Best Jobs for 14 and 15 Year Olds in 2026
Are you a teenager aged 14 or 15 looking for the ideal job opportunity in 2026? Finding the right job can be challenging due to legal restrictions and safety considerations. However, there’s no need to worry! This article is designed specifically for you. We’ll reveal the top job options for teens this year, while also providing useful tips to enhance your online job search. Whether you’re eager to jumpstart your career or simply want to earn some extra cash, keep reading for a straightforward guide to the best teen jobs and how to locate them online.
Key Takeaways:
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14- and 15-year-olds cannot work more than eight hours a day and three hours on school days.
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Minors are prohibited from working in certain hazardous professions, with specific exceptions based on job types.
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The best job opportunities for 14- and 15-year-olds include retail, food service, and childcare roles.
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To apply for these positions, learn how to submit applications, clean up your social media presence, gather references, and prepare for interviews.
30 Jobs for 14 and 15 Year Olds
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Barista
Average Annual Salary: $24,000If you enjoy interacting with people and are eager to learn about various coffee drinks, a barista position may be ideal for you. Responsibilities typically include customer interaction, coffee preparation, and light cleaning. This role will cultivate your customer service, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
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Retail Clerk
Average Annual Salary: $24,000Working in retail is an excellent entry point into customer service. Retail clerks can be responsible for greeting customers, assisting them in finding products, and processing transactions. This job provides valuable insights into a specific industry, which can enhance your resume.
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Stocker
Average Annual Salary: $28,000Stocking shelves in warehouses or retail stores is a straightforward job that requires no prior experience, making it a great way to enhance your resume. Depending on the role, you may need to lift heavier items, which can help you develop organization and efficiency skills.
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Cashier
Average Annual Salary: $24,000Cashiers are crucial in various businesses. This position is suitable for those who enjoy meeting new people and are comfortable handling money. The responsibilities may vary based on the location, requiring you to adapt to different tasks, from lifting items to packaging purchases.
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Amusement Park Game Operator
Average Annual Salary: $27,000Consider becoming a game operator at a local amusement park where you can engage customers in games or oversee rides. This job fosters responsibility, attention to detail, and teamwork.
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Usher-Ticket Taker
Average Annual Salary: $23,000In theaters, ushers or ticket takers oversee patrons entering events. This role may involve some downtime where you could handle light cleaning or additional tasks, helping to develop your customer service and attention to detail skills.
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Grocery Bagger
Average Annual Salary: $35,000As a grocery bagger, you can earn money while learning about grocery store operations. This job may involve some heavy lifting but will teach you effective customer service techniques.
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Ice Cream Server
Average Annual Salary: $22,000Scooping ice cream is a popular summer job that allows you to gain customer service experience while working in a fun environment.
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Babysitter/Nanny
Average Annual Salary: $20,000If you enjoy working with children, babysitting or nannying can be a rewarding option. You can market your services through word-of-mouth or platforms like Care.com.
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Dog Walker/Pet Sitter
Average Annual Salary: $20,000For pet lovers, pet sitting can be a fulfilling job. Many people need someone to care for their pets while they work or travel.
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Car Washer
Average Annual Salary: $25,000Car washing is a great way to earn money and meet new people. This job allows you to learn about different car types while providing a service.
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Golf Range Attendant
Average Annual Salary: $24,000Working at a golf range is a simple job with minimal training requirements. It involves customer service and some organizational tasks.
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Janitor/Cleaner
Average Annual Salary: $23,000Janitors play a crucial role in maintaining a clean environment. This job allows you to connect with employees while developing your cleaning skills.
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Newspaper Delivery Driver
Average Annual Salary: $27,000Delivery jobs can be a good fit for early risers, allowing you to complete your work in the morning and enjoy your afternoons.
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Landscaper
Average Annual Salary: $26,000Landscaping positions can provide good pay and a chance to work outdoors. This job offers hands-on experience in botany and customer service.
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Certified Lifeguard
Average Annual Salary: $24,000With the right certifications, lifeguarding can be a fulfilling and exciting job for young teens, offering opportunities for teamwork and customer service.
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Golf Caddie
Average Annual Salary: $23,000Golf caddying is a unique job that provides outdoor experience and opportunities to develop customer service skills while enjoying the sport.
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Tutor
Average Annual Salary: $33,000As a tutor, you can help fellow students succeed in their studies while gaining valuable teaching experience, making this job ideal for future educators.
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Assistant Coach
Average Annual Salary: $45,000If you have a passion for a particular sport, assisting as a coach can be both rewarding and a great way to earn extra income.
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Order Taker
Average Annual Salary: $28,000Working as an order taker in the food industry hones your listening and customer service skills, providing a foundation for future restaurant roles.
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Waiter/Waitress
Average Annual Salary: $20,000Waitstaff positions are available across various establishments, providing a chance to learn valuable skills in the restaurant industry.
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Customer Service Representative
Average Annual Salary: $29,000Customer service roles help develop interpersonal skills and provide insights into various industries, as numerous companies require these positions.
