Looking for a first job for your teen? You may be surprised to learn that some restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters and amusement parks may hire workers starting at just 14 years old.
Federal law generally allows 14- and 15-year-olds to work in certain non-hazardous, non-manufacturing jobs outside of school hours. However, state laws and individual employer policies can be stricter, so a company appearing on this list does not mean every location will hire at that age.
Before applying, I recommend calling the specific location or checking its current job listings to confirm the minimum hiring age.
Companies That May Hire at 14
Here are some popular companies where teens may be able to find jobs beginning at age 14, depending on the location and position. The Freebie Guy’s current guide identifies several of these chains as companies where some locations may hire younger teens.
AMC Theatres — 14+
Some locations may have opportunities for younger teens in positions such as concessions or ushering.
Baskin-Robbins — 14+
Some independently operated locations may hire team members beginning at 14.
Kroger — 14+
Depending on state law and store policy, younger teens may qualify for certain grocery-store positions.
Wendy’s — 14+
Some locations may have positions available for workers beginning at age 14.
McDonald’s — 14+
Minimum hiring ages can vary considerably by restaurant and franchise, but some locations may hire at 14.
Six Flags — 14+
Certain parks and seasonal positions may be available to workers starting at age 14.
Dairy Queen — 14+
Some independently owned locations may hire team members at 14.
Publix — 14+
Some locations may have positions for 14-year-olds, including certain front-service roles.
Palace Entertainment — 14+
Some Palace Entertainment properties may offer positions beginning at age 14.
Taco Bell — 14+
Some locations may hire younger teens for eligible team-member positions.
Culver’s — 14+
Some restaurants may hire team members beginning at age 14.
Companies That May Start at 15+
Chuck E. Cheese — 15+
Some locations may hire teens beginning at age 15.
Stop & Shop — 15+
Some stores may have eligible positions for workers beginning at 15.
Companies That Typically Start at 16+
Burger King — typically 16+
Hiring requirements vary among franchise locations, so it’s still worth checking locally.
Check Department of Labor for more details
What Jobs Can a 14-Year-Old Do?
Federal rules allow 14- and 15-year-olds to perform many types of non-hazardous work. Examples include cashiering, selling, price marking, packing, shelving and certain other retail duties. In grocery stores, permitted work can include cashiering, shelf stocking, bagging and carrying customers’ orders.
There are important restrictions. Younger teens generally cannot perform hazardous work or many tasks involving power-driven machinery. There are also restrictions surrounding cooking, baking, freezers/meat coolers, construction and other potentially dangerous work.
That means a 14-year-old hired by a restaurant may not be permitted to perform every job that an older employee can.
How Many Hours Can a 14- or 15-Year-Old Work?
This is something parents should know before their teen applies.
Under federal law, 14- and 15-year-olds generally may work:
- Up to 3 hours on a school day
- Up to 18 hours during a school week
- Up to 8 hours on a non-school day
- Up to 40 hours during a non-school week
- Only outside school hours
- Between 7 AM and 7 PM most of the year
- Until 9 PM from June 1 through Labor Day
States can impose additional or stricter requirements, and when both federal and state rules apply, employers must follow the stricter standard.
Check the U.S. Department of Labor’s rules for 14- and 15-year-old workers?
Other Ways Teens Can Make Money
A traditional restaurant or retail job isn’t the only option. Depending on age, local laws and the type of work, teens may also want to explore opportunities such as babysitting, dog walking, tutoring, camp or recreation programs, neighborhood jobs and certain entertainment or performance work.
Federal law also contains special rules and exceptions for activities including newspaper delivery, acting or performing, and certain work in a business owned entirely by a teen’s parents.
Before Your Teen Applies
The most important thing to remember is that “hires at 14” does not mean every location hires at 14.
Franchises can have different hiring policies, available positions can have different minimum ages, and state youth-employment laws may impose additional requirements. Some states may also require employment certificates or work permits for minors. Federal law itself does not require working papers, but states may.
For the best chance of finding a job, search the company’s careers page and then contact nearby locations directly to ask:
“What is the minimum age you currently hire for entry-level positions at this location?”
That can save your teen from filling out applications for positions they aren’t old enough to hold.
