Ways for 14-year-olds to earn money
teenFourteen is the first age for "real" employment — McDonald's, grocery stores, ice cream shops, family restaurants. With a permit, the pay is real ($12-15/hour) and the experience is the bigger payoff.
Labor law for age 14
Federal: 14-15 year olds can work with a state work permit in approved jobs (retail, restaurants, offices). Limits: 3 hours on school days, 18 hours/week during school weeks, 8 hours and 40 hours during non-school days/weeks. No hazardous work.
12 ideas
Each idea below shows realistic pay, time commitment, and how much parent help is needed. Pay ranges are starting points — adjust to your local cost of living and your kid\'s experience level.
Physical / outdoor
First retail/food service job (with permit)
$12–$16/hour⚖️ Requires a work permit; max 18 hr/week during school.
Grocery store bagger / stocker
$13–$17/hour⚖️ Permit required.
Ice cream / coffee shop (counter)
$13–$17/hour⚖️ Permit required.
Lawn-care entrepreneurial (10+ customers)
$200–$600/weekSummer-peak weekly numbers.
Camp counselor (paid stipend, summer)
$200–$500/weekLocal non-profit / community helper
$12–$18/hourNeighbor / community
Babysitting (full clientele, evening rates)
$15–$25/hourPet sitting / Rover (parent-account)
$100–$350/weekTutoring & teaching
Online tutoring (Wyzant, TutorMe — with parent)
$100–$300/weekTech/web tutoring (older adults, businesses)
$20–$40/hourOnline
Etsy / online creator economy
$50–$500/weekYouTube / TikTok / Twitch creator
$0–$500/weekPricing tip
At 14, time is the constraint. With a part-time real job at $14/hour and homework, charging $25/hour for premium tutoring or babysitting is about freeing up hours, not chasing dollars. Prioritize highest-rate work where you can.
Tax note
A 14-year-old with W-2 income files a federal return if they earn over $14,600 (2025 standard deduction). For Roth IRA purposes, all earned income (W-2 plus self-employment) counts. A summer with $3,000 in earnings can become a $3,000 Roth contribution.
The parent angle
Fourteen is the year to introduce the "long-term financial decisions" frame. They're earning at adult-adjacent rates; talk about Roth IRAs, savings rates, and the difference between earning and keeping. Encouraging a 50% savings rate at 14 sets a default for life.
Frequently asked
What jobs can a 14-year-old get with a work permit?
Retail, food service, grocery stores, ice cream shops, family-business restaurants, office runners, library helpers. No hazardous (industrial, construction, food preparation with sharp tools), no driving for hire.
How do you get a work permit at 14?
In most states, your school issues it. The form requires the employer's info, the parent's signature, and confirmation of school attendance. Process takes a few days; many states do it online now.
Should a 14-year-old open a Roth IRA?
Yes if they have earned income — it's arguably the most important financial decision of their life. A custodial Roth contributed at 14 vs. 24 makes a 2-3x difference at retirement.