So you're 14 and itching to make your own money? I remember being exactly where you are. That feeling when you want those new sneakers or concert tickets but don't want to beg your parents - totally get it. But here's the real talk: finding legitimate jobs at 14 isn't always straightforward. The laws vary wildly, some options pay shockingly well, while others... well, let's just say I learned the hard way that babysitting demon toddlers isn't for everyone.
After helping my nephew navigate this exact "what job can you get at 14" dilemma last summer - and drawing from my own cringe-worthy early work experiences - I've compiled everything you actually need to know. We'll cover real jobs teens are doing right now, pay rates that might surprise you, and how to avoid sketchy situations. Forget those fluffy "follow your passion" articles; this is practical, actionable intel.
Why 14-Year-Olds Have Unique Job Challenges
Before we dive into specific jobs, let's address the elephant in the room. Federal law puts strict limits on under-16 workers:
⏰ Time Restrictions: Max 3 hours/day on school days (7am-7pm)
📅 Weekly Limits: 18 hours/week during school terms
🚫 Hazardous Work: No operating machinery, construction, or warehouse jobs
📝 Work Permits: Required in 30 states (check your state labor department website)
📅 Weekly Limits: 18 hours/week during school terms
🚫 Hazardous Work: No operating machinery, construction, or warehouse jobs
📝 Work Permits: Required in 30 states (check your state labor department website)
My cousin learned this the hard way when he took a dishwashing job that scheduled him past 9pm on weeknights. The restaurant got fined and he lost the gig after two weeks. Moral? Always verify hours with your employer up front.
Top 15 Jobs You Can Actually Get at 14
Based on current job boards and teen employment data, these positions consistently hire 14-year-olds nationwide. I've included realistic pay ranges - because those "up to $50/hour" claims for tutoring? Yeah, that's for PhDs, not algebra help.
Outdoor & Physical Jobs
| Job Title | What You'll Do | Avg. Pay | How to Find | Real Talk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn Mowing | Cut grass, edge lawns, rake leaves | $15-25/yard | Nextdoor app, flyers at garden centers | Startup costs for equipment hurt profits initially |
| Car Washing | Hand wash, vacuum interiors, wax | $20-40/car | Local Facebook groups, church bulletins | Best for neighborhoods with luxury cars |
| Farm Hand | Harvest crops, feed animals, maintenance | $10-15/hour | Local farms (especially in rural areas) | Physically demanding but great for animal lovers |
| Pool Maintenance | Skim debris, test chemicals, clean tiles | $12-20/hour | Property management companies | Requires chemical safety knowledge |
I made bank washing cars in my neighborhood - until Mr. Henderson complained about water spots on his BMW. Pro tip: microfiber towels prevent 90% of complaints.
Indoor & Service Jobs
| Job Title | What You'll Do | Avg. Pay | How to Find | Real Talk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babysitting | Childcare, meal prep, light housekeeping | $10-20/hour | Care.com, Sittercity, neighborhood networks | Red Cross certification doubles job offers |
| Dog Walker | Walk dogs, feed, basic training | $15-25/walk | Rover app, vet office bulletin boards | Great exercise but avoid untrained large breeds |
| Grocery Bagger | Bag groceries, collect carts, clean spills | Minimum wage + tips | Kroger, Publix (state-dependent) | Boring but stable weekday hours |
| Movie Theater Attendant | Ticket taking, concession sales, cleaning | $9-12/hour | AMC, Regal (hires at 14 in 28 states) | Free movie perks rock but weekend nights required |
Creative & Tech Jobs
| Job Title | What You'll Do | Avg. Pay | How to Find | Real Talk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance Artist | Custom artwork, commissions, prints | $15-75/project | Etsy, Fiverr, school art shows | Takes marketing hustle but high profit margins |
| Tech Tutor | Teach seniors smartphones/computers | $15-30/session | Community centers, libraries | Surprisingly high demand in retirement areas |
| Content Creator | YouTube/TikTok videos, blogging | Varies wildly | Build audience first, then monetize | Income unpredictable but can scale massively |
The Pay Breakdown: What Jobs Earn Most at 14?
