If you’re 14 and wondering, “What jobs hire at 14?” — good news! There are plenty of safe and fun ways for young teens to make money. Whether it’s summer, after school, or weekends, this guide shares smart job ideas for 14-year-olds in the U.S. that are legal, flexible, and rewarding.
What Kind of Jobs Can a 14-Year-Old Get?
At 14, you’re just starting to explore the working world. While there are rules about where and how long you can work, there are still plenty of opportunities for teens to earn money. Many jobs that hire at 14 focus on basic tasks that are safe, educational, and often close to home. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, assisting a small business, or working online, teens can find work that builds responsibility and saves money for future goals. The trick is to look for age-appropriate, legal opportunities — especially ones that offer flexible schedules around school.
Most jobs for 14-year-olds are part-time or seasonal, and many are tied to community connections — like babysitting for a neighbor or helping in a local garden. You can also work with family friends, local stores, or even explore online opportunities. The key is to start small, learn how to be responsible, and grow from there.
Best Jobs for 14-Year-Olds to Make Money
When it comes to jobs that hire at 14, some are better than others based on how easy they are to start and how flexible the hours can be. Whether you’re looking to earn some spending money, save for something special, or build work experience early, the best jobs for 14-year-olds are usually ones that are simple and safe. Here are some examples:
- Babysitting for friends or family
- Walking dogs or pet sitting for neighbors
- Helping with yard work or garden maintenance
- Part-time tasks at local stores or farms
- Selling crafts, art, or baked goods at local events
- Working as a junior camp counselor or assistant
- Doing basic online tasks like surveys or tutoring
These jobs don’t just help you make money—they also teach valuable skills like responsibility, communication, and time management.
Babysitting for Family or Neighbors
One of the most popular jobs for 14-year-olds is babysitting. If you love kids and are responsible, babysitting can be a great way to earn money while helping others. Many parents are happy to hire a trusted teen to watch their children for a few hours during the evening or weekends. The best part? Babysitting often happens at home or in familiar places, so it’s comfortable and flexible.
As a babysitter, you may be asked to play with kids, help them with what jobs hire at 14 , serve snacks, or put them to bed. You can also take online babysitting courses (like those offered by the Red Cross) to become more confident and skilled. Some babysitters even earn tips for doing extra chores like washing dishes or tidying up. Babysitting jobs usually come from word of mouth, so start by asking family, neighbors, or family friends if they need help.
Dog Walking or Pet Sitting
If you’re an animal lover, dog walking or pet sitting is another awesome job for teens. Many busy pet owners need someone to walk their dogs during the day or watch over pets while they’re out of town. This kind of work is perfect for a 14-year-old because it’s simple, active, and can be done right in your own neighborhood. Plus, you can choose how many pets you work with and when.
You can offer your pet services by making flyers, asking around your neighborhood, or asking your parents to help post in local Facebook groups. Make sure you’re comfortable with animals and know the basic safety tips before starting. Pet owners will love your energy and care!
Yard Work or Helping in Gardens
Helping with yard work or garden maintenance is a classic job that many 14-year-olds enjoy. You can help neighbors mow lawns, water plants, rake leaves, pull weeds, or shovel snow in the winter. These jobs are usually part-time and flexible—perfect for working after school or on weekends.
Many adults appreciate a helping hand, especially during busy seasons like spring and fall. Yard work pays well and helps you stay active, and many people will happily recommend you to others if you do a good job. All you need is a little effort and a good attitude.
Easy Part-Time Jobs for 14-Year-Olds
Some local businesses, especially family-owned stores, might be open to hiring younger teens for simple part-time work. You could help stock shelves, clean up, or greet customers. Ice cream shops, grocery stores, and farms sometimes hire 14-year-olds for support roles. Always make sure to ask your parents first, and check if you need a work permit in your state.
You can also create your own job by offering a helpful service. Whether it’s cleaning garages, washing cars, or helping someone organize their home, these small jobs can turn into steady part-time work for a motivated teen.
