Finding your first job can be exciting, but it can also be frustrating when nearly every job listing says applicants must be 16 or 18 years old.

The good news is that there are jobs that hire at 14 and 15. Restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters, amusement parks, and other businesses may hire younger teens for certain entry-level positions.

The challenge is knowing where to look.

Federal law allows 14- and 15-year-olds to work in many non-hazardous, non-manufacturing jobs, but there are restrictions on both the type of work they can perform and the hours they can work. State laws may add additional restrictions.

If you’re searching for jobs that hire at 14 and 15, the companies below are some of the best places to start checking for current openings.

Keep in mind that minimum hiring ages can vary by state, individual location, franchise owner, and position. A company may hire 14-year-olds at one location while requiring applicants to be 16 at another.

That makes it important to check the actual job posting before applying.

Can You Get a Job at 14 or 15?

Yes.

Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, 14 is generally the minimum age for most non-agricultural employment, with some exceptions. Fourteen- and 15-year-olds may work outside school hours in a variety of non-manufacturing and non-hazardous jobs.

The U.S. Department of Labor lists many types of work that 14- and 15-year-olds are permitted to perform.

These include many common retail duties such as:

• Cashiering
• Selling
• Price marking
• Packing
• Shelving merchandise
• Some food-service work
• Certain cleaning duties
• Creative or intellectual work
• Tutoring
• Certain yard work that does not involve prohibited power equipment

This is why many jobs that hire at 14 and 15 are found in restaurants, grocery stores, entertainment venues, and other customer-service businesses.

However, being old enough to work doesn’t mean a 14- or 15-year-old can perform every task that older employees can.

What Jobs Can’t 14- and 15-Year-Olds Do?

Federal youth-employment rules prohibit younger teens from performing a number of potentially hazardous tasks.

For example, 14- and 15-year-olds generally cannot work in manufacturing, mining, construction, most transportation and warehousing occupations, or jobs involving many types of power-driven machinery. They also cannot work in freezers or meat coolers or perform certain baking and cooking operations.

Restaurant work provides a good example.

A restaurant may be able to hire a 15-year-old as a cashier or dining-room employee while restricting that same employee from using certain kitchen equipment. Federal rules permit some limited cooking and food-preparation activities while prohibiting others.

So when you see a company on this list, remember that the minimum hiring age doesn’t necessarily apply to every job at that company.

How Many Hours Can a 14- or 15-Year-Old Work?

Federal law places specific limits on the hours younger teens can work.

When school is in session, 14- and 15-year-olds generally may work:

• No more than 3 hours on a school day, including Friday
• No more than 18 hours during a school week
• Only outside school hours

When school is not in session, they generally may work:

• Up to 8 hours on a non-school day
• Up to 40 hours during a non-school week

There are also restrictions on what time of day younger teens can work.

Generally, 14- and 15-year-olds can work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

From June 1 through Labor Day, they may work until 9 p.m.

These are federal rules. States may impose stricter requirements, and when federal and state youth-employment laws both apply, employers must follow the stricter standard.

That is especially important when searching for jobs that hire at 14 and 15, because the same national company may have different opportunities depending on where you live.

Companies With Jobs That Hire at 14 and 15

The companies below are worth checking if you’re looking for your first job.

Some have documented opportunities for employees under 16, while others have hiring ages that vary by franchise, location, state, or specific position.

Always check the current job listing before applying.

1. Six Flags

Six Flags amusement parks can be a particularly good place for younger teens to check for seasonal and part-time work.

Depending on the individual park and position, younger workers may find opportunities in areas such as:

• Admissions
• Games
• Food and beverage
• Merchandise
• Guest services
• Park services

Amusement parks often need large numbers of seasonal employees, particularly during summer and other busy periods.

That timing can also work well for younger employees because federal rules allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work more hours during weeks when school isn’t in session.

Possible jobs: Admissions, games, merchandise, food service, guest services, and park services.

