Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• If you find a job, all work must be performed outside of school hours
• You may need a sign off from your parent/guardian, school, or both before you work!
• You are only allowed to do certain jobs
• You can’t use motorized or power-driven tools or operate heavy machinery
• You can legally be paid less than the federal minimum wage
• You can work more hours if you enroll in a certified Work Experience and Career Exploration Program
• When in doubt, ask!

How old do you have to be to work? In some states the minimum age requirement to work is 14 years old. Even though you can legally work at 14, the federal government has strict laws about when and where you are allowed to work. These laws were created to protect you as an employee and make sure you are safe on the job. Here’s what you should know about working at 14 or 15 years old.

Note: Get Schooled is here to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to land your first job. While we do not offer direct job placement services and cannot search for jobs on behalf of youth, we’re always here to support! Learn more here and connect with a Get Schooled Advisor if you have any questions or need support.

(Lee este artículo en español aquí!)

If you find a job, all work must be performed outside of school hours

This means:

• You can work a maximum of 3 hours on a school day, including Fridays.
• You can work a maximum of 18 hours per week when school is in session.
• You can work up to 8 hours per day when school is not in session.
• You can work up to 40 hours during a non-school week (like spring break or during the summer if you are not taking classes).
• You can only work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on any day. However, these hours are extended to 9 p.m. between June 1st and Labor Day (the first Monday of September).

You may need a sign off from your parent/guardian, school, or both before you work!

The federal government sets some basic rules for working as a 14- or 15-year-old. These rules keep youth safe and make sure their education is coming first! Each state, however, can also set their own work requirements for teens. Some states require a parent or guardian to sign off on a work permit. Other states require schools to sign off on work permits. Some states may require both or neither! Check out our map of U.S. labor laws for teens below and make sure that you check with any employer when you’re applying to learn more!

You are only allowed to do certain jobs

These certain jobs include working in retail settings, computer programming, teaching and tutoring, acting, running errands or delivering items by foot (walking), bicycle and public transportation, clean-up and yard work, working in food service by washing dishes, reheating food, cleaning equipment and limited cooking, to name a few. There are also certain jobs you can’t do, like working on construction sites or in factories with hazardous machines or materials, such as meat processing plants.

You can’t use motorized or power-driven tools or operate heavy machinery

From flipping burgers on the grill at your local restaurant to using power tools on a construction site, if it’s considered hazardous, you can’t touch it if you are under the age of 18. This includes power-driven mowers, cutters, trimmers, edgers, motorized trash compactors, and power-driven bakery machines (like a large mixing bowl).

You can legally be paid less than the federal minimum wage

The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. This means, in most circumstances, you must be paid that hourly wage. However, if you are younger than 20 years old, your employer can legally pay you $4.25 per hour for the first 90 days of your employment. Be sure to speak with your employer about your pay before starting any job.

You can work more hours if you enroll in a certified Work Experience and Career Exploration Program

Workforce Experience and Career Exploration Programs are typically created, supervised, and managed by your school. Connect with your guidance counselor to see how you can join. Once you are accepted, you can work up to 23 hours a week while school is in session. Jobs will vary by school, but you will likely work in departments at your school such as the main office, library, cafeteria, or with a sports team.

When in doubt, ask!

Because there are so many laws to protect teens in the workplace, applying for jobs as a 14- or 15-year-old can be confusing! The best thing to do before applying anywhere is to get in touch with someone at the company you want to work at. If it is an in-person store or venue, show up in person and ask to speak with the hiring manager and ask if they consider hiring 14- or 15-year-olds! If not, move on down your list. Check out this list of employers that do hire younger teens to get started!

Do you have any questions about finding, applying for, or succeeding in your first job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• AMC
• Baskin Robbins
• Babysitter
• Chick-fil-A
• Culver's Restaurant 
• Community Centers
• Dairy Queen
• Kroger
• Local Amusement/Entertainment Venues
• McDonald's
• Publix
• Safeway & Albertsons
• Six Flags
• Stop & Shop
• Taco Bell
• U-Haul
• Wendy's
• Winn Dixie 
• Giant Eagle
• Start Your First Job Journey

What jobs hire 14- or 15-year-old? Check out these places that hire teens your age! Employment laws vary by state, which means some companies may have jobs for 14- and 15-year-olds in some states, but may not in others. With that in mind, here are some companies that have jobs for 14- and 15-year-olds!

