Many teenagers want to start earning their own money, and there are several part-time jobs available for 14- and 15-year-olds.
Common options include roles in retail, food service, babysitting, yard work, and other entry-level positions that help teens build early work experience.
Federal child labor laws limit the hours teens can work and the types of jobs they can do, but plenty of opportunities are still available.
In this guide, we’ll cover job ideas for 14- and 15-year-olds, places that hire young teens, and tips for getting your first job with no experience.
What jobs hire at 14?
14-year-olds can work in several entry-level roles, although the types of jobs available are limited by federal child labor laws.
Many teens start with service jobs like babysitting or dog walking, while others work in grocery stores, ice cream shops, or family businesses.
These early jobs help build responsibility and basic work skills.
Where can you work at 14?
Many national chains and local businesses hire teens at age 14 for entry-level roles, although hiring policies can vary by location and state laws.
Common places that hire 14-year-olds include:
Fast food and food service
Retail and grocery
Local opportunities
- Farms or agricultural work
- Family-owned businesses
- Neighborhood services like lawn care, babysitting, or pet sitting
1. Entertainment and family business jobs
If you have a theatrical side, you’re in luck.
People of any age may perform in radio, TV, movie or theater.
Depending on your view, this next bit may be good or bad: Your parents can have you work in their small business (as long as it does not fall into the above forbidden categories).
2. Entry-level jobs for young teens
Many entry-level positions are going unfilled and employers are beginning to sweeten the pot to attract job seekers.
That means you may have more options and better working conditions.
You probably know about the classics: non-official work such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, pet-sitting or dog walking, and babysitting.
But you may not think this work counts as "regular," so if you want or need to earn a set amount of income, these may not be the best choices.
On the other hand, these entrepreneurial jobs show off your can-do spirit and can lead to greater opportunities.
3. First jobs in retail or food service
If you want to get experience working with a team or in a structured work environment, many people start their working careers in fast food or other service industries such as coffeehouses, movie theaters or supermarkets.
How to get a job at 14 with no experience
Getting your first job at 14 can feel intimidating, especially if you have no formal work experience yet.
The good news is that many employers expect young teens to be new to the workforce.
By showing that you are reliable, responsible, and willing to learn, you can still make a strong impression when applying for entry-level jobs.
Here are a few simple ways to improve your chances of getting hired:
- Ask local businesses if they are hiring: Small businesses, grocery stores, and restaurants sometimes hire young teens for entry-level work.
- Talk to people in your community: Friends, neighbors, and family members may know about opportunities for babysitting, yard work, or pet sitting.
- Be ready to fill out job applications: Many employers will ask you to complete a simple job application in person or online.
- Show a positive attitude: Being polite, reliable, and eager to help often matters more than experience for your first job.
How to write a resume and job applications for 14 year olds
Even if you have never had a paid job before, a simple resume can help you stand out when filling out job applications.
Employers understand that 14-year-olds are just starting out, so they usually look for signs of responsibility and effort rather than work history.
A first resume might include:
- School achievements or good grades
- Extracurricular activities or sports teams
- Volunteer work
- Informal jobs like babysitting, lawn care, or helping neighbors
- Skills such as teamwork, communication, or reliability
If you’re not sure where to start, Resume.io offers simple resume templates that make it easy for students and first-time job seekers to create their first resume quickly.
Job ideas for 15 year olds
By age 15, teenagers often have access to more job opportunities than they did at 14.
While federal labor laws still limit certain types of work and hours, many employers are comfortable hiring 15-year-olds for entry-level roles in retail, food service, and recreation.
These jobs help teens gain work experience, earn spending money, and develop important skills like teamwork and customer service.
Common job ideas for 15 year olds include:
- Retail jobs such as cashier or stocker
- Food service jobs like fast food crew member or restaurant host
- Recreation roles such as lifeguard or camp counselor assistant
- Grocery store jobs including bagger or shelf assistant
- Local service jobs like babysitting or pet sitting
1. Retail jobs
Retail jobs often involve helping customers, organizing products, and keeping stores clean and stocked.
