offer roles like front desk support or help with youth programs.
Important things to remember:
Work Permits: Many states require a work permit for minors, which might need parental or school approval.
Hours: There are limits on how many hours 14-year-olds can work, especially during school days.
Hazardous Jobs: Teens under 18 can't work in dangerous jobs like excavation or using certain power tools.
State vs. Federal Law: If state and federal laws are different, the stricter rule applies.
Check Directly: Contact businesses to learn about their hiring policies for 14-year-olds.
Updated
Damon’s Answer
Unfortunately, you can't get working papers until you're 16 in the United States. But don't worry, there are still great ways to earn some extra money and experience. You can help out at home by mowing the lawn, taking out the trash, cleaning the kitchen, making the beds, or vacuuming the floors. When you put in your best effort, people will notice and appreciate it.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Bonta!
These are the sorts of jobs suitable for you at 14-years-old:-
1. Pet Sitter
2. Babysitter
3. YouTube Creator
4. House Cleaner
5. Gardener
6. Fence Painter
7. Video Game Streamer
8. Garage Cleaner
9. Tutor
10. Hobby Coach
11. Yard Sale Helper
12. Junior Camp Counselor
13. Model
14. Tech Support
15. Elderly Helper
16. Artist
17. Bike or Skateboard Mechanic
18. Car Washer
19. Organizer
20. Voice Actor
21. Produce Picker
22. Farmhand
23. Mowing
24. Food delivery
25. Selling lemonade.
NUTRITION IS FACILITATIVE
The mineral zinc is one notable nutrient that can improve work performance when a deficiency is rectified! There are 101 others!
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12044825/
I can speak from personal experience. I was a shy, scared introvert with poor academic performance until zinc was repleted, just as I needed it, from foods, not pills, at 9 years of age. How? Eating oysters! At 10 years of age I commenced public speaking doing lectures at my school to other classes. Teachers would lend me to do a lecturette for their class.
Is there any reason why you cannot be a consultant or a tutor?
These specialties can be done from home, rather than commuting. Remote search engines can be used to seek research information for an academic department somewhere in the world.
Do you need an MBA to rescue failing businesses? Many businesses go to the wall because of procrastination. Failure to execute timely rescue missions. https://www.onlymyhealth.com/what-is-decision-paralysis-and-how-to-deal-with-it-1705299893
Another pursuit is research for law firms through https://www.law.cornell.edu/
It shall not be long, and you could commence other work too as a technical assistant! You could be a remote administrative assistant working on databases, and documents. Even better if it is a search for an academic staff member of a college! Once you are familiar with search engines such as PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Another one is coding. Children at kindergarten have started. Never mind the AI!
Many want to know why their business is not profitable. Often the manager is procrastinating, and can fall victim to this syndrome:
https://www.onlymyhealth.com/what-is-decision-paralysis-and-how-to-deal-with-it-1705299893
The Internet is like a huge library, and you are at the reference desk!
JCF
These are the sorts of jobs suitable for you at 14-years-old:-
1. Pet Sitter
2. Babysitter
3. YouTube Creator
4. House Cleaner
5. Gardener
6. Fence Painter
7. Video Game Streamer
8. Garage Cleaner
9. Tutor
10. Hobby Coach
11. Yard Sale Helper
12. Junior Camp Counselor
13. Model
14. Tech Support
15. Elderly Helper
16. Artist
17. Bike or Skateboard Mechanic
18. Car Washer
19. Organizer
20. Voice Actor
21. Produce Picker
22. Farmhand
23. Mowing
24. Food delivery
25. Selling lemonade.
NUTRITION IS FACILITATIVE
The mineral zinc is one notable nutrient that can improve work performance when a deficiency is rectified! There are 101 others!
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12044825/
I can speak from personal experience. I was a shy, scared introvert with poor academic performance until zinc was repleted, just as I needed it, from foods, not pills, at 9 years of age. How? Eating oysters! At 10 years of age I commenced public speaking doing lectures at my school to other classes. Teachers would lend me to do a lecturette for their class.
Is there any reason why you cannot be a consultant or a tutor?
These specialties can be done from home, rather than commuting. Remote search engines can be used to seek research information for an academic department somewhere in the world.
Do you need an MBA to rescue failing businesses? Many businesses go to the wall because of procrastination. Failure to execute timely rescue missions. https://www.onlymyhealth.com/what-is-decision-paralysis-and-how-to-deal-with-it-1705299893
Another pursuit is research for law firms through https://www.law.cornell.edu/
It shall not be long, and you could commence other work too as a technical assistant! You could be a remote administrative assistant working on databases, and documents. Even better if it is a search for an academic staff member of a college! Once you are familiar with search engines such as PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Another one is coding. Children at kindergarten have started. Never mind the AI!
Many want to know why their business is not profitable. Often the manager is procrastinating, and can fall victim to this syndrome:
https://www.onlymyhealth.com/what-is-decision-paralysis-and-how-to-deal-with-it-1705299893
The Internet is like a huge library, and you are at the reference desk!
JCF
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Bonita !
There is a great opportunity for you to learn about employment and become prepared through the Workforce Connection Young Adult Program, administered by the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission and the start age is 14. There is also a Summer Youth Employment Program in your town that you can work through - The One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps program once you turn 16. You can also explore employment opportunities through the City of Fresno Internships. Go to these program's websites and obtain the information as an employment program is an ideal way to obtain support and information for your first job.
You can also work legally at ages 14 and 15 on a farm and as you probably already know, your hours and days that you'd be able to work would be restricted. In Fresno County, there are 1.88 million acres of farmland, so this may be a consideration.
When you turn 15, look into The Youth Employment Opportunity Program. They provide mentors and coaches to help your age group learn and obtain work. The Employment Development Department seems to have services for 14 year olds and I left the link to their website below.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SERVICES FOR AGES 14 - 24 https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/Services_for_Youth/
There is a great opportunity for you to learn about employment and become prepared through the Workforce Connection Young Adult Program, administered by the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission and the start age is 14. There is also a Summer Youth Employment Program in your town that you can work through - The One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps program once you turn 16. You can also explore employment opportunities through the City of Fresno Internships. Go to these program's websites and obtain the information as an employment program is an ideal way to obtain support and information for your first job.
You can also work legally at ages 14 and 15 on a farm and as you probably already know, your hours and days that you'd be able to work would be restricted. In Fresno County, there are 1.88 million acres of farmland, so this may be a consideration.
When you turn 15, look into The Youth Employment Opportunity Program. They provide mentors and coaches to help your age group learn and obtain work. The Employment Development Department seems to have services for 14 year olds and I left the link to their website below.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for doing this for me. This actually helps me understand more than the others I have seen. So again, Thank you!
Bonita
You are very welcome, Bonita ! Have a wonderful day !
Michelle M.
Updated
Steve’s Answer
While a Live Coding Interview Tool is designed for hiring developers, the concept of matching skills to opportunities applies here too. For 14-year-olds, legal jobs depend on local labor laws, but common options include babysitting, lawn care, pet sitting, tutoring, and certain retail or food service roles with limited hours. Just like in a live coding interview, it’s about demonstrating capability in real-time — showing reliability, communication skills, and problem-solving. Before applying, always check your state or country’s regulations to ensure the work is compliant.