FLSA CHILD LABOR RULES · UPDATED MAY 2026
Jobs for 14 Year Olds
What you can legally work in 2026, hour restrictions, work permit requirements, and the best-paying options for 14-year-olds.
Browse All Job Types →Federal Work Rules for 14–15 Year Olds (FLSA)
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Max 3 hours/day
School days
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Max 18 hours/week
School weeks
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Up to 8 hours/day
Summer days
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Up to 40 hours/week
Summer weeks
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7:00 AM
Earliest start
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9:00 PM
Latest end
Work permit required in most states. Get your Employment Certificate from your school district office before starting any formal job. Self-employment (babysitting, lawn care, pet sitting) does not require a work permit.
Best Jobs for 14 Year Olds in 2026
Self-employment options have no FLSA age restrictions and often pay more than formal employment.
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BabysittingTOP PICKSelf-employed
$12–18/hr
No permit needed. CPR cert helps. Neighbors, family friends, Care.com.
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Pet Sitting / Dog WalkingTOP PICKSelf-employed
$15–25/hr
Rover, Wag, or neighborhood clients. No age restriction for self-employment.
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Lawn Mowing / Yard WorkTOP PICKSelf-employed
$15–30/hr
5 regular lawns at $40 each = $200/week. Door-knock your neighborhood.
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Grocery Store (Bagger/Cashier)Formal employment
$8–12/hr
Publix, Kroger, Aldi, Wegmans hire at 14. Work permit required.
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Retail (Non-hazardous)Formal employment
$9–13/hr
Many clothing, toy, and general retail stores. Work permit required.
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Library PageFormal employment
$8–11/hr
Local public libraries often hire 14-15 year olds. Work permit required.
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Movie TheaterFormal employment
$9–12/hr
AMC, Regal, Cinemark hire at 14 in most states. Work permit required.
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Golf CaddyFormal employment
$50–150/round
Tips can exceed $100/round. Contact your local country club directly.
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Tutoring Younger StudentsSelf-employed
$15–25/hr
Math, reading, test prep for younger kids. Advertise through neighbors.
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Car WashingSelf-employed
$15–25/hr
Offer to neighbors for $20–30/wash. No permit needed.
How to Get a Work Permit (Most States)
1
Find a job offer — most employers won't issue paperwork until you're hired
2
Get an Employment Certificate (work permit) form from your school guidance office or school district website
3
Have your parent or guardian sign it
4
Have your school principal or designated official sign it
5
Give the completed certificate to your employer before starting
Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs can a 14 year old get?
Under federal FLSA law, 14–15 year olds can work in retail (non-hazardous), grocery stores, libraries, food service (limited), movie theaters, and golf caddying. Hours are restricted. Self-employment — babysitting, lawn care, pet sitting — has no age restrictions.
Do 14 year olds need a work permit?
Yes — most states require an Employment Certificate for formal employment under 16. Get it from your school district before starting. Self-employment doesn't require a permit.
What is the minimum wage for 14 year olds?
Federal minimum is $7.25/hr, but most states are higher in 2026. There's also a $4.25/hr federal 'youth wage' for the first 90 days under-20 employment, which some employers use. Informal jobs typically pay $12–25/hr.
What self-employment options are best for 14 year olds?
Babysitting ($12–18/hr), lawn mowing ($15–30/hr), pet sitting ($15–25/hr), and tutoring younger kids ($15–25/hr) are the best self-employment options. Building 5 regular lawn or babysitting clients can earn $1,500–$3,000 in a summer.