Note: Get Schooled is here to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to land your first job. While we do not offer direct job placement services and cannot search for jobs on behalf of youth, we’re always here to support! Learn more here and connect with a Get Schooled Advisor if you have any questions.

AMC

AMC hires at 14 and 15 to do things like sell tickets and concessions, and perform maintenance around the theater. Contact your local AMC to learn whether they’re able to hire you in your state. Additionally, if you live near an independent movie theater, they may be willing to hire teens your age as well! 

Baskin Robbins

Baskin Robbins may hire for team member, ice cream scooper, and cake decorator positions. Working at an ice cream shop is a fun happy place where you can bring so much joy to kids and families. Baskin Robbins has flexible hours, discounts and more. 

Babysitter

Ask around to see if any family friends and families in your neighborhood are looking for extra support to babysit or tutor their kids! 

Chick-fil-A

With more than 2,000 stores across the US, Chick-fil-A may have an opportunity for you. Be sure to look for front of house (FOH) team member positions, such as cashier, since minors aren’t able to use hot equipment, such as grills and deep fryers.

Culver’s Restaurant 

Culver’s is a family-friendly fast food restaurant known for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard. It’s also a great place for teens to gain their first job experience! Some Culver’s locations hire 14- and 15-year-olds for roles like dining room attendants, custodial team members, or kitchen helpers (with limited duties). These first jobs help teens build responsibility, learn teamwork, and develop customer service skills in a supportive environment. Schedules are often flexible to accommodate school and extracurricular activities. Check out Culver’s job opportunities here on their website. 

Community Centers

Your local community center or parks and recreation department may have job opportunities for 14- and 15-year-olds. Positions may include front desk support, after-school youth support, program coordinators, coaches, tutors, lifeguards, and more. Check out your community center or your city’s website to learn more.

Dairy Queen

Your local Dairy Queen may be willing to hire 14- and 15-year-olds to work as cashiers, restaurant cleaners, or in food preparation.

Kroger

Kroger owns 29 brands of grocery stores across 42 states and have several job opportunities for teens under the age of 16, such as cashier, cart attendant, order pullers (for online grocery orders), bakery assistant, and floral assistant.

Local Amusement/Entertainment Venues

Local fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks often hire teens, especially for seasonal jobs. 

McDonald’s

Some McDonald’s locations hire at 14. There are three crew teams: kitchen crew, counter crew, and maintenance crew. A nice benefit McDonald’s has is their Archways to Opportunity Program, which supports its employees with their education.

Publix

Publix is the largest grocery store in the U.S. and prides itself on customer service. Some locations hire at 14 and 15 for cashier, front service clerk (bagging support), and cart attendant positions. 

Safeway & Albertsons

Some Safeway or Albertsons locations hire at 14 for cashier, courtesy clerk, and cart attendant positions.

Six Flags

If you’re lucky enough to live near a Six Flags amusement park in the 11 states they operate in, you might be able to find adventure as a visitor and employee! Some of these jobs may be seasonal, like working at a waterpark in the summer.

Stop & Shop

This East Coast grocery chain, with over 400 locations, hires youth as young as 15 to work in the floral, grocery, or bakery departments.

Taco Bell

If you are comfortable working a cash register and taking customer orders, consider working at Taco Bell. With more than 7,000 locations, Taco Bell may be a great place to find a job!

U-Haul

U-Haul has in-person Reservation Manager/Agent positions available for 14-year-olds. If you are comfortable talking on the phone with customers and have excellent customer service, consider applying.

Wendy’s

Your local Wendy’s may be willing to hire 14- and 15-year-olds to work as cashiers, restaurant cleaners, or in food preparation. Wendy’s has flexible schedules that allow youth to still in involved in sports, band, and other youth activities. 

Winn Dixie 

If you live in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, or Louisiana, be sure to check with your local Winn Dixie to see if they hire 14- and 15-year-olds!

Giant Eagle

If you live in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, or Maryland, check in with your local Giant Eagle location about job opportunities such as cashier, clerk, and check out attendant.

Start Your First Job Journey

Your first job isn’t just about making money. It’s about learning responsibility, building confidence, and gaining experiences that prepare you for the future. Whether you’re scooping ice cream, bagging groceries, or babysitting, these opportunities can help you develop skills you’ll use for years to come.