Hiring age: Some locations and positions may hire at 14 or 15. Check the current opening at your local park.

2. McDonald’s

McDonald’s is one of the first places many teenagers consider when looking for an entry-level job.

Restaurants need employees for customer service, front-counter work, dining-room duties, cleaning, and food service.

However, there is an important detail younger applicants should understand: many McDonald’s restaurants are operated by independent franchisees.

That means minimum hiring ages can differ between restaurants.

A McDonald’s near you may have different requirements from another location in the same city.

Federal rules do allow 14- and 15-year-olds to perform certain restaurant and quick-service duties, although restrictions apply to specific cooking activities and equipment.

Possible jobs: Front counter, dining area, customer service, cleaning, and other permitted crew duties.

Hiring age: Varies by restaurant, position, and location.

If you’re under 16, don’t assume you’re too young just because one restaurant says no. Check several nearby locations.

3. Baskin-Robbins

Ice cream shops can be another good place to investigate when looking for jobs that hire at 14 and 15.

Baskin-Robbins locations are generally franchise-operated, so hiring policies may differ from one store to another.

Some locations may consider younger teens for entry-level team-member positions, while others may require employees to be 16 or older.

Possible duties can include serving customers, taking orders, cleaning customer areas, restocking permitted supplies, and other age-appropriate tasks.

Possible jobs: Team member, customer service, order taking, cleaning, and other permitted duties.

Hiring age: Varies by franchise and location.

Before completing a lengthy application, consider calling the store and asking, “What is the minimum age to work at this location?”

That can save you time.

4. Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen is another popular restaurant chain younger job seekers may want to check.

Many Dairy Queen restaurants are independently owned and operated, so there isn’t necessarily one hiring age that applies to every location.

Some restaurants may have opportunities for 14- or 15-year-olds, while others may set the minimum age at 16.

Federal law allows younger teens to perform many restaurant duties but restricts certain kitchen tasks and equipment.

That means the positions available to a 14-year-old may be different from those offered to a 16- or 17-year-old at the same restaurant.

Possible jobs: Front counter, customer service, order taking, cleaning, and other permitted restaurant duties.

Hiring age: Varies by location and position.

5. Kroger

Grocery stores can be excellent places to search for a first job because many common retail duties are legally permitted for younger teens.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 14- and 15-year-olds may perform many retail occupations, including cashiering, selling, price marking, packing, and shelving.

That doesn’t mean every Kroger location hires at 14 or 15. Minimum ages can depend on the store, state, and specific job.

But grocery stores are still worth checking because there are several types of entry-level duties that may be suitable for younger employees.

Possible jobs: Courtesy clerk, bagger, cashier, shelving, customer service, and other age-appropriate store duties.

Hiring age: Varies by position, store, and state.

When searching Kroger openings, also remember that Kroger operates under numerous grocery-store banners around the country, so the stores available in your area may not necessarily use the Kroger name.

6. Wendy’s

Wendy’s is another fast-food chain worth checking when searching for jobs that hire at 14 and 15.

Restaurant crew positions can include customer service, taking orders, cleaning dining areas, and other entry-level responsibilities.

As with many major restaurant chains, however, individual Wendy’s restaurants may be operated by franchisees. Hiring policies can therefore differ by restaurant.

A location that requires applicants to be 16 doesn’t necessarily mean every Wendy’s restaurant has the same requirement.

Possible jobs: Cashier, dining-room attendant, customer service, cleaning, and other permitted crew duties.

Hiring age: Varies by restaurant and location.

If you’re 14 or 15, check the specific job posting or contact nearby restaurants before applying.

7. AMC Theatres

AMC Theatres is another company worth checking when searching for jobs that hire at 14 and 15.

Movie theaters can be especially appealing for a first job because many entry-level positions focus on customer service rather than previous work experience.