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Web Designer
Average Annual Salary: $61,000If you are skilled in web design, this is a lucrative opportunity to assist businesses in establishing their online presence while building your portfolio.
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Freelance Writer and Photographer
Average Annual Salary: $52,000Freelance writing is ideal for those who enjoy writing and can cover diverse topics, enhancing skills in research and content creation.
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Busser
Average Annual Salary: $21,000Working as a busser allows you to gain insights into the restaurant environment while providing essential support to waitstaff.
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Dishwasher-Server
Average Annual Salary: $24,000Dishwashers are essential in every restaurant, offering a chance to learn about kitchen operations while networking with staff.
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Host/Hostess
Average Annual Salary: $21,000If you enjoy meeting people and managing busy environments, a host or hostess position is a great way to gain experience in the restaurant industry.
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Concession Stand Attendant
Average Annual Salary: $23,000Working in concessions at events or parks provides a chance to engage with customers while learning about inventory management.
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Painter
Average Annual Salary: $31,000If you have an eye for detail, consider offering your painting services. Many people prefer to hire someone for this task rather than doing it themselves.
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Cart Attendee
Average Annual Salary: N/AIf you don’t mind some lifting and being outdoors, working as a cart attendee at busy stores can be a great job fit for young teens.
Types of Jobs That 14 and 15 Year Olds Can Do
While there are restrictions on certain job types, there are still numerous available positions for high school students. Here are some areas to consider in your job search when you’re 14 or 15:
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Entrepreneur. As a teenager, you can start your own business and offer services like babysitting, yard work, pet sitting, and cleaning houses. It’s exciting to be your own boss and a business owner at 14!
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Retail. Retail is one of the largest employers of young people. Companies like Aeropostale, Target, and Walmart often hire teens, providing a great opportunity for their first job.
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Food Service. There are many roles available for 14- and 15-year-olds in the food service industry. You can cook, serve food, clean, and manage orders. This field not only offers a taste of a professional working environment but can also lead to a long-term career.
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Work with Kids. Many teens find joy in working with younger children. Popular jobs include babysitting, coaching, counseling, tutoring, and lifeguarding.
Companies That Hire Teenagers
Not sure where to start your job search? Here’s a list of companies that regularly hire teenagers aged 14 and 15:
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Arby’s. This fast-food chain frequently hires teens across its many locations.
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Burger King. This popular fast-food chain employs teens as young as 14.
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Baskin Robbins. Known for ice cream, this chain is another great option for teen jobs.
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Kentucky Fried Chicken. This fast-food giant offers various positions suitable for teens.
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Ben and Jerry’s. This ice cream chain often hires teens to help in their stores.
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Dairy Queen. With numerous locations, this chain is a great summer job option for teens.
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Boston Market. This restaurant chain offers traditional comfort food and frequently hires teens.
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Chick-Fil-A. Specializing in chicken sandwiches, this chain hires teens as young as 14.
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Pizza Hut. This international franchise hires teens and offers a chance to work in a team environment.
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Giant Food. This supermarket chain regularly employs teens in various roles.
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Kroger. As the largest supermarket in the U.S., Kroger hires teens for select positions.
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Publix. This employee-owned chain operates in the Southeast and often hires young workers.
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Stop & Shop. This supermarket chain has a strong presence in New England and hires teens regularly.
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AMC Theaters. As the largest movie theater chain, AMC frequently employs teens.
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Six Flags. This amusement park corporation offers numerous job opportunities for teens.
How to Get a Job as a Teenager
Now that you have some ideas about potential jobs, you might be wondering how to land one.
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Learn How to Apply. Many entry-level jobs do not require a professional resume. Call businesses to inquire about their application process, whether it’s in-person or online.
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Clean Up Social Media. Employers often check social media to gauge your personality. Ensure your accounts reflect a positive image.
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Get References. Ask three individuals (not family members) to vouch for your character and work ethic. Teachers are great references.
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Prepare for an Interview. Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to practice answering common questions, which will boost your confidence.
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Send a Thank You. After your interview, send a thank-you email or letter to leave a positive impression.
Don’t forget that if your state requires a work permit, you will need to obtain one before starting work.
Jobs for 14 and 15 Year Olds FAQ
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Are work permits required for 14 and 15 year olds?
Only some states require a work permit for minors; the federal government does not. You may need one depending on state or employer requirements.
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How much can 14- and 15-year-olds work?
Federal law states that 14- and 15-year-olds cannot work more than eight hours a day. They also cannot work more than three hours on school days and no more than 18 hours per week during the school year. They cannot work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
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What types of jobs are 14- and 15-year-olds prohibited from?
14- and 15-year-olds cannot work in hazardous jobs. Prohibited jobs may include:
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Operating a forklift
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Operating balers or compactors
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Slaughtering or rendering poultry
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Using power-driven saws, chippers, or abrasive cutting discs
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References
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Cashier Occupational Outlook
Author
Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.