Need help preparing for your job interview? Use our Interview Coach! Have any questions about finding, applying for, or succeeding in your first job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

Keep going

Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• Make a list of nearby jobs that interest you
• Start with your network
• Confirm which employers hire 14- and 15-year-olds
• Visit places in person
• Create a resume
• Need help building your resume? 
• Think about side hustles
• Stay positive and persistent
• Know the rules

Looking for a job when you’re 14 or 15 can be exciting—but it also comes with unique challenges. Since you’re new to the process, it’s easy to feel frustrated if you don’t see immediate results. Many employers don’t hire workers under 16–but if they do, there are still labor laws that limit the hours that 14- and 15-year-olds can work. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back! Follow these steps to stay persistent and make progress in your job search.

Note: Get Schooled is here to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to land your first job. While we do not offer direct job placement services and cannot search for jobs on behalf of youth, we’re always here to support! Learn more here and connect with a Get Schooled Advisor if you have any questions.

(Lee este artículo en español aquí!)

Make a list of nearby jobs that interest you

Start by brainstorming jobs you’d enjoy doing close to where you live. Think about places like:

• Restaurants
• Grocery stores
• Retail stores
• Movie theaters
• Community centers

Having a list of potential employers gives you clear goals to focus on!

Start with your network

Sometimes, the best way to find a job is by letting the people around you know you’re looking! This is called networking. Your network could include:

• Family members
• Friends and classmates
• Teachers, coaches, or mentors

You never know who might hear about an opportunity that’s a good fit for you. A lot of small businesses prefer to hire through word-of-mouth, so your network can be a valuable resource.

Confirm which employers hire 14- and 15-year-olds

Not every employer hires teens under 16, so it’s important to visit their websites, call their hiring managers, or stop by in person to learn more. While it can be intimidating to reach out to people you’ve never talked to before, it can save you time by helping you focus on places where you can actually work.

Try starting your job search on Hire Teen, a site that focuses on teen-friendly job opportunities! Once you’ve confirmed that a company hires younger workers, check to see if they’re currently looking for employees. Many companies post job openings on their websites, but smaller businesses might rely on “Now Hiring” signs or word of mouth.

Visit places in person

Show up at the businesses you’re interested in during their slower hours to ask if you can speak to the manager. Introduce yourself, explain that you’re looking for a job, and ask about openings. Even if they aren’t hiring, leaving a great first impression could lead to opportunities later.

Create a resume

Even if you’ve never had a job, a resume is a great way to highlight your skills and experiences. A resume is the one place an employer can learn key information about you and the experience that makes you suited for their job. It outlines your contact information, education, and relevant activities and skills. This document will evolve and grow throughout your life, so starting one now is a great idea. On your resume, you can include things like:

• School projects
• Volunteer work
• Clubs or sports
• Personal responsibilities, like watching siblings or helping at a family business

Need help building your resume? 

Create a job-ready resume in minutes with Resume Builder! No matter your job experience, our AI-powered Resume Builder will create a personalized resume for you! After a guided conversation, your skills and activities will be turned into a draft resume—no blank page, no stress. Click the image below to begin!

Think about side hustles

If finding a job with an employer is tough, consider starting your own side hustle! Here are a few ideas:

• Babysitting
• Pet sitting or dog walking
• Lawn care or snow shoveling
• Selling handmade crafts online
• Tutoring younger kids

Side hustles are a great way to build work experience while earning money on your own schedule.

Stay positive and persistent

The job search process can take some time when you’re just starting out. Keep these tips in mind:

• Follow up with employers after applying. A quick call or visit to check on your application shows initiative. Even if they haven’t made a decision yet, following up leaves a strong impression and might put you ahead of other applicants!
• Don’t be discouraged if you hear “no” a few times—your persistence will pay off.
• Keep learning new skills, like time management or teamwork, to make yourself a stronger candidate.

Know the rules

Labor laws limit the types of jobs and hours 14- and 15-year-olds can work. For example, you may only be allowed to work during certain times of the day or for a specific number of hours. Check your state’s guidelines and make sure to follow them.

Do you have any questions about finding, applying for, or succeeding in your first job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

Keep going

Last updated November 27, 2025

In this article

• Places That Have Jobs for 16- and 17-Year-Olds

Searching for a job in high school? Check out these places across the U.S. that may hire at 16 and 17! Employment laws vary by state, which means some companies may have jobs for 16- and 17-year-olds in some states, but may not in others. With that in mind, here are some places that have jobs for 16- and 17-year-olds!