Depending on the theater and local requirements, crew members may help customers at concessions, check tickets, clean auditoriums and lobby areas, and assist guests.

AMC states that employment opportunities for younger applicants depend on applicable laws and work-permit requirements, so the minimum age should always be confirmed for the specific opening.

Possible jobs: Crew member, concessions, ticket checking, guest service, and theater cleaning.

Hiring age: Some locations and positions may hire at 14 or 15. Check the individual job listing.

8. Taco Bell

Taco Bell is another restaurant chain younger teens may want to investigate.

Entry-level Team Member positions can involve taking orders, helping customers, cleaning dining areas, and performing other restaurant duties permitted for younger workers.

However, many Taco Bell restaurants are operated by franchisees, which means minimum hiring ages can differ by location.

This is common among fast-food chains. One restaurant may consider a 15-year-old applicant while another nearby restaurant may require employees to be at least 16.

Possible jobs: Front counter, customer service, dining-room cleaning, and other permitted Team Member duties.

Hiring age: Varies by restaurant, franchise, and location.

When searching for jobs that hire at 14 and 15, check several nearby restaurants rather than assuming that a minimum-age requirement at one location applies to the entire chain.

9. Culver’s

Culver’s can also be worth checking for a first restaurant job.

Depending on the location, younger employees may be able to work in customer-service and front-of-house positions.

Federal child-labor rules restrict 14- and 15-year-olds from performing certain cooking activities and operating certain equipment, so younger employees may have different responsibilities from older crew members.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s restaurant employment guide explains the federal rules covering restaurant work for employees under 18.

Possible jobs: Cashier, dining-room attendant, guest service, cleaning, and other permitted food-service duties.

Hiring age: Varies by restaurant and position.

10. Publix

Publix can be a particularly useful place to check if you live in an area where the grocery chain operates.

Grocery stores have several types of work that can legally be performed by younger teens. Federal rules allow 14- and 15-year-olds to perform many retail activities, including cashiering, selling, price marking, packing, and shelving.

That can make supermarkets a good source of jobs that hire at 14 and 15.

The actual minimum age still depends on the position, store policies, and applicable state law.

Possible jobs: Front-service clerk, bagger, cashier, customer service, and other age-appropriate grocery-store duties.

Hiring age: Some entry-level opportunities may be available to younger teens. Check the individual job listing.

11. Burger King

Burger King is another national fast-food chain to include in your job search.

Team Member duties can include taking orders, assisting customers, processing payments, cleaning restaurant areas, and performing permitted food-service tasks.

Many Burger King restaurants are independently operated franchises. As a result, minimum hiring ages and employment requirements aren’t necessarily identical at every location.

If one Burger King requires applicants to be 16, consider checking other nearby restaurants rather than assuming there are no opportunities available.

Possible jobs: Team Member, cashier, customer service, cleaning, and other permitted restaurant duties.

Hiring age: Varies by franchise, position, and location.

12. Chuck E. Cheese

Chuck E. Cheese combines food service with games and entertainment, creating several types of entry-level work.

Depending on the location and current openings, employees may help guests, work in dining areas, maintain entertainment areas, or perform other permitted duties.

As with the other companies on this list, younger applicants should verify the minimum age for the exact position before applying.

Possible jobs: Guest service, cashier, dining-room attendant, and other age-appropriate positions.

Hiring age: Varies by location and position.

13. Stop & Shop

Supermarkets such as Stop & Shop can also be worth investigating for younger job seekers.

Federal law permits 14- and 15-year-olds to perform many common retail duties, although restrictions apply to hazardous equipment and certain other activities.

Depending on the location, possible entry-level duties could include helping customers, bagging groceries, retrieving carts, stocking permitted merchandise, or working in other front-end positions.

Possible jobs: Bagger, cashier, courtesy clerk, cart attendant, and other permitted store duties.

Hiring age: Varies by position and location.

14. Palace Entertainment

Amusement parks, water parks, and family entertainment centers can provide seasonal employment opportunities for teenagers.

