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Kaila
Student
Catonsville, Maryland
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What are some jobs in Maryland that hire at 14?
Hi! I’m 14 years old and live in Maryland. I’m looking for my first job and would love advice from people who have experience hiring teens.
Does anyone know of businesses near Odenton, Catonsville, Columbia, Ellicott City, or surrounding areas that hire 14-year-olds? I’m interested in part-time jobs for the summer and during the school year. I’ve already looked at some larger chains, but many either don’t hire at 14 or haven’t responded to my applications.
I’d appreciate any recommendations for companies, local businesses, restaurants, ice cream shops, movie theaters, grocery stores, or other places that are known to hire responsible 14-year-olds. I’d also love any tips on how to stand out when applying with little job experience.
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Shannon Wei
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Shannon’s Answer
Hi Kaila! It’s great that you are starting your job search early. At 14, it can be harder to find a first job because some businesses choose to hire at 15 or 16, but there are still real options if you are persistent and professional. Since you live in Maryland, make sure you understand the work permit rules first. Maryland minors under 18 generally need a work permit, and 14- and 15-year-olds have limits on work hours and the types of jobs they can do. For example, Maryland says 14- and 15-year-olds generally cannot work during school hours, more than 3 hours on a school day, more than 18 hours in a school week, more than 8 hours on a non-school day, or more than 40 hours when school is not in session.
For the areas you mentioned, I would check local ice cream shops, small restaurants, grocery stores, tutoring opportunities, summer camps, community centers, and county youth employment programs. If you are near Catonsville, look into the Baltimore County Summer Youth Employment Program, which serves youth ages 14–21 and offers paid summer work experience. For Columbia and Ellicott City, check Howard County’s youth employment page, but know that some of their current programs may start at 16, so local shops may be more realistic at 14. For Odenton and Anne Arundel County, look into Anne Arundel workforce resources and nearby summer programs; the City of Annapolis also has a Young Teen summer internship program for ages 14–16, although applications may open and close early each year.
I would also recommend making a simple one-page resume, even if you have never had a formal job before. You can include babysitting, dog sitting, yard work, helping neighbors, volunteering, school clubs, strong grades, reliability, and your availability. Informal work still counts because it shows responsibility, communication, and trustworthiness. You should also prepare a few strong references who are not directly related to you, such as a teacher, coach, neighbor, volunteer supervisor, babysitting client, pet-sitting client, or family friend you have helped before. A good reference can vouch that you are dependable, polite, responsible, and willing to learn. Just make sure you ask their permission before giving their name or contact information to an employer.
When you apply, try to go a little above and beyond. Dress neatly, bring a printed resume, and politely ask if a manager is available. You could say, “Hi, I’m 14 and looking for my first part-time job. I’m responsible, available this summer, and willing to learn. Do you hire 14-year-olds with a Maryland work permit?” If they say no, thank them and ask when they usually start hiring or whether you can check back when you are 15. Even if your first opportunity is babysitting, pet sitting, tutoring, volunteering, or helping at a camp, take it seriously. Those experiences can help you build a stronger resume and make it easier to get a formal job later.
For the areas you mentioned, I would check local ice cream shops, small restaurants, grocery stores, tutoring opportunities, summer camps, community centers, and county youth employment programs. If you are near Catonsville, look into the Baltimore County Summer Youth Employment Program, which serves youth ages 14–21 and offers paid summer work experience. For Columbia and Ellicott City, check Howard County’s youth employment page, but know that some of their current programs may start at 16, so local shops may be more realistic at 14. For Odenton and Anne Arundel County, look into Anne Arundel workforce resources and nearby summer programs; the City of Annapolis also has a Young Teen summer internship program for ages 14–16, although applications may open and close early each year.
I would also recommend making a simple one-page resume, even if you have never had a formal job before. You can include babysitting, dog sitting, yard work, helping neighbors, volunteering, school clubs, strong grades, reliability, and your availability. Informal work still counts because it shows responsibility, communication, and trustworthiness. You should also prepare a few strong references who are not directly related to you, such as a teacher, coach, neighbor, volunteer supervisor, babysitting client, pet-sitting client, or family friend you have helped before. A good reference can vouch that you are dependable, polite, responsible, and willing to learn. Just make sure you ask their permission before giving their name or contact information to an employer.
When you apply, try to go a little above and beyond. Dress neatly, bring a printed resume, and politely ask if a manager is available. You could say, “Hi, I’m 14 and looking for my first part-time job. I’m responsible, available this summer, and willing to learn. Do you hire 14-year-olds with a Maryland work permit?” If they say no, thank them and ask when they usually start hiring or whether you can check back when you are 15. Even if your first opportunity is babysitting, pet sitting, tutoring, volunteering, or helping at a camp, take it seriously. Those experiences can help you build a stronger resume and make it easier to get a formal job later.
Thank you for the advice! I looked into the county youth employment programs for Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, and Howard County, but the applications for the programs I found are already closed. I’m mainly looking for businesses near Odenton, Catonsville, Columbia, and Ellicott City that are currently hiring 14-year-olds. Do you know of any specific businesses or employers in those areas that have hired 14-year-olds recently?
Kaila