Turning 14 is an exciting step toward independence. You might start thinking about getting your first job to earn extra money. But at 14-15, safety should be the top priority in your job search.
As a former teen worker and current small business advisor, I‘ve created this definitive guide on safe, legal jobs that hire workers as young as 14. Beyond just a list of employers, you‘ll find real-world advice for setting yourself up for workplace success.
Let‘s get started!
Babysitting/Pet Sitting
Babysitting tops the list for being the quintessential "first job" for teens.eyond Just a List of Jobs, You‘ll Discover:
Pay range: $10-$20 per hour
Growth opportunities: As you demonstrate responsibility caring for young children, parents will offer referrals to friends needing reliable sitters. Repeat gigs build your brand! Future positions could include nanny, teacher‘s assistant, childcare worker, pediatric nurse, and more.
Key skills gained: Child development, communication, multitasking
Safety considerations: Background checks for sitters ensure children‘s security. Take precautions like locking doors, avoiding stove/oven use, and keeping your attention on kids at all times.
Pet sitting offers similar early job experiences, with the added fun of cuddling furry friends! Just be vigilant monitoring pets around roads, pools or other hazards.
Related: How I Started My Own Pet Sitting Business at 15
I earned over $100 every weekend caring for neighborhood pets during vacations and business trips. Here‘s exactly how I made my entrepreneurial idea a reality…
Lawn Care & Yard Work
Working outdoors in nice weather is a major perk of lawn care roles. Just be sure to use equipment safely, wear sun protection, and remain hydrated.
Pay range: $15 – $20 per hour
Growth opportunities: Build a neighborhood client list as your landscaping skills improve. Study horticulture to launch a full-scale yard maintenance business.
Key skills gained: Customer service, self-motivation, physical endurance
Safety considerations: Proper handling of sharp tools, chemicals, and avoiding heat exhaustion with breaks plus lots of liquids. Don‘t rush the job.
Related: Teen Entrepreneur Lands High Profile Clients With Premium Lawn Service
Hard work pays off! Meet Aidan S., who grew his solo grass cutting gig into a six-figure client list rivaling professional landscapers…as a full-time high schooler!
Tutoring
With a solid academic record, tutoring provides the flexibility to set your schedule plus meaningful work helping other students succeed.
Pay range: $15 – $25 per hour
Growth opportunities: Tutor companies allow you to set hours while they handle client acquisition. Consider teaching summer school, college admissions essay editing or even penning study aids books!
Key skills gained: Communication, leadership, problem-solving
Safety considerations: Meet students in public spaces like libraries with adult supervision. Communicate schedules/plans with your parents too.
Related: How to Start Your Own Lucrative Tutoring Service in High School
Tutoring is extremely scalable online and off. My tips help you structure your independent tutoring offerings to maximize earnings!
Farm Work
Farms welcome seasonal helpers, providing quality mentorship for animal lovers and nature buffs.
Pay range: $10 – $15 per hour
Growth opportunities: Future veterinarian, biologist, park ranger or farmer roles build on early agricultural experiences.
Key skills gained: Livestock handling, botany, heavy machinery operation
Safety considerations: Caution when operating large equipment, using tools or near plots sprayed with chemicals. Know safety protocols for livestock handling too.
Retail Jobs
What retail lacks in glamour it makes up for with abundant entry-level openings well-suited for 14-15 year olds.
Pay range: $10 – $15 per hour
Growth opportunities: Shift leader, department head and store manager paths allow motivated mentees to advance the ranks into serious careers.
Key skills gained: Inventory management, merchandising, interacting with all personality types
Safety considerations: Stores ban dangerous equipment and chemicals from minor‘s access. Practice safe lifting, climbing ladders to stock high shelves and handling box cutters/boxcutters with care. Let managers address angry customers.
Related: Steps to Land Your First Job…How I Went From 0 Experience to Employee of the Month
My method will get you hired at your favorite clothing shop, tech store or other retailer quickly. I break down what managers look for in early achievers destined to thrive in retail long term.
Food Service Jobs
The fast pace and nonstop customer engagement of restaurants, coffee shops and fast food chains builds solid skills…once you grasp the routines.
Pay range: $10 – $15 per hour
Growth opportunities: Shift lead, kitchen manager and franchise ownership offer clear paths to advance from teen crew roles into serious careers.
Key skills gained: Speed, stamina, adaptability
Safety considerations: Slippery floors, hot ovens and grease splatters pose hazards. Focus on doing your singular task well vs. getting overwhelmed assisting others. Ask questions if you don‘t understand safe usage of any equipment.
Related: How I Saved $10K for College Working at a Fast Food Joint
My friends mocked my uniform…until they saw my hefty paychecks and tuition fund piling up! Here‘s how I made bank while gaining priceless job skills that impress colleges.
Lifeguard
This classic summer job keeps you close to refreshing water while protecting swimmers. Just know it‘s more than just sun-tanning!
Pay range: $10 – $18 per hour
Growth opportunities: Lead guard, coach or instructor gigs often hire standout teens with a summer or two of vigilant scanning under their belt. The medical skills translate to nursing, EMT, athletic trainer and veterinarian roles later on.