Palace Entertainment operates attractions in the United States, and minimum hiring ages can vary depending on the individual property and position.

If you’re looking for summer jobs that hire at 14 and 15, amusement and water parks are particularly worth checking because seasonal employers often need additional workers when school is out.

Younger teens also have more flexibility in their federally permitted work hours during non-school weeks.

Possible jobs: Admissions, games, food service, retail, guest services, and park services.

Hiring age: Varies by property and position. Check the individual job posting.

Best Jobs for 14- and 15-Year-Olds

Not all jobs that hire at 14 and 15 are offered by large national companies.

Local businesses and individual families can also provide opportunities, and these jobs may be especially useful if you don’t live near one of the companies listed above.

Some jobs to consider include:

• Babysitting
• Pet sitting
• Dog walking
• Tutoring younger students
• Lawn care and yard work
• Grocery bagging
• Restaurant host or cashier
• Ice cream shop employee
• Movie theater crew member
• Amusement park employee
• Recreation or sports assistant
• Camp helper
• Age-appropriate retail work

Keep in mind that youth-employment laws can still apply depending on the type of work and employment arrangement.

How to Get Hired at 14 or 15

Finding a first job is different from looking for work after you’ve already built a résumé.

At 14 or 15, employers aren’t expecting years of job experience.

Instead, focus on showing that you’re reliable, responsible, friendly, and willing to learn.

Because jobs that hire at 14 and 15 are more limited than jobs available to older teens, applying to multiple employers can improve your chances of finding an opening.

Make a Simple First Résumé

Even if you’ve never had a formal job, you may have more experience than you think.

A simple one-page résumé can include:

• Your school
• Clubs and extracurricular activities
• Sports
• Volunteer work
• Academic achievements
• Babysitting
• Pet sitting
• Tutoring
• Community activities
• Relevant skills

For example, regularly babysitting a younger sibling demonstrates responsibility. Helping at a school event can demonstrate teamwork, and tutoring can show communication skills.

You don’t need to make your résumé look like you’ve already had a career. Keep it simple and accurate.

Apply to More Than One Place

Don’t apply to one restaurant and wait weeks for an answer.

Instead, make a list of nearby businesses that may hire younger teens and apply to several.

If you’re looking at restaurants, you might check McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, Wendy’s, Culver’s, Taco Bell, Burger King, and locally owned restaurants.

You can do the same with grocery stores, theaters, amusement parks, and other businesses.

Minimum hiring ages can vary even between locations belonging to the same chain, so checking multiple locations can make a difference.

Be Clear About Your Availability

Employers need to know when you can legally and realistically work.

For younger teens, that often means:

• After school
• Weekends
• School holidays
• Summer vacation

Don’t promise availability you can’t actually provide.

A reliable employee who consistently arrives for scheduled shifts is more valuable than someone who claims to be available every day and then frequently calls out.

Prepare for a Simple Interview

First-job interviews are usually straightforward.

You may be asked questions such as:

Why do you want to work here?

When are you available?

How would you handle an unhappy customer?

Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team.

How will you balance school and work?

Think about your answers before the interview, but don’t memorize a script. Employers generally want to see that you can communicate clearly, act responsibly, and interact politely with customers and coworkers.

Do You Need a Work Permit at 14 or 15?

Possibly.

The federal government does not require work permits for minors, but individual states may require employment certificates, age certificates, or other documentation.

The U.S. Department of Labor maintains information about state child-labor laws and employment certificates.

Your school may also be able to tell you whether a work permit is required where you live and how to obtain one.

Because the requirements vary, don’t assume that another teen in a different state followed the same process you’ll need to follow.

How Much Can a 14- or 15-Year-Old Make?

There isn’t one hourly wage that applies to every teen job.