- Cashier
- Retail sales associate
- Stocker or shelf assistant
2. Food service jobs
Restaurants and fast food locations frequently hire teens for roles that involve serving customers and helping keep the restaurant running smoothly.
- Fast food crew member
- Restaurant host or busser
- Ice cream shop worker
3. Recreation and seasonal jobs
Seasonal jobs are common for teens, especially during the summer when camps, parks, and pools need extra help.
- Lifeguard (with certification)
- Camp counselor assistant
- Amusement park worker
4. Other entry-level jobs
Some teens also find work in quieter environments like libraries, offices, or grocery stores where basic organizational and customer service skills are useful.
- Library assistant
- Office helper
- Grocery store bagger
What places hire 15 year olds?
Many national chains and local businesses hire teens starting at age 15, especially for part-time or seasonal work.
Common places that hire 15-year-olds include:
1. Fast food and food service
- McDonald's
- Dairy Queen
- Pizza Hut
2. Retail and grocery stores
- Publix
- Kroger
- Local grocery stores
3. Entertainment venues
- AMC Theatres
- Bowling alleys
- Arcades
Local businesses, community centers, and seasonal employers such as camps or recreation facilities may also hire 15-year-olds for entry-level roles.
Online jobs for 15 year olds at home that pay
Some 15-year-olds prefer flexible work they can do from home.
While many online platforms have minimum age requirements, there are still ways for teens to earn money online with parental permission or by offering services directly to people in their community.
1. Online tutoring
If you do well in school, tutoring younger students online can be a great way to earn money while helping others learn.
- Tutoring elementary school students in subjects like math or reading
- Helping classmates study for tests
- Assisting younger students with homework
2. Selling crafts or digital products
Creative teens can earn money by selling handmade items or digital designs online.
- Selling handmade crafts or jewelry
- Designing stickers or printable art
- Creating digital templates or graphics
3. Freelance writing or creative work
Teens who enjoy writing or creating content can sometimes find small freelance projects online.
- Writing blog posts or articles
- Helping small businesses with social media
- Creating graphics or digital content
4. Online surveys or small tasks
Some websites offer small payments for surveys or simple online tasks, although many require parental permission or have age restrictions.
- Completing online surveys
- Reviewing products or music
- Watching advertisements or testing apps
While online work can be flexible, teens should always check platform age requirements and ask a parent or guardian before signing up for any website or online service.
How to get a job at 15 with no experience
Getting your first job at 15 may feel challenging if you have never worked before, but many employers expect young teens to be new to the workforce.
What matters most is showing that you are responsible, willing to learn, and ready to help where needed.
Even small experiences like helping neighbors or participating in school activities can show employers that you are dependable.
Here are a few simple ways to improve your chances of getting hired:
- Ask local businesses if they are hiring: Restaurants, grocery stores, and small retail shops often hire teens for part-time entry-level roles.
- Let people in your community know you are looking for work: Friends, family, neighbors, and teachers may know about opportunities such as babysitting or yard work.
- Be prepared to complete a job application: Many employers will ask you to fill out a simple job application online or in person.
- Show that you are reliable: Arriving on time, being polite, and showing enthusiasm can make a strong impression even if you have no work history.
How to write a job application for 15 year olds with no experience
Even without formal work experience, a simple resume can help you stand out when filling out job applications.
Employers hiring young teens usually want to see signs that you are responsible, motivated, and able to work well with others.
A first resume for a 15-year-old might include:
- School achievements or good grades
- Extracurricular activities such as sports or clubs
- Volunteer work or community involvement
- Informal jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, or lawn care
- Skills such as teamwork, communication, or reliability
Once you have a resume ready, you can start applying for entry-level jobs at local businesses, restaurants, grocery stores, and other places that hire teens in your area.
Jobs you can do at 14 vs 15
Some jobs are available to both 14- and 15-year-olds, while others become more accessible once you turn 15.
