Starting a first job is a significant step toward financial independence. Finding the right position requires locating opportunities that fit a young person’s schedule and comply with employment regulations. Understanding the legal framework governing youth employment is the first step in successfully navigating this landscape.
Federal Labor Laws for 14-Year-Olds
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) governs the employment of minors, establishing clear limits for 14- and 15-year-olds to protect their educational opportunities. During weeks when school is in session, these teens may work a maximum of three hours per day. The total work time during a school week is capped at 18 hours, and all work must occur outside of scheduled school hours.
The restrictions are relaxed during non-school periods, such as summer vacation or recognized school breaks. During these weeks, the daily work limit increases to eight hours. The maximum weekly hours permitted for work during non-school weeks is set at 40 hours.
From Labor Day through May 31, work is only allowed between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. This evening limit is extended during the summer period, specifically from June 1 through Labor Day. During this summer window, the latest permissible work time shifts to 9 p.m.
Occupations involving manufacturing, mining, and the operation of heavy machinery are strictly prohibited. Driving a motor vehicle for work purposes is also banned for minors under 16.
State Work Permits and Administrative Requirements
While federal law provides a baseline for youth employment, individual states maintain the authority to impose stricter regulations. Many states have “child labor laws” that may set lower maximum work hours or prohibit employment in certain industries not mentioned in the FLSA. When state and federal laws differ, the rule that offers greater protection or restriction to the minor is the one that employers must follow.
A preliminary administrative step in nearly every state is obtaining a work permit. This document verifies the minor’s age and confirms the work is legal under both state and federal law. The process often begins with the minor securing a promise of employment from a business before the permit can be issued.
The permit is typically issued by a local authority, such as the school district or the state’s department of labor. Required documentation generally includes proof of age, such as a birth certificate or driver’s license. The application usually requires a form signed by the prospective employer detailing the job duties and intended hours, alongside written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Specific Job Types That Hire Young Teens
Retail and Service Roles
Many general retail stores offer entry-level positions that comply with youth labor laws. These roles often focus on maintaining the store’s appearance and assisting with inventory management. Tasks frequently involve stocking shelves, organizing display areas, placing price tags on merchandise, and bagging purchases.
Young employees may also work in the stockroom performing light duties. These tasks include breaking down cardboard boxes or general clean-up.
Food Service and Hospitality
The food service industry relies on young teens for non-cooking and non-hazardous tasks in the front-of-house area. A common starting role is that of a host or hostess, managing the seating chart and greeting patrons as they arrive. Bussing tables is another frequently available position, involving clearing used dishes and wiping down surfaces to prepare for the next customers.
Young employees may also be assigned to counter work, such as assembling to-go orders or operating non-power-driven equipment like a milkshake machine. Fourteen-year-olds are legally prohibited from operating power-driven meat slicers, deep fryers, grills, or ovens.
Recreation and Entertainment
Businesses focused on leisure activities often seek young employees for part-time, non-strenuous roles. Movie theaters hire teens for tasks like cleaning auditoriums between showings or selling non-alcoholic beverages and pre-packaged snacks at the concession stand. These roles often align well with evening and weekend hour restrictions.
At local golf courses, positions like caddy or driving range attendant are sometimes available. Non-profit community centers or day camps also employ young people as Counselors-in-Training (CITs), assisting older staff with organizing activities and supervising younger participants.
Local and Neighborhood Opportunities
Certain informal neighborhood jobs are often exempt from the strict hour and permit requirements of the FLSA, particularly if the work is sporadic and does not involve an established business. Babysitting for neighbors provides flexible employment and develops responsibility and immediate communication skills. The pay for babysitting often ranges significantly depending on the number of children and the location.
Performing yard work, such as mowing lawns, raking leaves, or watering gardens, is another common source of income. Pet sitting and dog walking services are also highly sought after by neighbors who need consistent care for their animals. Tutoring younger students can leverage academic strengths into a paid service.
Essential Tips for Securing Your First Job
Preparing for the job search requires organizing one’s limited experience into a basic resume, even if it only includes school achievements or volunteer work. This preparation demonstrates a professional approach to the hiring manager. Researching the company beforehand helps an applicant tailor their answers and show genuine interest during the interview process.
During the interview, punctuality and professional communication are highly valued by potential employers. Dressing neatly and maintaining polite, clear eye contact conveys respect and maturity. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their school schedule and availability honestly.
Once hired, setting up a bank account is a practical step toward managing earned income responsibly. Most employers prefer to pay via direct deposit, and having an account simplifies the process of saving and budgeting.