Pay depends on factors such as:

• State and local minimum-wage laws
• Employer
• Position
• Location
• Experience
• Local labor market

Some states and cities have minimum wages higher than the federal minimum wage, and some employers voluntarily offer starting wages above the legally required minimum.

When comparing jobs that hire at 14 and 15, hourly pay isn’t the only factor worth considering.

Also think about transportation, scheduling, number of available hours, training, employee discounts, free or discounted meals, and whether you’ll be able to continue working there as you get older.

What to Do With Your First Paycheck

Getting your first paycheck is exciting—and it’s also a good time to start learning how to manage your own money.

You don’t have to save every dollar you earn.

A simple strategy is to divide your paycheck into money you can spend now and money you’ll save for later.

Even relatively small amounts can add up when you save consistently.

For example, saving $25 from 10 paychecks gives you $250 that you might otherwise have spent without thinking about it.

And when you do spend your paycheck, getting into the habit of looking for discounts can make your money last longer.

If you’re planning to eat out with friends or family, check FrugalHQ’s Best Restaurant Deals September 2026: Meals From $9.99 for current restaurant promotions and ways to avoid paying full price.

Your first job can teach you two useful money skills at the same time: how to earn money and how to make the money you earn go further.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jobs That Hire at 14 and 15

What jobs hire at 14?

Depending on local laws and employer policies, 14-year-olds may find opportunities at amusement parks, movie theaters, grocery stores, restaurants, recreation programs, and local businesses.

Babysitting, pet sitting, tutoring, and certain types of yard work can also be options.

Always verify the minimum hiring age and permitted duties before applying.

What jobs hire at 15?

Fifteen-year-olds may find opportunities in restaurants, supermarkets, movie theaters, amusement parks, ice cream shops, retail businesses, and other customer-service environments.

The available jobs depend on the employer, state law, and duties involved.

Does AMC hire at 14?

Some AMC opportunities may be available to younger applicants depending on the location, position, applicable labor laws, and any work-permit requirements.

Check the minimum age listed for the specific AMC theater opening before applying.

Can a 14-year-old work at McDonald’s?

Potentially, but it depends on the restaurant.

Many McDonald’s restaurants are independently operated franchises, and minimum hiring ages can differ by location. State law can also affect whether a restaurant can employ a 14-year-old and which duties the employee can perform.

Can a 15-year-old work at a grocery store?

Yes, federal law permits 14- and 15-year-olds to perform many grocery and retail activities, including cashiering, selling, price marking, packing, and shelving.

Individual grocery stores may still set a higher minimum hiring age.

How late can a 15-year-old work?

Under federal rules, 14- and 15-year-olds generally may work until 7 p.m.

From June 1 through Labor Day, they generally may work until 9 p.m.

State laws may impose stricter requirements.

Can you work on a school day at 14?

Yes, but federal law restricts the hours.

Fourteen- and 15-year-olds generally may work up to 3 hours on a school day, outside school hours, and no more than 18 hours during a school week.

State laws may be stricter.

Are summer jobs easier to find at 14 or 15?

Summer can provide additional opportunities because amusement parks, recreation facilities, restaurants, entertainment venues, and other seasonal businesses may increase staffing.

Federal rules also allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work more hours during non-school weeks than during school weeks.

Final Thoughts

Finding jobs that hire at 14 and 15 can take a little more effort than job hunting at 16 or 18, but there are opportunities worth checking.

Restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters, amusement parks, recreation programs, and local businesses are good places to start.

The biggest thing to remember is that a national company’s name on this list does not mean every location automatically hires 14- or 15-year-olds.

Minimum hiring ages can vary by state, franchise, individual location, position, and job duties.

Check the actual job posting, apply to several employers, prepare a simple résumé, and make sure you understand the work-hour rules that apply to your age.

The first employer you contact may say no. That’s not unusual.

Keep looking for jobs that hire at 14 and 15, and treat your first job as an opportunity to earn money, build experience, develop workplace skills, and make your next job search easier.