17 Top Money-Making Jobs for 14-Year-Olds

Are you curious about the best jobs for 14-year-olds?

Finding a job at 14 can be an exciting experience, providing an opportunity to earn money and gain early work experience. There are many options available, both in-person and online, that can match their skills and interests.

I began my first job at 14, working around 36 hours a week during the summer. I was paid $10 an hour, and it felt great to earn my own money.

Recommended reading: 23 Business Ideas For Teens To Make Extra Money

Can a 14-year-old work legally?

Yes, in many places, 14-year-olds can work legally. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes 14 as the minimum age for most nonfarm jobs.

However, there are regulations regarding the types of jobs they can perform and the hours they can work. These regulations ensure their safety and allow them to prioritize school. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Child Labor page.

Here are some common rules (note that specifics may vary by state):

They cannot work during school hours.
They cannot work more than 3 hours on a school day.
They cannot work more than 18 hours in a school week.
During summer and holidays, they can work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week.

They may also need to obtain a work permit from their school or local government office for traditional jobs (like at a fast food restaurant), which shows the employer that they are legally eligible to work.

When pursuing work, it’s essential to prioritize safety by:

Ensuring parents/guardians are aware of the child’s activities.
Having them work with people known to the family.
Having a trusted adult nearby.

It’s crucial that the teenager feels comfortable approaching their guardian or parent for help regarding any concerns they may have. Open communication allows them to raise any issues or questions and, if necessary, leave a job that feels uncomfortable.

Best Jobs for 14-Year-Olds

Here are some of the best jobs for 14-year-olds.

1. Babysitter

Babysitting is a great job for a responsible 14-year-old, as many parents are looking for trustworthy teenagers to care for their children after school or on weekends.

Babysitters ensure kids stay safe, engage them in play, assist with homework, and prepare snacks or help younger children to bed.

Babysitting often pays well, typically between $10 and $20 per hour, which is higher than many other teen jobs. Plus, they can choose their own hours.

For those who enjoy spending time with kids, babysitting can be a rewarding experience. I recall my first babysitting job at 14, which I found through a local bulletin board—it felt amazing to earn my own money.

2. Dog Walker

Dog walking is a fun opportunity for a responsible 14-year-old to earn money while enjoying the outdoors and spending time with friendly dogs.

Many pet owners seek assistance in exercising their dogs, particularly during the day. As a dog walker, teens can take dogs for walks around the neighborhood.

Typical rates for dog walking range from $10 to $15 for a 30-minute walk, and as they gain experience, they may be able to increase their rates.

3. Lemonade Stand Owner

Operating a lemonade stand is a fun, rewarding way for a 14-year-old to earn money and experience the thrill of being their own boss.

This job is particularly enjoyable in the summer months when people seek refreshing drinks. It allows teens to work close to home, with family support, and set their own hours, making it ideal to fit around school and other activities.

Being 14 is definitely not too old for a lemonade stand! At this age, they can bring creativity and business sense to the stand, making it more successful by experimenting with flavors, improving signage, or offering additional treats to increase profits.

4. Garden Assistant

Being a garden assistant is an excellent job for a 14-year-old who enjoys working outdoors.

They can help take care of plants and flowers in people’s yards, such as watering plants, pulling weeds, or planting new flowers. Duties may also include spreading mulch or trimming bushes.

5. Paper Delivery Person

Delivering newspapers can be a suitable job for a 14-year-old.

While many newspaper deliveries are now done by adults in cars, it’s worth checking with local newspaper companies to see if they offer jobs for young teens.

I had a friend whose family took on a paper route for extra income. She helped with deliveries, earning her own money while contributing to a family side project. I accompanied her a few times and was also paid!

6. Pet Sitter

Pet sitting is a fun way for a responsible 14-year-old to earn money while spending time with animals and helping pet owners who are away.

Pet sitters feed animals, provide water, groom them, and play with them. They might also take dogs for walks or clean litter boxes for cats.

This job is flexible, easily fitting around their school schedule, allowing work after school or on weekends.

A few years ago, I needed a pet sitter for my dogs and found a wonderful family to help. The teens cared for my dogs while their parents oversaw everything (I dropped my dogs off at their house for a week), which was great for everyone involved.

7. Tutor for Younger Kids

Tutoring younger children can be a fulfilling job for a responsible 14-year-old. They can assist elementary school kids with subjects like math, reading, or science.

To begin, they can ask teachers for leads on families needing tutors or put up flyers in the neighborhood or local community center to attract clients.

Tutoring often pays well, typically ranging from $10 to $15 per hour (or more), depending on experience and subject matter.

8. Errand Runner

They can undertake various errands, such as grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, or mailing packages. Other tasks may include dog walking, watering plants, or performing simple yard work.

It’s important to set clear prices—for example, charging $10 for a quick errand and $20 for a more involved task. Be sure to discuss all details with clients before starting any job.

9. Social Media Assistant

If your 14-year-old is proficient with Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, they could leverage these skills to become a social media assistant!