The table below shows common examples.
| Job | Age 14 | Age 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Babysitting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dog walking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ice cream shop worker | ✓ | ✓ |
| Retail cashier | — | ✓ |
| Restaurant host or busser | — | ✓ |
| Lifeguard | — | ✓ |
| Camp counselor | — | ✓ |
What companies hire young teens?
Many national chains and local businesses regularly hire teens for entry-level roles.
While hiring policies can vary by location, the following companies are commonly known for hiring young workers.
| Company | Minimum hiring age |
|---|---|
| Baskin-Robbins | 14 |
| Dairy Queen | 14 |
| McDonald's | 14-15 depending on location |
| AMC Theatres | 15 |
| Publix | 15 |
| Pizza Hut | 15 |
Local businesses, grocery stores, and restaurants may also hire young teens for part-time roles, especially during busy seasons or summer months.
How many hours can 14 and 15 year olds work?
Child labor laws limit how many hours teens aged 14 and 15 can work during the school year and outside of school.
These rules are designed to protect students and ensure work does not interfere with education.
While specific regulations may vary slightly by state, most employers follow the federal guidelines under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
| Situation | Maximum hours allowed |
|---|---|
| School day | 3 hours |
| School week | 18 hours |
| Non-school day | 8 hours |
| Non-school week | 40 hours |
| Evening limit | 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day) |
These limits apply to non-agricultural jobs such as retail, restaurants, and other service roles.
Agricultural work may follow different rules, and some states have additional restrictions or requirements for young workers.
Do 14 and 15 year olds need working papers or a permit?
Yes, in many states 14- and 15-year-olds must have working papers or an employment certificate before they can start a job.
These documents confirm your age and show that you are legally allowed to work under child labor laws.
Schools often help issue these permits, and employers usually need to keep a copy on file before you begin working.
Requirements vary by state, so it’s a good idea to check your state’s labor department website or ask your school for guidance.
What are the highest paying jobs for young teens?
Some jobs available to 14- and 15-year-olds can pay more than typical entry-level roles, especially if they require specific skills or certifications.
Many of the highest paying jobs for young teens involve helping people in their community or offering services that not everyone can do.
Some of the better-paying jobs for teens include:
- Babysitting for multiple children or regular families
- Tutoring younger students in school subjects
- Lifeguarding (with proper certification)
- Yard work such as mowing lawns or landscaping
- Pet sitting or dog walking for several households
- Helping neighbors with technology or computer setup
These jobs can sometimes pay more than standard entry-level positions because they rely on trust, responsibility, or specialized skills.
Key takeaways
- Many teens can start working at age 14, often in entry-level roles like babysitting, pet sitting, grocery stores, or ice cream shops.
- 15-year-olds may have access to more job opportunities, including roles in retail, restaurants, recreation, and seasonal work.
- Federal child labor laws limit how many hours 14- and 15-year-olds can work during the school year and what types of jobs they can do.
- Some states require working papers or employment permits before teens under 16 can start a job.
- Even without work experience, teens can improve their chances of getting hired by preparing a simple resume and completing job applications carefully.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re looking for your first job as a young teen, you may still have questions about what’s allowed and how much you can earn.
Here are answers to some common questions about working at ages 14 and 15.
Can 15 year olds work full-time?
No, 15-year-olds generally cannot work full-time during the school year under federal labor laws.
Teens aged 14 and 15 are limited to specific hourly limits, such as three hours on a school day and up to 18 hours in a school week.
However, they may work up to 40 hours in a non-school week, such as during summer vacation.
How much can a 15 year old earn every month?
How much a 15-year-old earns depends on how many hours they work and the local minimum wage where they live.
Many entry-level jobs pay at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, although some states and cities require higher wages.
A teen working part-time after school might earn a few hundred dollars per month depending on their schedule.
What jobs can you get under 14?
Most traditional jobs are not available until age 14 because of child labor laws.
However, younger teens may still earn money through jobs like delivering newspapers, helping in a family business, agricultural work, or performing in entertainment such as acting or modeling.
