Looking for jobs that hire at 14? You're in the right place. We researched 25+ companies that hire 14-year-olds in 2026, including requirements, pay rates, and how to apply.
Summary: What You'll Learn
- Best employers: McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Kroger, Publix, Dairy Queen
- Expected pay: $10-$14/hour
- School year hours: Max 18 hours/week
- Summer hours: Max 40 hours/week
- You'll need: Work permit, parental consent, proof of age
Fast Food Restaurants That Hire at 14
These fast food chains hire 14-year-olds at select locations:
| Company | Positions | Starting Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald's | Crew Member | $10-$13/hr | Select locations only |
| Chick-fil-A | Team Member | $11-$14/hr | Franchise-dependent |
| Dairy Queen | Cashier, Crew | $9-$12/hr | Most locations hire at 14 |
| Culver's | Team Member | $10-$13/hr | Select locations |
| Baskin-Robbins | Crew Member | $10-$12/hr | With work permit |
| Rita's Italian Ice | Treat Team Member | $9-$11/hr | Seasonal availability |
Grocery Stores That Hire at 14
Grocery stores offer great first job opportunities for 14-year-olds:
| Company | Positions | Starting Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kroger | Bagger, Cart Attendant, Bakery Assistant | $10-$12/hr | 29 store brands across 42 states. Hiring process |
| Publix | Cashier, Floral Clerk | $11-$13/hr | Southeast US only. Hiring process |
| Giant Eagle | Bagger, Stock | $10-$12/hr | Midwest/East Coast |
| Hy-Vee | Courtesy Clerk | $10-$11/hr | Select locations |
Entertainment & Amusement Jobs for 14 Year Olds
Movie theaters and theme parks offer fun work environments:
| Company | Positions | Starting Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMC Theatres | Usher, Concession Cashier | $10-$12/hr | Free movies perk |
| Six Flags | Game Attendant, Merchandise | $11-$13/hr | Seasonal/summer |
| Palace Entertainment | Admissions, Food Cashier | $10-$12/hr | Theme parks |
Federal Work Rules for 14 Year Olds
Before applying, understand the legal limits set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA):
Hours During School Year
- School days: Maximum 3 hours per day
- School weeks: Maximum 18 hours per week
- Work hours: Between 7 AM and 7 PM only
Hours During Summer
- Non-school days: Maximum 8 hours per day
- Non-school weeks: Maximum 40 hours per week
- Work hours: Between 7 AM and 9 PM (June 1 - Labor Day)
Jobs 14 Year Olds Cannot Do
- Operating machinery or power tools
- Cooking over open flames
- Working in freezers or meat coolers
- Baking
- Driving or operating vehicles
- Construction work
- Manufacturing
How to Get Hired at 14: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Check Your State Laws
Some states have stricter rules than federal law. Verify your state's minimum working age and permit requirements.
Step 2: Get a Work Permit
Most states require a work permit (also called "employment certificate") for 14-year-olds. You typically need:
- Proof of age (birth certificate)
- Parental consent form
- School approval
- Job offer letter (some states)
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Even without experience, you can highlight:
- School activities and clubs
- Volunteer work
- Babysitting or pet-sitting
- Good grades and attendance
- References from teachers or coaches
Step 4: Apply to Multiple Places
Apply to at least 5-10 companies. Not every location hires at 14, so cast a wide net.
Best Jobs for 14 Year Olds With No Experience
Top 5 First Jobs for 14-Year-Olds
- Grocery Bagger - Simple tasks, flexible hours, no prior experience needed
- Movie Theater Usher - Fun environment, free movies, weekend availability
- Ice Cream Shop Crew - Seasonal, social, tips possible
- Fast Food Cashier - Teaches customer service, consistent hours
- Cart Attendant - Outdoor work, physical activity, minimal customer interaction
How Much Do 14 Year Olds Get Paid?
Here's what to expect for hourly pay in 2026:
| Job Category | Hourly Pay | Monthly (15 hrs/week) |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Food | $10-$13/hr | $150-$195 |
| Grocery Store | $10-$12/hr | $150-$180 |
| Entertainment | $10-$12/hr | $150-$180 |
| Ice Cream/Seasonal | $9-$12/hr | $135-$180 |
States With Most Jobs for 14 Year Olds
Not all states are equal for teen employment. These states have the most opportunities:
- Texas - No state restrictions beyond federal law
- Florida - Employer-friendly teen labor laws
- Georgia - Many retail and food service options
- Ohio - Kroger, Giant Eagle headquarters
- California - High minimum wage ($16+/hour)
FAQ: Jobs for 14 Year Olds
Does McDonald's hire at 14?
Yes, some McDonald's locations hire at 14. Availability depends on the franchise owner and state laws. Apply directly at your local McDonald's or through mcdonalds.com/careers. See current McDonald's salaries and hiring process.
Does Chick-fil-A hire 14 year olds?
Yes, select Chick-fil-A locations hire at 14. Each restaurant is independently owned, so policies vary. Call your local Chick-fil-A to confirm. Check Chick-fil-A pay rates, hiring process, and dress code.
Can you work at Walmart at 14?
No. Walmart's minimum hiring age is 16 for most positions and 18 for others. Consider Kroger or Publix as alternatives.
How many hours can a 14 year old work?
During school weeks: maximum 18 hours per week, 3 hours per school day. During summer: maximum 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day.
What jobs pay the most for 14 year olds?
Jobs at Chick-fil-A and Publix tend to pay above minimum wage ($11-$14/hour). Movie theaters and theme parks also offer competitive pay plus perks.
Can a 14 year old work at Target?
No. Target's minimum hiring age is 16 for most positions.
Do 14 year olds need a work permit?
Most states require work permits for 14-year-olds. Check with your school's guidance office or state labor department for requirements.
Methodology
This article was compiled using the following research methods:
- Direct Company Research: We reviewed official career pages and hiring policies for 50+ national retailers and restaurants.
- Federal Regulations: Work hour limits and job restrictions are based on U.S. Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act guidelines.
- Pay Data Collection: Salary ranges were gathered from Employers.io salary data and company career pages as of February 2026.
- State Law Review: We cross-referenced federal requirements with state-specific labor laws for minors.
Data Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Company career websites
- Employers.io salary data
- Employers.io job listings
Last Verified: February 11, 2026
Summary
Finding a job at 14 is possible with the right approach:
- Best options: Grocery stores (Kroger, Publix), fast food (McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen), and entertainment (AMC, Six Flags)
- Expect to earn: $10-$13/hour at most employers
- Hours limited to: 18 hours/week during school, 40 hours/week in summer
- You'll need: Work permit, parental consent, proof of age
Start by checking which companies in your area hire at 14, then get your work permit and apply to multiple locations.