Securing a first job is a significant milestone for a 14-year-old in Wisconsin, offering independence and valuable experience. This journey requires understanding the specific legal framework governing youth employment and identifying suitable opportunities. This article outlines the process of securing legal employment, from comprehending state regulations set by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to successfully applying for and starting a job.
Understanding Wisconsin Child Labor Laws for 14-Year-Olds
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) sets clear boundaries for the employment of minors to ensure work does not interfere with education, health, or well-being. These regulations define the maximum hours and times a 14-year-old may be employed in non-agricultural, non-domestic service jobs. During the school year, minors are restricted to working a maximum of three hours on any school day and no more than 18 hours per week in total.
Working hours are limited by time of day, generally falling between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. from the day after Labor Day through May 31. During the summer (June 1 through Labor Day), the evening limit extends to 9:00 p.m. On days when school is not in session, such as weekends, a 14-year-old may work up to eight hours, though the weekly maximum still applies during school weeks.
State and federal laws prohibit minors from engaging in occupations considered hazardous or detrimental to their well-being. Prohibited work includes manufacturing, mining, and processing, especially those involving operating heavy power-driven machinery. Minors cannot work in establishments where explosives are manufactured or stored, perform roofing work, or operate elevators. Employment must focus on light, supervised work in safe environments, such as office work, cashiering, or stock work.
Common Job Categories That Hire 14-Year-Olds
Retail and Grocery Stores
Entry-level roles within retail and grocery stores align well with legal work restrictions for 14-year-olds. These positions involve light duties that do not require hazardous equipment or extensive training, focusing on customer assistance and maintaining the store environment.
Common positions include courtesy clerk or bagger at a local grocery store, involving gathering shopping carts and helping customers transport groceries. Other suitable roles involve stocking shelves in non-refrigerated sections, cleaning up spills in customer areas, or performing light housekeeping tasks.
Food Service and Hospitality (Non-Kitchen)
The food service industry frequently hires 14-year-olds for specific front-of-house and general support roles. These positions do not involve food preparation, cooking, or operating dangerous kitchen equipment, but rather help maintain the dining area and ensure a pleasant experience for patrons.
Suitable jobs include bussing tables, clearing dishes and sanitizing tables after guests leave, or acting as a host or hostess to greet customers and manage seating. Minors may also be hired for dishwashing, provided the work avoids operating high-temperature, power-driven equipment. Fast-food establishments may hire 14-year-olds for counter service or to assemble non-cooked food items, such as salads, while strictly avoiding deep fryers, slicers, or ovens.
Recreation and Entertainment
Recreational businesses offer seasonal and part-time jobs that are well-suited for a young person’s schedule, especially during the summer months. These roles are often focused on customer interaction and maintaining the facility’s appearance.
Movie theaters commonly hire minors as ushers, responsible for cleaning theaters between showings and directing patrons to their seats. At miniature golf courses or amusement centers, jobs might include collecting golf balls, monitoring game areas, or working at a concessions stand. Summer camps often employ younger teens as Counselors-in-Training (CITs), providing supervised experience working with children in a non-hazardous, outdoor setting.
Neighborhood and Independent Jobs
Traditional, informal jobs are often exempt from formal work permit requirements, offering flexible opportunities. These roles rely on direct arrangements between the minor and the client, usually within the local community.
Babysitting and pet-sitting are popular options, allowing a teen to manage their own schedule while providing care services to neighbors and family friends. Services like lawn mowing, raking leaves, and snow shoveling are excellent ways to earn money, as the work is typically seasonal and performed independently.
The Essential Step: Obtaining a Work Permit in Wisconsin
For any 14-year-old seeking formal employment in Wisconsin, a work permit is mandatory and must be secured before starting work. This permit ensures the employment complies with state child labor laws regarding hours and occupation. The application process is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and is initiated by the parent or guardian.
The parent or guardian must apply for and purchase the permit, which involves paying a ten-dollar fee. The employer is legally required to reimburse this fee to the parent or guardian no later than the minor’s first paycheck. The application requires creating a DWD ID for online submission and includes details about the employer’s business and the specific nature of the minor’s work. Once complete, the DWD sends the official work permit directly to the employer, who must have it on file before the minor can legally begin the job.
Finding and Applying for Your First Job
The search for a first job should begin by identifying local businesses known to hire younger workers, often by inquiring directly about openings. Local community groups, school bulletin boards, and neighborhood social media pages are effective resources. Networking with family friends and neighbors can also lead to opportunities, especially for less formal, independent roles.
When preparing to apply, create a basic resume focusing on school achievements, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. Since professional experience is limited, the resume should highlight soft skills like reliability, teamwork, and punctuality. For the interview, demonstrate professionalism by dressing neatly, arriving on time, and maintaining eye contact. Preparing thoughtful questions shows genuine interest in the position and the company.
Making the Most of Your First Work Experience
A first job provides opportunities for developing skills beyond the specific tasks of the role. Focusing on soft skills, such as clear communication with supervisors and coworkers, is important for building positive working relationships. Consistently showing up on time and being ready to work demonstrates reliability and commitment.
The first paycheck offers a practical lesson in financial literacy, introducing concepts like taxes, deductions, and saving. Learning that a portion of earnings is withheld for taxes and budgeting the remainder establishes good financial habits. Managing personal income is a valuable foundation for future financial independence.