Summer Jobs for 14-Year-Olds in the USA
Summer is the best time to find jobs for 14-year-olds, especially when school’s out and you’ve got more free time. Many businesses, camps, and organizations look for young helpers during the summer months. If you enjoy being outside, working at a local farm, amusement park, or pool can be a fun way to earn cash and meet new people.
You can also look for roles like junior lifeguard (some places offer training for younger teens), camp helper, or even a summer reading assistant at your local library. Some summer programs also pay teens for helping with arts, crafts, or organizing community events. Don’t forget lemonade stands or selling handmade items at local markets — these are perfect mini summer businesses for 14-year-olds.
Where Can a 14-Year-Old Work Legally?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the U.S. says that 14 is the minimum age for most non-agricultural work, but there are rules about what kind of work you can do. At 14, you are allowed to work in certain safe and approved environments. You can work in:
- Retail jobs like grocery stores or gift shops
- Food service (but not cooking over an open flame)
- Office or clerical work
- Errands or delivery jobs by foot or bike
- Landscaping or yard work (non-hazardous only)
- Some amusement park jobs
However, there are places where you cannot work at 14. These include construction sites, manufacturing plants, jobs involving heavy machinery, or places that sell alcohol. Always check your state labor laws because rules can vary. Some states require a work permit, while others don’t. Your school counselor or a local employment office can help you find out what’s allowed.
How Many Hours Can You Work?
If you’re wondering how many hours a 14-year-old can legally work, here’s the general rule: during the school year, you can work up to 3 hours on school days and 18 hours per week total. On non-school days (like weekends or during summer), you can work up to 8 hours a day and no more than 40 hours a week.
Also, you can only work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., except during summer (June 1 to Labor Day), when you can work until 9 p.m. These rules are made to keep teens safe and make sure school stays the top priority.
Do You Need a Work Permit?
In many U.S. states, 14-year-olds do need a work permit to work legally. This is a simple form that shows you have permission to work and that your school knows about your job. You can usually get a work permit through your school’s guidance office or your state’s labor department. Make sure to bring a parent or guardian to help with paperwork.
Work permits are important because they protect young workers from unsafe jobs and make sure employers follow the law. So before you start working, check your state’s rules and get your permit if needed.
Best Online Jobs for 14-Year-Olds
If you prefer to work from home, online jobs for 14-year-olds can be a fun and creative way to earn money. From doing small digital tasks to creating content, the internet offers a world of teen-friendly job options. Here are a few:
- Taking surveys or testing websites (with parent permission)
- Starting a YouTube channel or blog (and earning through ads)
- Selling art, crafts, or digital items on Etsy (with an adult’s help)
- Tutoring younger kids in subjects you’re good at
- Writing stories or helping others with homework on tutoring websites
Just be sure to stay safe online, and always ask your parents before signing up for any websites. Use safe, teen-approved platforms and never share personal info.
Summer Jobs for 14-Year-Olds in the USA
Yes, this is worth repeating — because summer is full of opportunities for teens who want to work! From scooping ice cream to running a lemonade stand or volunteering at summer camps, summer jobs teach teens how to manage time, save money, and build confidence. Many community centers, farms, and local businesses offer short-term work for younger teens, and this is often when most teens get their very first job.
Thoughts – Start Small, Grow Big!
Starting your first job at 14 is exciting! It may be babysitting, walking dogs, or selling lemonade — and that’s totally fine. What matters is that you’re learning responsibility, time management, and how to earn your own money. Don’t worry if your first job isn’t perfect. You’re just getting started. Small jobs often lead to bigger opportunities. With time, trust, and a good attitude, you can grow your work into something great. Stay positive, be polite, and always do your best.
The Bottom Line
So, what jobs hire at 14? Plenty! From babysitting and dog walking to online work and yard help, there are so many ways for teens to earn money and gain experience. Just remember to follow the rules, get a work permit if needed, and always check with your parents before starting any job. With a little effort and creativity, you can turn your free time into fun and rewarding work.
Working at 14 helps you grow into a responsible and confident person. It teaches life skills that school might not cover—like how to manage money, how to talk to people, and how to take care of commitments. Whether you’re looking for something small or dreaming of something big, your journey can begin today. So go ahead—start small, work smart, and who knows? You might be building the path to your future career already.
