Finding a first job offers Oregon teenagers a valuable opportunity to develop professional skills and earn income. Employment for 14-year-olds is strictly governed by the state’s child labor laws, which are enforced by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). These regulations determine the types of jobs available, maximum hours, and times a minor can work. Compliance is mandatory for both the teen and the potential employer, ensuring that early work experience remains safe and does not interfere with education.
Understanding Oregon’s Youth Employment Requirements
Before a 14-year-old can begin working in Oregon, the employer must complete a mandatory authorization process. The state does not issue individual work permits to minors aged 14 through 17; instead, the legal responsibility rests on the business. Every employer hiring minors must apply for and receive an annual Employment Certificate from BOLI. The employer must also verify the minor’s age using a formal document, such as a birth certificate or passport, and keep this proof on file. This process ensures businesses are aware of and follow all applicable labor standards.
Specific Jobs Permitted for 14-Year-Olds
Retail and Grocery Support Roles
Fourteen-year-olds are permitted to work in supportive roles within retail stores and grocery establishments. Duties generally involve handling light merchandise, stocking shelves, and maintaining the cleanliness of the sales floor. Common tasks include bagging groceries, retrieving shopping carts, or assisting with general store cleanup.
Restaurant and Food Service (Non-Cooking)
Work in the food service industry is open to minors, provided the tasks remain non-hazardous and do not involve high-risk equipment. Permitted duties include bussing tables, washing dishes, and general cleaning of the dining area and counters. Teens may prepare simple foods, such as making salads or scooping ice cream. They are strictly prohibited from working in the kitchen area where they would operate power-driven machinery or be exposed to cooking, grilling, or deep-frying equipment.
Office and Clerical Assistance
Many professional environments offer suitable roles focused on administrative support. These positions involve non-physical tasks such as filing documents, running photocopies, performing basic data entry, or assisting with mail sorting. Answering phones and directing calls is also a common duty in supervised office settings.
Recreational and Entertainment Support
The recreational sector provides several age-appropriate jobs, particularly in outdoor and entertainment venues. Fourteen-year-olds often find work as golf course caddies, retrieving balls and carrying clubs for patrons. Other roles include ushering at movie theaters or working as attendants in parks, involving customer service and non-hazardous grounds maintenance.
Agricultural and Detasseling Work
Agricultural work, including detasseling corn, is permitted for 14-year-olds but operates under a separate set of rules. This sector often has specific exemptions regarding the type of work and hours, particularly during harvest seasons. Minors are restricted from operating or assisting with most power-driven farm machinery.
Types of Work That Are Strictly Prohibited
Oregon law defines occupations considered hazardous and forbids them for minors under 18, with specific rules for those under 16. Fourteen-year-olds are banned from working in manufacturing, mining, and construction industries. This includes any job requiring the operation of power-driven machinery, such as meat slicers, woodworking machines, or hoisting apparatus. Furthermore, any job involving exposure to dangerous substances, radioactive materials, or explosives is prohibited. Teens cannot work in roofing, excavation over a certain depth, or in occupations requiring them to drive a motor vehicle.
Navigating Work Hour Restrictions and Breaks
BOLI sets precise limits on when and how long a 14-year-old can be employed to prioritize education and well-being. When school is in session, a minor may work a maximum of three hours on a school day and 18 hours during the school week, restricted to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. When school is out of session, the daily limit remains eight hours, with a weekly maximum of 40 hours. During the summer (June 1 through Labor Day), the evening restriction is extended to 9:00 p.m. State law mandates a meal period of at least 30 minutes if the minor works six or more hours, and a paid rest break of at least 15 minutes for every four hours worked.
Practical Steps for Finding Your First Job
The job search begins by creating a basic resume that highlights academic achievements, volunteer experience, and relevant skills like responsibility and punctuality. Since most entry-level jobs do not require extensive work history, focus on school activities or clubs that demonstrate a strong work ethic. Preparing for an interview involves practicing common questions and discussing how work will be balanced with school commitments. Many suitable first jobs are found through direct inquiry at local establishments rather than large online job boards. Teens should focus on smaller, local businesses—such as neighborhood ice cream shops or community centers—which are often more flexible and welcoming to first-time employees.