Key skills gained: CPR / First aid certification, caution, emergency response
Safety considerations: Intense training and continual review of protocols ensures you can react correctly when health crises arise. Stay alert – checking phones or chatting compromises safety.
Camp Counselor
For teachers-in-training, coaching kids at summer camps builds serious cred come future internship and job application season.
Pay range: $10 – $15 per hour
Growth opportunities: Program coordinator, challenge course manager and camp director jobs often hire stellar former counselors. Classroom teaching, child psychology and recreation therapy draw from the same skillset.
Key skills gained: Public speaking, lesson planning, first aid
Safety considerations: Camps vet staffers‘ backgrounds thoroughly. Review activity guidelines to lead hiking, canoeing, ropes courses and other adventures safely. Stay vigilant supervising youngsters 24/7.
Movie Theater
Surrounded by popcorn and the big screen, theater jobs beat other customer service gigs for pure entertainment value.
Pay range: $9 – $15 per hour
Growth opportunities: Concession management, film programming/scheduling, PR and advertising careers build from the business side. Film/TV production, acting and hospitality management intersect too.
Key skills gained: Merchandising, inventory management, dealing with rushes
Safety considerations: Ensure proper safeguards are in place inspecting film equipment, changing reels, handling concessions equipment/oil and directing patrons entering/exiting crowded theaters. Support staff to address unruly guests.
Fitness Center
Enter an encouraging atmosphere guiding members‘ health journeys assisting at gyms and athletic clubs.
Pay range: $10-$15 per hour
Growth opportunities: Personal trainer, group instructor, program coordinator and wellness director roles hire top talent from the fitness floor. Sports medicine and physical therapy also tie in.
Key skills gained: Health/nutrition coaching, customer empathy, cleaning protocols
Safety considerations: Maintain equipment, watch for slipping hazards and follow pool sanitization procedures closely. Only spot members lifting extremely heavy weights per policy. Ensure ventilation to control spread of germs.
Related: How I Make $3K a Month Teaching Yoga Part-Time
Yep, instructing yoga in high school funded my car, prom and more! Whether you lead boot camps, dance or cycling classes, teaching keeps you fit and paid.
Golf Courses
The sport of golf presents fantastic growth into hospitality, turf management and pro shop retail careers.
Pay range: $10 – $20 per hour
Growth opportunities: Grounds crew supervisor, clubhouse manager and hospitality director roles often promote from within. Attending university hospitality or agronomy programs unlocks additional advancement.
Key skills gained: Customer service, landscaping, inventory control
Safety considerations: Sun exposure, bug bites and soreness from repetitive movements pose risks. Use proper form lifting bags. Ensure adequate breaks plus hydration. Ask about pesticide usage/runoff protection protocols.
Landscaping
Transforming raw nature into breathtaking scenery takes vision, talent and hard work. Landscaping apprentices see impressive results beautifying gardens, patios and green spaces.
Pay range: $12 – $18 per hour
Growth opportunities: Construction foreman, botanical garden designer, greenhouse manager and municipal park planning jobs offer clear progression. Many seasoned landscape architects and contractors began mowing lawns or planting annuals in their early teens.
Key skills gained: Operating machinery, identifying plants/trimming techniques, collaborating with crews
Safety considerations: Protect skin and lungs from long exposure to fertilizers, fuels, and plant secretions. Utilize safety gear like goggles, gloves and respirators properly. Maintain equipment vigilantly to prevent injuries.
Starting your first job soon? Awesome! Beyond your actual duties, gaining real world job experience now builds the mindsets needed for career success after college.
Here’s what I wish someone told me on Day 1 about making stellar first impressions…
Highlight Your Strengths
Managers want reliable team players, not just robots to fill shifts. Show your:
- Enthusiasm – Arrive energized and ready to contribute
- Punctuality – Being early means being on time
- Flexibility – Pitch in on unexpected tasks
- Curiosity – Ask questions; avoid assumptions
- Initiative – Look around; jump into assisting without being asked
Own Your Mistakes
When something goes wrong, speak up right away taking responsibility vs. hiding slip-ups. Managers respect accountability and want to help you improve.
Come Prepared
Bring essentials like non-slip shoes, gloves, hats and water to stay safe on the job site. Keep a small notebook handy to jot questions, capture feedback and organize tasks.
Make Friends
Having lunch or chatting briefly before/after shifts humanizes coworkers into friends, making the actual work more enjoyable. But avoid cliques that spread gossip or distract from duties.
Bringing your best attitude daily and applying these tips positions you for current and future job success!
Now that you know top places hiring at 14 and actionable advice to transition smoothly into the working world, which opportunity excites you most? The key is lining up 1-2 roles ideal for your skills and interests.
With this comprehensive guide‘s help assessing workplace safety factors, legal considerations, real pay rates and growth trajectories for various entry-level jobs, 14 and 15 year olds can confidently enter the job market.
I‘m rooting for your success gaining that first paycheck…then many more to come! Stay driven pursuing your professional passions. The working world holds boundless potential when you start early gaining hands-on experience.
Reach out anytime if you have questions along the career journey!
Sincerely,
[Your name] Small Business Advisor & Former Teen Employee