Teens looking to earn money before summer break face real challenges: strict labor laws, rising minimum wages, and selective employers. But opportunities exist if you know where to look. Here’s how 14- and 15-year-olds can legally find work that pays in 2025. Let’s get to it.
What Jobs Can Teens 14 and 15 Legally Work?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 14 and 15-year-olds can work in non-hazardous, non-agricultural jobs with strict limits:
- Minimum employment age: 14.
- Hour limits: up to 3 hours on school days, 18 hours during a school week; up to 8 hours on non-school days, 40 hours on non-school weeks.
- Work hours: between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day).
Additionally, employers may pay a youth wage of $4.25 per hour for the first 90 consecutive calendar days if the worker is under 20 (U.S. Department of Labor). After that period, teens must be paid at least the federal minimum wage.
Major Chains That Commonly Hire 14- and 15-Year-Olds
Even with restrictions, national chains often welcome younger workers into entry-level roles. Availability depends on franchise and state rules, but here are some well-known options:
- Fast food and ice cream shops: McDonald’s, Burger King, Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, Chick-fil-A, Pizza Hut.
- Grocery stores: Publix, Kroger, Giant Eagle, Giant Food, Winn-Dixie.
- Entertainment venues: AMC Theatres, Six Flags, trampoline parks, bowling alleys, arcades.
Jobs typically include cashiering, cleaning, food prep, stocking, or customer service. Teens should always check directly with the local store, since some franchises set stricter hiring ages.
Independent and Neighborhood Jobs
Not every teen wants to clock in at a chain. Many families and neighbors are willing to pay cash for simple services, often at rates higher than minimum wage. Popular options include:
- Babysitting or “mother’s helper”
- Dog walking or pet boarding assistant
- Yard work or light landscaping
- Tutoring younger kids
- Car washing and detailing
- Power washing driveways and patios
Because these roles are often informal, they offer flexibility and can help teens build early entrepreneurial skills.
What Teens Can Expect to Earn in 2024
Wages vary widely depending on location and type of job. Here’s a snapshot:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Federal minimum wage | $7.25/hour (unchanged since 2009) |
| Youth wage (first 90 days under 20) | $4.25/hour |
| Highest state minimums (2024) | Washington: $16.66; California: $16.50; Washington D.C.: $17.50 (rising to $18.00 in July 2025) |
| Lowest listed state minimums | Georgia and Wyoming: $5.15, but FLSA requires $7.25 for covered employers |
For teens in states like California or Washington, even entry-level jobs can pay more than double the federal rate. Independent jobs with tips (such as car washes or babysitting) often pay $12–$20 per hour, depending on demand.
Why This Matters for Teens and Families in 2024
- Young workers make up a large share of minimum-wage earners: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers under 25 represent nearly 43% of those paid at or below the federal minimum (BLS).
- Labor law violations are rising: Between 2022 and 2023, federal investigators reported record-breaking child labor violations, including excessive hours and unsafe conditions. Families should stay vigilant about workplace compliance.
- State-by-state wage differences matter: A job in California could pay more than twice the rate of the same job in Georgia, affecting how much teens realistically earn.
Practical Tips for Teens and Parents
- Know your state’s laws: Always check state minimum wage and teen labor rules, which can be stricter than federal standards.
- Balance work with school: Stick to jobs that don’t interfere with homework or rest.
- Watch for red flags: Unsafe conditions, pressure to work beyond legal hours, or being asked to skip breaks.
- Start small with independent gigs: Babysitting, tutoring, or dog walking can often pay more than fast food jobs.
- Track your hours and pay: Teens should get in the habit of monitoring their earnings to avoid wage theft.
List: Teen-Friendly Jobs with Flexible Hours
- Babysitting
- Dog walking
- Tutoring
- Lawn care
- Car washing
List: Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Job
- What is the starting wage, and does a youth wage apply?
- How many hours can I expect each week?
- Are there opportunities for tips or raises?
- Does the schedule fit around school and activities?
- Is the workplace compliant with labor laws?
Check your teen’s eligibility under federal and state labor laws before they apply. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s youth employment page today to confirm rules in your state and make sure your family avoids unfair or unsafe work conditions.