Note: Get Schooled is here to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to land your first job. While we do not offer direct job placement services and cannot search for jobs on behalf of youth, we’re always here to support!  Learn more here and connect with a Get Schooled Advisor if you have any questions.

Places That Have Jobs for 16- and 17-Year-Olds

AMC

AMC hires at 16 and 17 to do things like sell tickets and concessions, and perform maintenance around the theater. Contact your local AMC to learn whether they’re able to hire you in your state. Additionally, if you live near an independent movie theater, they may be willing to hire teens your age as well! 

Chick-fil-A

With more than 2,000 locations across the U.S., Chick-fil-A may have an opportunity for you. Be sure to look for front of house (FOH) team member positions, such as cashier, since minors aren’t able to use hot equipment like grills and deep fryers.

Chipotle

Chipotle offers some great benefits to its employees! On top of getting paid, you can also receive tuition assistance, free food, and other job benefits. You have to be at least 16 years old to work at Chipotle.

Community centers

Your local community center or parks and recreation department may have job opportunities for 16- and 17-year-olds. Positions may include front desk support, after-school youth support, program coordination, coaching, tutoring, lifeguarding, and more. Check out your community center or your city’s website to learn more.

CVS Health

If you have an interest in health care, working at CVS might be a good place to start your career and learn new skills. With over 10,000 locations in the U.S., a CVS near you hires at 16! There are lots of positions available, such as cashier, sales associate, beauty advisor, stock associate, and more.

Dairy Queen

Your local Dairy Queen may hire 16- and 17-year-olds to work as cashiers, restaurant cleaners, or in food preparation.

Kroger

Kroger owns 29 brands of grocery stores across 42 states and have several job opportunities for teens, such as cashier, cart attendant, order pullers (for online grocery orders), bakery assistant, and floral assistant.

Local amusement and entertainment venues

Local fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks often hire teens, especially for seasonal jobs.

Your local library

Most libraries hire teens as young as 16 to serve as library pages or aides. These jobs are usually responsible for putting returned books and other items in their proper places on the shelves and helping out at the circulation desk. 

The mall

Your local mall may have the most job opportunities available for 16- and 17-year-olds of any retail location. There are quite a few department stores, shops, and fast food eateries that are always looking for help. The easiest way to get started is to visit your local mall and go into stores to ask about open opportunities.

McDonald’s

Some McDonald’s locations hire at 16 and 17. There are three crew teams: kitchen crew, counter crew, and maintenance crew. A nice benefit McDonald’s has is their Archways to Opportunity Program, which supports its employees with their education.

Publix

Publix, a supermarket chain in the southeastern U.S., may hire 16- and 17-year-olds to be cashiers and baggers.  

Safeway & Albertsons

Some Safeway or Albertsons locations hire teens as cashiers, courtesy clerks, and cart attendants. If you are 17, you can look at specialty departments, such as floral, meat, bakery, and customer service

Six Flags

Six Flags amusement parks typically hire teens as young as 16 for a variety of seasonal and year-round roles. Positions may include ride operator, games attendant, food service worker, retail associate, and park services. Hiring rules vary by state and location, so check openings at your nearest Six Flags park.

Subway

Many Subway locations hire at 16 for roles like “Sandwich Artist,” where teens greet customers, prepare food, take orders, and maintain a clean workspace. Age requirements can vary by franchise owner and state laws, so it’s best to contact your local Subway to confirm.

Taco Bell

If you are comfortable working a cash register and taking customer orders, consider working at Taco Bell. With more than 7,000 locations, Taco Bell may be a great place to find a job!

Target

Most positions at Target are available to 16- and 17-year-olds. Look for the following positions to get started: guest advocate (cashier and general merchandise), barista (for stores that have a Starbucks), specialty sales (style, beauty, and tech), and fulfillment center team member (online order pulling).

U-Haul

U-Haul has in-person Reservation Manager/Agent positions available for teens. If you are comfortable talking on the phone with customers and have excellent customer service, consider applying.

UPS

If you are looking for a fast-paced job that keeps you on your feet, consider joining the UPS team. With increased demand in online shopping, package handlers and warehouse workers are needed more than ever–and many locations hire at 17 years old.

Walmart

Most positions at Walmart are available to 16- and 17-year-olds. Look for roles like cashier and front-end services, food and grocery, and general merchandising.

Have any questions about finding, applying for, or succeeding in your first job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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