7 Best Jobs for 14 and 15 Year Olds [in 2024]
For many teenagers, getting a job is an important step towards independence. It can also be a great way to learn new skills and start earning some money of your own.
If you’re 14 or 15 and looking for a job, there are some options that may be better suited for you than others. That’s because there are laws restricting what jobs you’re able to work. And, with the exception of summers, you’ll usually need to work after school hours.
But, there are many great jobs you can do as a teenager (and without a high school diploma) that will get you started and help build your career.
Here are some of the best jobs for 14 and 15 year olds that are worth checking out.
Why having a job at 14 or 15 is beneficial
Working at a young age, such as 14 or 15, can be both beneficial and intimidating. It’s a great way to learn responsibility, gain work experience and develop important life skills, all while earning money.
At such an impressionable age, learning what it means to have a job and working hard can provide invaluable experiences to carry onward into adulthood.
Having a job also helps teens prioritize their time and really think about how they choose to spend their money.
On top of this, side income can help with purchasing things not normally in a student’s budget such as new clothes or joining clubs that are otherwise out of reach.
Jobs for people so young don’t need to be serious ones- even working bagging groceries or walking the neighborhood dogs on weekends can make an impact. You just have to make sure you meet the minimum age requirement for the job you want to do.
In the long run, experience from teen jobs can turn into opportunities down the line when you compete for more involved employment later on in life – something worth taking seriously!
What types of jobs are available for 14 and 15 year olds where you meet the minimum age requirement
It’s important for teenage kids to get some work experience, and it can be overwhelming figuring out what job might be suitable for 14 or 15 year olds.
That’s why we’ve put together this list – to provide the best advice about jobs that are the most suited for that age group.
The types of jobs for 14 year olds and 15 year olds that are available don’t require you to work during the school day.
These jobs can help you build customer service skills, reliability, and consistency.
From babysitting gigs to restaurant jobs, there are a variety of options available.
It’s worth doing your research upfront and understanding the rules surrounding young people in the workplace, such as limitations on hours that can be worked in one week.
Legislation like state labor laws, federal law, and federal minimum wage are important for guiding the jobs available to young teens. This could exclude certain types of work, like those in the basic industries.
Once you know what to look for, start to explore different workplaces nearby and find some that you’re passionate about.
The great thing is that there are often a variety of exciting opportunities at local business open to young teens without a lot of work experience.
Whether you want to make extra spending money or build important life skills, it’s possible to find good employment opportunities at an early age.
The best jobs for 14 year olds and 15 year olds
There are plenty of opportunities for you to dip your toes in the workforce as a young teen. You can even make money online with some of these jobs!
Dependent on your skills and interests, your job search might include after-school jobs like working at local restaurants or retail stores. You could also consider working weekends and summers at a local amusement park.
Alternatively, there are several specific jobs that have proven popular with 14 and 15 year olds, and that often hire teenagers.
They include: being an online tutor, pet sitter, newspaper deliverer, cam counselor, virtual assistant, babysitter, and doing lawn care work.
Each of these jobs has its own pros and cons; some require more skill than others while delivering a significantly higher rate of pay.
For example, with online tutoring, you can make around $20+ per hour which is great if you’re needing additional funds for college or extra spending money.
On the other hand, as a pet sitter or lawn maintenance technician, you might only earn minimum wage, but still be able to get exposure to different industries that could lead to future career pathways.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide what kind of job is best suited for you and for pursuing your goals.
Online Tutor
Usual pay range: $15-$30 per hour
Working as an online tutor as a teenager can be both personally rewarding and beneficial to one’s professional career.
As a tutor, teens gain a deeper understanding of their chosen subject while also gaining valuable communication experience – helping them to better articulate their ideas and opinions.
On top of the satisfaction of helping others learn, online tutoring provides flexible scheduling options, allowing you to accommodate other commitments such as school or extracurricular activities.
You can basically set your own schedule and work when it’s convenient for you. And, all you really need is a laptop, an internet connection, and your own knowledge to get started.
Additionally, tutoring allows you to develop essential time management skills and gain insight into different perspectives.
Working as an online tutor is a great way for teenagers to hone existing skills and build up soft skills that may prove useful later in life.
Pet Sitter
Usual pay range: $12-$18 per hour
Working as a pet sitter as a teenager is a great job if you love pets and don’t mind taking care of them.
Not only do you get to spend time with animals, you also gain experience in animal care which may come in handy down the road.
Additionally, this type of work provides an opportunity for you to become acquainted with professional responsibilities such as organizing schedules and keeping up with key dates.
Working as a pet sitter also allows them to develop interpersonal skills like communicating effectively with owners.
Pet sitting can be a great way for teens to learn more about animal care and making money while doing something they enjoy.
Newspaper Deliverer
Usual pay range: $8-$15 per hour
Working as a newspaper deliverer for young teens is a great first job to get you started making some money.
It usually doesn’t take up much of your time, and it gives you a unique chance to get outdoors and stay active.
Teens who take up this type of job will be able to develop interpersonal skills like understanding customer needs and preferences, as well as strengthen their problem-solving skills when faced with unforeseen difficulties along their route.