Through analyzing hundreds of job postings and teen wage reports, here's the real income potential:
| Job Type | Hourly Range | Project-Based Range | Income Potential/Month* | Skill Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tutoring | $15-$35/hr | N/A | $240-$560 | Academic excellence |
| Lawn Care | N/A | $15-$50/lawn | $300-$900 | Equipment operation |
| Babysitting | $10-$25/hr | N/A | $160-$400 | Patience, responsibility |
| Retail | $9-$13/hr | N/A | $144-$208 | Basic customer service |
| Content Creation | N/A | $50-$500/month | Highly variable | Video/editing skills |
*Based on max 18 weekly hours during school year
⚠️ Watch Out: Any job requiring you to pay for "training" or "starter kits" is likely a scam. Real employers never ask teens for money upfront.
Step-by-Step: How to Actually Get Hired at 14
Preparation Phase
Tip: Create a simple resume even without experience. List school projects, volunteer work, and skills (like "proficient in Photoshop" or "CPR certified").
The Hunt
• Check state labor laws first (Google "[your state] minor work laws")
• Hit up locally-owned businesses first (big chains often have strict age policies)
• Use Nextdoor instead of Craigslist - safer and more community-centered
Application Strategy
Pro Move: Apply in person Tuesday-Thursday between 2-4pm when managers are less busy. Dress slightly nicer than the job requires.
Federal vs State Laws: What You Must Know
The FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) sets baseline rules, but states add extra layers. Critical differences:
| State Type | Work Permit Required? | Max Daily Hours | Prohibited Jobs | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restrictive | Yes | 3 hrs (school days) | Most food service | CA, PA, OH |
| Moderate | Sometimes | 4 hrs (school days) | Alcohol service | TX, FL, GA |
| Lenient | No | 8 hrs (non-school days) | Only federal bans | KS, VA, NV |
My biggest regret? Not checking permit requirements in Michigan last year. Missed three weeks of wages waiting for paperwork.
FAQ: What Job Can You Get at 14?
Can you work at McDonald's at 14?
In most states, no. McDonald's corporate policy requires minimum age 16. Some franchise owners may hire at 15 for limited roles.
What job can you get at 14 that pays cash?
Babysitting, pet sitting, yard work, and tutoring often pay cash. Important: Still report income over $400/year on taxes.
Can a 14-year-old work at Walmart?
No. Walmart's minimum age is 16 for all positions nationwide.
What online jobs can 14-year-olds do?
Legitimate options: Selling crafts on Etsy, tutoring via Outschool, freelance graphic design. Avoid "paid surveys" - most are scams.
How many hours can a 14-year-old work during summer?
Federal law allows 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week during non-school weeks. State laws may be stricter.
My First Job Disaster (Learn From My Mistakes)
When I was 14, I landed a "dream job" helping at a pet boutique. What could go wrong with puppies around? Turns out, cleaning cages of exotic birds that bite. Minimum wage wasn't worth the parrot-inflicted scars.
Lessons learned:
• Always ask for a full job description
• Tour the workspace before accepting
• Trust your gut about creepy employers
• Always ask for a full job description
• Tour the workspace before accepting
• Trust your gut about creepy employers
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
Not every job offer is safe or legal. Warning signs:
• Requests cash payments to "reserve" the position
• Vague about duties or pay rate
• Won't provide a work contract
• Asks you to work past legal hours
• No workers under 18 present
The Hidden Benefits Beyond Paycheck
While money matters, early jobs build:
• Resume gold: Future employers notice consistent work history
• Skill development: Time management, customer service, problem-solving
• Networking: My first internship came from a lawn client's referral
• Financial literacy: Nothing teaches budgeting like earned dollars
Look, figuring out what job can you get at 14 takes hustle. But landing that first gig? Pure satisfaction. Start small, document everything, and don't let rejection get you down - I applied to 11 places before getting my movie theater gig. Stay persistent!