Jobs for Teens

Guest Contributor

Receiving your first paycheck is a memorable moment that’s filled with feelings of excitement and accomplishment. For teens, being able to afford things at the store or a couple of movie tickets for a night out with friends can be all the motivation they need to apply for their first job.

Is your teen looking for a new challenge this summer? Getting a job will help them cultivate values like responsibility and diligence and also teach them early lessons in managing their own money. 

You may think they're too young to get hired. As a matter of fact, there are many companies that hire teens. Check out these lists!

Companies That Hire 14-Year-Olds 

Jobs like bagging groceries or scooping ice cream are great ways for 14-year-olds to make money. 

Building experience working at a job at a young age helps teach skills like timeliness and money management, as well as soft skills like respect and etiquette.

Here is a list of jobs for 14-year-olds: 

• Ben & Jerry’s: Scoop up some delicious ice cream while making incredible wages (2x the minimum wage in some stores!).
• Chick-Fil-A: Employees receive a 50% discount on food at this company. 
• Dairy Queen: Work here and take comfort in knowing your schedule will be flexible to allow for school and studies. 
• Safeway: You teen can receive discounts on items in the store, plus benefits and a 401k option.
• Taco Bell: Free drinks and meals while on shift and additional discounts when you’re off the clock!

Companies That Hire 15-Year-Olds

Many establishments including some fast-food restaurants will hire 15-year-olds with a work permit and parent permission. Check local job listings on Craigslist and other online employment sites, and also encourage your teen to walk into small mom and pop shops to ask if they are hiring.

Here’s a list of places that hire 15-year-olds: 

• Boston Market: Teens can receive meal discounts and paid vacation time. 
• Burger King: Your teen can receive performance-based bonuses at Burger King, as well as discounts on food. 
• California Pizza Kitchen: Free meals and employee discounts are available if your teen gets a job here. 
• Pizza Hut: Employee discounts are available here. 
• Six Flags: Six Flags offers paid time off for the employees as well as free tickets to the park on occasion.  

Companies That Hire 16-Year-Olds

Since 16 is the legal age to both drive and work, motivate your teen to get to work by introducing the idea of starting a car savings fund.

Here are some jobs that hire at 16: 

• Dunkin’ Donuts: On break, you can get free coffee and donuts! 

• PetSmart: If your teen works here, they qualify for associate discounts and get to hang with the animals in the store. 

• Regal Cinemas: Get free snacks and drinks, as well as reduced movie tickets. 
• Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers: Free meals on shift as well as discounts!

The printables below will help your teen as they enter the world of work. Choose from a resume template, car savings tracker, or ride planner to arrange for transportation to and from the job.

Makenzie Pohl is a content creator who develops helpful and compelling stories. Her passion for digital marketing and creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from travel to lifestyle. She calls San Diego, CA home and enjoys dining out, photography and traveling in her spare time.

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