Working as a newspaper delivery person is an excellent way for teenagers to hone existing skills while gaining extra income.
Camp Counselor
Usual pay range: $10-$20 per hour
Working as a camp counselor as a teenager can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Not only do you have the opportunity to gain leadership skills, but you also learn how to build strong relationships with all kinds of people.
Working at a summer camp allows young people to get out of their comfort zone while teaching them important problem-solving and communication skills.
Teens can also benefit from the physical activities that come with being a camp counselor – such as swimming, hiking, and sports – which are all great ways to stay fit and active.
Virtual Assistant
Usual pay range: $15-$30 per hour
Working as a virtual assistant as a teenager can be incredibly useful for developing skills related to technology and communication.
Not only do you have the opportunity to gain tech-savvy experience, but you also learn how to collaborate with clients remotely and in an efficient manner.
Managing tasks virtually provides you with the chance to be organized, flexible, and proactive – giving them an edge when it comes to problem solving and working independently.
Teens who take up this kind of job will be able to build transferable skills like understanding customer needs and expectations while gaining extra income.
Working as a virtual assistant is an excellent way for teenagers to expand their knowledge while making money doing it.
Babysitter
Usual pay range: $12-$20 per hour
Working as a babysitter as a teenager can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Not only do you tend to gain responsibility and maturity, but they also learn how to build strong relationships with different kinds of children.
Providing childcare allows you to develop important problem-solving and communication skills while having fun in the process.
Teens can also benefit from getting out of their comfort zone and learning how to keep kids safe and entertained.
Lawn Care Work
Usual pay range: $18-$24 per hour
Working in the lawn care industry as a teenager can be a great way to earn extra money.
Doing lawn care work can involve a few different tasks, but the most common is mowing and trimming lawns.
Most people who own a home need their lawn mowed and trimmed, so they’re often willing to pay someone else to take care of it for them.
In addition to gaining experience with mowing and trimming lawns, you may be able to offer other yard work services, like landscaping and plant maintenance.
Doing lawn care work can provide teens with essential life lessons, such as learning to pay attention to detail, manage their own time and remain organized even when under pressure.
Additionally, working in this field allows young people to develop physical strength as well as communication skills – both of which are highly relevant for future roles.
Working as a lawn care worker is a great way for teenagers to hone their skills while earning money at the same time.
How to go about finding a job that’s right for you
Looking for the right job for younger teens can be intimidating and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be.
With a bit of research and planning, you’ll easily be able to find something perfect for you.
First off, start by assessing your skills and talents that you think may be relevant in the workplace.
It could be anything from customer service to being tech-savvy, so make sure to consider what you have to offer.
Then, begin gathering information on potential jobs.
Talk with people you know who are employed or look online for opportunities that match up with what you’re interested in doing.
Once you’ve narrowed down some desirable job options, research the employers further so that you understand the working environment they provide and what type of training they offer prior to starting work.
Don’t forget to set career goals as well; these will help shape your decision when selecting an employer as well as give you something tangible to strive towards during your time at work.
Finally, don’t hesitate to apply!
Take advantage of all the resources available to you and use them to stand out amongst other applicants – this gives employers an indication of just how passionate about a job opportunity you really are.
FAQs about working at 14 or 15 years old
You might have lots of questions about working at 14 and 15 years old. After all, it’s usually your first venture into the working world.
With that in mind, there are some things you should consider before taking a job:
- Are there any legal restrictions?
- Do you have to meet educational requirements?
- What types of jobs can minors do according to local and federal laws?
All of these are important questions to answer if you find yourself debating whether or not to work at this age.
Many questions about a specific job can also be answered during the hiring process – so don’t think you need to know everything before applying.
It is advised to understand the process thoroughly by learning more about what type of information employers require and what the job responsibilities would be.
Be sure to explore all avenues available before deciding on one specific job.
Every situation is different and no two jobs require the same qualifications, so make sure you stay informed about everything that comes along with the position.
What if I don’t have any experience?
Many employers will give you on-the-job training so don’t let lack of experience stop you from applying for a job.
How do I know if a job is right for me?
Think about what kinds of tasks you enjoy doing and what hours you are available to work. You should also consider how far away the job is from your home and whether or not you need transportation to get there.
What if I can’t work during school hours?
Jobs that hire 14 and 15 year olds know that you spend a lot of your day at school during the school week. So they won’t expect you to work during school hours!
You should expect to be working after school and/or on weekends if you’re working during the school year.
Conclusion and My Take
Getting a job at 14 or 15 years old can be a great way to start developing important life skills while earning your own money.
Working as a teenager was essential for me to begin developing my work ethic and build experience making money.
While some jobs were better than others, I always learned important lessons from jobs I worked as a young teen.
If you’re not sure what kind of job would be perfect for you, talk to your parents or another adult who can offer advice.
You can also check out our article about the best high-paying jobs for teens, and best jobs for teenagers online for more ideas!
Consider the type of job that is right for you and take advantage of the opportunities available to help you succeed.
