15 High-Paying Jobs That Hire 14-Year-Olds In 2025: The Ultimate Teen Employment Guide

Finding your first job as a 14-year-old in December 2025 is more accessible than ever, but it requires navigating specific child labor laws and knowing which companies are actively hiring young teens. Many major retailers and food service chains are now recruiting 14 and 15-year-olds to fill entry-level positions, providing invaluable work experience and a steady income stream. This definitive guide cuts through the confusion, providing you with a curated list of legitimate, high-paying opportunities—from traditional in-person roles to flexible online gigs—and the exact legal requirements you must follow to start working immediately.

The key to securing a job at this age is understanding the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets the minimum working age at 14 for most non-agricultural jobs in the United States. Knowing these laws and presenting yourself as a responsible, prepared applicant with a work permit will put you miles ahead of the competition and help you land a great first job that respects your school schedule.

The Essential Legal Framework: FLSA Rules for 14- and 15-Year-Olds

Before applying to any job, you must understand the strict federal and state child labor laws governing the employment of minors. These rules are designed to protect your education, health, and well-being. The federal guidelines set by the FLSA are the minimum standard, but remember that your state or local laws may be stricter, and the employer must follow the more protective law.

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Hourly and Time Restrictions (Non-Agricultural Jobs)

The following limits are non-negotiable for 14 and 15-year-olds:

• Maximum Hours on a School Day: 3 hours
• Maximum Hours on a Non-School Day: 8 hours
• Maximum Hours During a School Week: 18 hours
• Maximum Hours During a Non-School Week (Summer/Breaks): 40 hours
• Time Restrictions: You may only work between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Summer Extension: The evening restriction is extended to 9:00 p.m. from June 1st through Labor Day.

These restrictions mean that part-time jobs for 14-year-olds must be flexible and accommodate a student’s schedule. Employers who violate these rules face severe penalties, so they are highly motivated to comply.

Understanding the Youth Minimum Wage

While the federal minimum wage applies to most workers, a special rule exists for younger employees. Employers can pay a Youth Minimum Wage of not less than $4.25 per hour to employees under 20 years of age during their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. After 90 days or once you turn 20, you must be paid the full federal or state minimum wage, whichever is higher. Be aware that some states, like Washington, allow employers to pay 85% of the state minimum wage to 14 and 15-year-olds.

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15 Legitimate Jobs That Hire 14-Year-Olds Now

The job market for young teens is expanding beyond traditional neighborhood gigs. Here is a list of the most reliable and highest-paying jobs you can realistically apply for today, broken down into major employers, local services, and modern online opportunities.

Category 1: Major Retailers and Food Service (Requiring a Work Permit)

These large companies are often the best places to find your first W-2 job, offering structure, training, and a clear path for advancement. These roles typically require an official state-issued work permit.

1. McDonald's Crew Member: Many independently owned McDonald's locations hire 14-year-olds for roles like cashier, lobby attendant, or kitchen assistant, focusing on non-hazardous tasks.
2. Chick-fil-A Team Member: Known for its excellent customer service training, Chick-fil-A is a company that explicitly hires teens as young as 14 in many locations, often for front-of-house or dining room duties.
3. Grocery Store Bagger/Stocker (e.g., Kroger, Publix): Grocery chains are a classic first job. Roles include bagging groceries, stocking shelves, retrieving carts, and general cleanup. Kroger and its affiliates (like Fred Meyer) are known to hire at 14 with a proper work permit.
4. Dairy Queen Team Member: Ice cream and fast-food chains are consistently on the list. Roles are usually limited to serving customers, preparing simple food items, and cleaning.
5. Retail Stocker/Helper (e.g., Target, Walmart): While not every store hires at 14, some large retailers, especially during busy seasons, have openings for general helpers, stockers, or cart attendants.
6. Movie Theater Usher/Concessions: Working at a local cinema is a popular choice. Teens can be hired as ushers to clean theaters, sell concessions, and take tickets.

Category 2: High-Paying Local & Service Jobs

These jobs often pay in cash or offer a higher hourly rate, especially if tips are involved, and sometimes do not require a formal work permit if you are working for a private individual (check your state laws).

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7. Babysitter: A timeless first job. Experienced babysitters can earn $15–$20+ per hour, especially if they have CPR/First Aid certification.
8. Dog Walker/Pet Sitter: With services like Rover or local neighborhood apps, you can set your own rates, often earning $10–$20 per walk or visit. This is a highly flexible job.
9. Lawn Care/Snow Shoveling: Offering services like mowing lawns, weeding, or shoveling snow in your neighborhood allows you to charge per job, often resulting in high earnings for short bursts of work.
10. Camp Counselor/Helper: Many day camps or community recreation programs hire 14-year-olds as Counselors-in-Training (CITs) or general helpers during the summer months.
11. Newspaper Delivery: An early morning classic, this job is a great way to start your work history and manage a route independently.
12. Tutoring Younger Students: If you excel in a subject like math or reading, you can tutor elementary school students for a competitive rate, often $15–$25 per hour.

Category 3: Modern Online and Remote Opportunities

The rise of the gig economy has created legitimate online jobs for 14-year-olds. These are excellent for building a portfolio and often offer flexible hours from home, though parental consent and supervision are essential for safety and legal compliance.

13. Freelance Writer/Blogger: If you have strong writing skills, you can offer services writing articles, blog posts, or social media content for small businesses or individuals (with parental consent).
14. Online Surveys and Reviews: While not a high-paying job, participating in age-appropriate online surveys and product reviews is a simple way to earn gift cards or small amounts of cash in your spare time.
15. Selling Goods Online (Etsy/eBay): Creating and selling crafts, art, or upcycled clothing on platforms like Etsy (under a parent’s account) is a legitimate way to run a small e-commerce business.

How to Get Your Work Permit (Employment Certificate) Fast

For any job with a major employer, you will need an official work permit (also called an Employment Certificate or Working Papers). The process is straightforward but must be completed before you start working.

Step 1: Get the Application Form.

Contact your school district’s administrative office, your high school counselor, or the Regional Office of Education. They are the primary issuers of the permit. In some states, you may be able to download the form from the state Department of Labor website.

Step 2: Secure a Job Offer.

You cannot get a permit without a job offer. The permit application requires the signature of your prospective employer, who must detail the job duties and the hours you will work to ensure they comply with child labor laws.

Step 3: Obtain Parent/Guardian Signature.

Your parent or legal guardian must sign the application, giving their consent for your employment.

Step 4: Complete the Process.

Return the completed form, often with a proof of age document (like a birth certificate or state ID) and sometimes a statement of physical fitness from a doctor, to the issuing officer (usually the school superintendent or a designated school official). The official will then issue the final work permit, which you must give to your employer.

Pro Tip: Start the work permit process as soon as you begin your job search. Having the paperwork ready shows potential employers you are serious, responsible, and prepared to start working.