12 jobs for 14-year-olds to earn money

Starting a job at 14 can open a world of opportunities for young teens eager to earn their first paycheck. Working offers a sense of independence and helps kids develop essential life skills like time management and financial literacy.

There are plenty of jobs for 14-year-olds. And while there are some legal limits to be aware of, they won't prevent your teen from getting an age-appropriate role. Let's dive into potential job options and what makes them good choices for many teens. 

In-person jobs for 14-year-olds

Could your teen benefit from a structured job with a steady paycheck? These options are worth a look.

1. Grocery bagger

As a grocery bagger, your teen will interact with customers and other employees. They'll learn tricks to make bagging efficient and organized.

• Pros: Builds time management and teamwork skills

• Cons: Can be physically demanding

2. Movie theater helper

Movie cinemas need helpers to sell tickets, handle concessions, and keep theaters clean. If your teen loves movies, it's a perfect match. They may qualify for discounts or free tickets to see upcoming shows. 

• Pros: Develops customer service skills 

• Cons: May require odd hours

3. Camp assistant

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Local schools and recreation centers often hold camps during school breaks. These camps give kids an opportunity to learn new skills and interact with others in their age group. As a camp assistant, your teen can mentor younger kids and support camp leaders. 

• Pros: Builds leadership and social skills 

• Cons: Short-term role that ends when the camp is over

4. Food service

Many fast-food chains hire 14-year-olds as cashiers or team members. These jobs teach valuable customer service skills and how to work in a team environment.

• Pros: Gain customer service skills  

• Cons: Can be a high-stress environment

Online jobs for 14-year-olds

The internet makes it possible to find a job as a teen from the comfort of home. With a bit of tech know-how, they can earn a reliable stream of income on their own time.

Of course, proper internet safety protocols are key when working online. Keep close tabs on what your teen shares with others, and be wary of scam job postings or get-rich-quick schemes that pop up. Stick with legitimate companies you can trust. 

5. Content creation

Is your teen passionate about video games, fashion, or sports? Whatever their interests are, they can find a niche and become an online authority through blogging or social media. As their audience grows, they may attract sponsorship opportunities. 

• Pros: Strengthens communication and tech skills

• Cons: Inconsistent pay

6. Online surveys

Survey websites provide a convenient way for teens to earn extra money, with no schedule required. Teens answer questions about their interests, favorite products, habits, and more. It's a good fit for busy students who don't have time for a regular job. 

• Pros: Quick way to earn perks or cash

• Cons: Lacks skill-building opportunities

7. Online Tutoring

As an online tutor, your teen can help younger kids boost their skills in math, science, and grammar. They can prepare study plans and assist with test prep. It's a flexible job that's easy to do online or in person. 

• Pros: Develops problem-solving and communication skills

• Cons: Requires knowledge of a subject area

Neighborhood gigs & entrepreneurial ideas

Some of the best job offerings for 14-year-olds may be right outside your door. From babysitting to selling crafts, your teen can earn money and benefit the community. 

8. Babysitting/pet-sitting

Parents can use a helping hand with kids and pets on the weekends, after school, and during summer vacations. babysitting, pet sitting, and dog walking are perfect for teens, since it won't impact school hours. They'll earn some extra money while also learning safety awareness and communication skills.

• Pros: Strengthens patience and responsibility

• Cons: May require unpredictable hours

9. Lawn care

Is your teen handy with a rake or shovel? Their skills can help adults with outdoor tasks such as raking leaves, pulling weeds, or shoveling snow. To get started, encourage your teen to share their availability with people in your neighborhood. 

• Pros: Encourages a strong work ethic

• Cons: Requires strong physical effort

10. Selling crafts

Teens who enjoy painting, knitting, crocheting, and other crafts can sell their wares to willing buyers at local fairs. It's a fun way to turn their creativity into a source of income. They'll learn how to price items and negotiate with buyers.

• Pros: Teaches pricing and goal-setting

• Cons: Requires upfront investment in art materials

11. Reselling items

Teens outgrow clothes and toys as they get older. Instead of letting them sit around and gather dust, your teen could resell their gently used items for a profit. Garage sales work well for this. Teens can also try consignment stores or online marketplaces. 

• Pros: Teaches marketing and customer service skills

• Cons: Can be competitive

12. Lifeguard

Does your child love spending time by the pool? If they’re a strong swimmer, being a lifeguard is fun and teaches valuable lessons in responsibility and safety. Lifeguarding can also be one of the higher-paying summer jobs. It usually requires successful completion of a lifeguard training and certification course, including CPR and First Aid.

• Pros: Teaches responsibility and safety skills

• Cons: Requires training and certifications

Know the labor laws around hiring 14-year-olds

According to federal law, 14- and 15-year-olds can work non-hazardous jobs. But they’re limited to specific hours. You must also adhere to state labor laws.

Jobs that are off-limits include:

• Construction

• Warehousing

• Mining

• Door-to-door sales

• Manufacturing

Basically, any job where your teen would handle heavy machinery or put their personal safety at risk is a no-go. But the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) notes several jobs that 14-year-olds can do, including retail, tutoring, and basic yard work.

Under the federal mandate, teens 14-15 can only work outside school hours. They must also adhere to the following restrictions:

• Maximum 3 hours on school days

• Maximum 18 hours a week when school is in session

• Maximum 8 hours a day when school is not in session

• Maximum 40 hours a week when school is not in session

• No working before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on any day (except June 1 through Labor Day, when nighttime work is allowed until 9 p.m.)

Turning a first job into smart money habits

Your teen's first job is a monumental moment. When the time comes to decide on a career vs. a job, they'll have valuable skills they can carry with them. 

One of the easiest ways to give kids and teens some independence while still keeping them – and their money – safe is through an all-in-one money app. Greenlight’s debit card for teens helps kids learn to spend wisely – while parents keep an eye on balances and track their spending. 

Empower kids to earn and learn. Manage chores, jobs, and allowances. Teach kids to earn, save, and invest with the Greenlight app. Try Greenlight today.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.