Best Jobs for 14 and 15-Year-Olds to Get Work Experience

Teenagers can start to enter the workforce at the age of 14. If you are 14 or 15, you can gain valuable professional skills that will apply to your future career and get you started to earn an income. In this article, you can learn about jobs for people who are ages 14 and 15, the average pay rate of these jobs, and primary duties to help you with your job search.

What jobs can a 14 and 15-year-old do?

The most common jobs teenagers can do are in retail or food service. The hours are flexible, which makes it easier to manage school schedules. Be sure to check the minimum age and worker’s permit laws in your state or ask the hiring manager for any age restrictions.

Here are a few jobs that can help a 14 or 15-year-old to get some work experience:

Tutor

Primary Duties: Tutors help students improve their scores through personalized lessons and activities to help them better understand a subject’s content. They help students with knowledge retention and teach them study habits that are adaptable to their learning styles.

Babysitter

Primary Duties: Babysitters watch children so their parents can run errands or have a night out. They may also assist children with their school projects or homework. Babysitters may play games with the children or watch movies and may be responsible for putting the children to bed.

Golf caddy

Primary Duties: A golf caddy works at a golf course or country club and carries the golf clubs for one of the players. In professional tournaments, golf caddies also advise the player, on subjects like which golf club to use or the wind direction. While you may not start in the pros, this could be a great position to learn more about golf and earn some money.

Stocking associate

Primary Duties: Stocking associates are responsible for ensuring that items are kept on the shelves. They can work at a retail store or any organization that requires constant stocking of products frequent use. Stocking associates may have to carry or move boxes and should have the capabilities to do so.

Lifeguard

Primary Duties: Lifeguards work at public and private pools and are responsible for making sure pool users are adhering to the safety rules at the pool. Lifeguards are trained in CPR and can take action in an emergency. 

Restaurant host/hostess

Primary Duties: A host or hostess is responsible for greeting restaurant patrons and getting them seated. They must be organized and should help to distribute tables among the wait staff. Hosts and hostesses may also be responsible for setting up tables and cleaning up.

Dishwasher

Primary Duties: Dishwashers usually work at a restaurant and are responsible for cleaning dishes and kitchen utensils. They could also work double duty as a busser and may be accountable for cleaning and set up of tables.

Grocery bagger

Primary Duties: A grocery bagger assists customers by organizing and packing their purchased groceries into bags. They may also assist customers by carrying the bags to their vehicle.

Busser

Primary Duties: A busser works at a restaurant and will clear plates, utensils and drinkware from tables. They are responsible for wiping down eating areas and refilling nonalcoholic beverages. A busser may also help to carry food to the table.

What are the work limitations for 14 and 15-year-olds?

People who are age 14 or 15 may be subject to guidelines for jobs they can have.

Some of the work restrictions that might apply to 14 and 15-year-olds include:

  • State and federal child labor laws
  • Workplaces with heavy machinery
  • Limited hours during the school year

There are several job opportunities available for 14 and 15-year-olds that can help you learn professional skills, gain knowledge in specific industries and build a resume. Depending on your goals, finding the right opportunity could help shape a future career.