Many small businesses seek help managing their social media accounts. As a social media assistant, they might post updates, respond to comments, and create engaging content.

Tasks may include designing graphics, taking photos, or recording short videos. Some assistants also help analyze the performance of posts.

10. Plant Waterer and Sitter

If your 14-year-old has a green thumb, they can earn money by caring for plants for people who are away.

The primary responsibilities include watering plants and ensuring they remain healthy. They may need to visit homes every few days to look after the plants.

Some plant sitters also perform small tasks like collecting mail or turning lights on and off, creating a lived-in appearance while owners are away.

11. Car Washer

Washing cars can be an enjoyable job for a 14-year-old who loves working outdoors and making cars shine.

Starting a car washing service requires minimal supplies—typically just soap, water, and cleaning tools.

12. House Cleaner

House cleaning can be a suitable job for a responsible 14-year-old. They can start by offering their services to neighbors or family friends.

Typical duties involve dusting, vacuuming, mopping floors, and cleaning surfaces. They may also assist with laundry or organizing closets.

13. Garage Sale Organizer

If your 14-year-old wants to earn money while helping neighbors, becoming a garage sale organizer could be a fantastic opportunity! This job lets them utilize their organizational skills to set up and run garage sales.

As a garage sale organizer, they would sort items for sale, display them on tables, and price them. They might also create signs to advertise the sale and assist customers during the event.

14. Amusement Parks

Amusement parks can be excellent places for 14-year-olds to gain work experience. Many theme parks hire young teens for various positions such as hosts, ticket sellers, guest relations assistants, or attendants.

Since some parks only operate during the summer, it’s advisable for teens to apply before the school year ends. This can be a great way to earn money during summer break.

Although Six Flags often hires starting at 15, it may be worth contacting the local park to inquire about age requirements.

Part time jobs for 14 year olds - money in a bundle with green background

15. Craft Seller on Etsy

Selling crafts on Etsy can be an enjoyable way for a 14-year-old to make money. Etsy is an online marketplace for unique and handmade items.

They can sell their creations, like jewelry, paintings, or knitted items. This is perfect for those who love making art or crafts in their spare time.

To start selling on Etsy, your 14-year-old will need your assistance, as Etsy mandates that sellers be at least 18 years. They can set up a shop at 13 with your supervision. Remember that the account must be registered in your name, making you responsible for all activities, including financial transactions.

Recently, I purchased some beautiful bead earrings from a young girl who created them right in front of me, adding to the special experience. She priced her sets at around $10, which I thought was an excellent way for her to start a small business.

16. Fast Food

Fast food restaurants are often a good starting point for 14-year-olds looking for their first job. Many chains hire teens for entry-level positions.

Your teen might work as a cashier, taking orders and processing payments, or they could assist in food preparation or cleaning dining areas.

Some popular chains, like McDonald’s and Burger King, may hire 14-year-olds, although Chick-fil-A typically requires employees to be at least 16.

17. Dishwasher at a Restaurant

Working as a dishwasher in a restaurant can be a great job for a 14-year-old. Their responsibilities will include cleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.

While they might start at minimum wage, some establishments offer higher pay. With experience, they may have opportunities to move up to other kitchen roles or even serving positions. My husband started his first job as a dishwasher at a local restaurant around the age of 13 or 14.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many 14-year-olds are eager to start working and earning money. Here are some common questions about jobs suitable for their age.

What job should you get when you’re 14?

Great job options for 14-year-olds include babysitting, dog walking, and running a lemonade stand. They can also assist with yard work or paper delivery. These positions allow them to set their hours and gain valuable work experience.

How can a 14-year-old find a job nearby?

A 14-year-old can seek local jobs by asking family and neighbors if they need help with chores or errands. They can also inquire directly at fast food restaurants to see if they hire teens.

What are some good first jobs for teenagers just starting to work?

Several good first job ideas for teenagers include babysitting, dog walking, lawn mowing, and working in fast food establishments.

Are there restrictions for 14-year-olds who want to work?

Yes, there are regulations regarding the types of jobs 14-year-olds can do and the hours they can work. They are prohibited from taking on dangerous jobs or working during school hours.

What hours are 14-year-olds legally allowed to work?

The permissible working hours for 14-year-olds vary by state and local laws. Generally, they can work up to 3 hours on school days and up to 8 hours on weekends and holidays. Most states restrict them from working before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m., although during summer, they may be allowed to work until 9 p.m.

Best Jobs for 14-Year-Olds – Summary

I hope you found this article helpful in discovering the best job options for 14-year-olds.

If your 14-year-old is keen on working, numerous jobs can teach them responsibility, money management, and the value of hard work.

From babysitting and dog walking to fast food jobs, there’s a wide range of opportunities that may appeal to 14-year-olds.

Reflecting on my own experience, earning money at a young age taught me valuable lessons about finances, confidence, and work ethic. Plus, it afforded me some spending money and an opportunity for personal growth.

What do you believe are the best jobs for 14-year-olds?

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