Best Jobs for 14-Year-Olds in 2026: Top Picks, Pay Rates & Legal Guide
Looking for ways to earn cash as a 14-year-old in the US? Whether you're eyeing summer gigs, after-school hustles, or remote work from home, this guide covers the highest-paying, fully legal options updated for 2026. From babysitting rates averaging $13-20 per hour to online tutoring on platforms like Fiverr (open to 13+), we'll break down gig economy apps, neighborhood entrepreneurship like lemonade stands and lawn mowing, and state-specific child labor laws. Plus, get real teen success stories, pros/cons, and actionable steps to start earning--perfect for teens and parents seeking safe, flexible opportunities.
Quick Answer: The Best Job for a 14-Year-Old in 2026
The single best job? Babysitting. It tops the list for its unbeatable combo of high pay ($13-20/hr average), flexibility around school, high demand in neighborhoods, and easy entry--no formal experience needed beyond basic responsibility. It's legal nationwide for 14-year-olds under FLSA rules for non-hazardous work, and parents love hiring reliable local teens.
Here are the top 3 jobs based on pay, flexibility, demand, and legality:
- Babysitting ($13-20/hr): Steady gigs via word-of-mouth or apps; build skills like CPR for premium rates.
- Online Tutoring ($15-25/hr): Platforms like Fiverr (13+) let you teach math or English remotely--highest pay potential.
- Dog Walking/Pet Sitting ($12-20/hr): Flexible schedules, pet lover's dream; high demand in suburban areas.
Key Takeaways Box
- Highest Pay: Tutoring ($15-25/hr on Fiverr)
- Easiest Start: Neighborhood chores like dog walking or car washing
- Remote Option: Online surveys (13+ like Cash In Style) or YouTube monetization
- DOL Stats: 14-15 year-olds limited to 3 hrs/school day, 18 hrs/week; no hazardous tasks.
Key Takeaways: Top Jobs at a Glance
Quick comparison of 10+ best jobs for 14-year-olds. Pay rates are 2026 averages from gig sites, DOL data, and teen reports.
| Job | Avg Pay (2026) | Legal Age (US) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babysitting | $13-20/hr | 14+ | High demand, flexible | Evening hours, responsibility |
| Online Tutoring | $15-25/hr | 13+ (Fiverr) | Remote, skill-building | Needs subject expertise |
| Dog Walking/Pet Sitting | $12-20/hr | 14+ | Fun for animal lovers, outdoor | Weather-dependent |
| Lemonade Stand | $50-200/day | 14+ | Entrepreneurial fun | Weather/setup costs |
| Mowing Lawns | $15-25/hr | 14+ | Repeat clients | Physical, equipment |
| Retail (Publix bagger) | $12-15/hr | 14+ (some states) | Steady paycheck | Limited hours |
| Car Washing | $10-20/car | 14+ | Quick cash | Supplies needed |
| Online Surveys | $3-10/hr | 13+ | From home, easy | Low pay |
| YouTube Creator | $50-500/mo | 13+ (w/ parent) | Creative, scalable | Slow buildup |
| Reselling Thrift Finds | $50-500/mo | 14+ | Low startup | Sourcing time |
Covers summer jobs, remote gigs, and high-demand options--80% of teens in programs like FAIR High School land summer work.
US Child Labor Laws for 14-Year-Olds in 2026: What’s Legal by State?
Federal FLSA sets the baseline: 14-15 year-olds can work non-farm, non-hazardous jobs (no machinery, cooking in restaurants per Fact Sheet #2A). Limits: 3 hrs/school day, 18 hrs/school week, 8 hrs/non-school day, 40 hrs/vacation. No work 7pm-7am school nights (9pm non-school).
State Variations (DOL 2025 data, projected stable 2026):
- Lenient: FL (Publix hires 14+ as baggers), some allow 14-15 until 11pm w/permit.
- Strict: CO bans 14-15 in alcohol venues; many cap at 6-32 hrs/week in retail/food.
- Work permits often required--check DOL state charts.
Safety First: Avoid driving (Fact Sheet #34), hazardous equipment. Summer programs like Achieve Twin Cities offer 14+ internships safely.
Retail & Fast Food Jobs Hiring 14-Year-Olds
- Publix: Hires 14+ as baggers/cart attendants (1,380 locations).
- Kroger (incl. Smith's): Courtesy clerk at 14 w/permit in some states.
- Taco Bell: Franchise vary, min 14-16; no frying/ machinery for under 18. Hours: 6-32/week school time.
Flexible After-School & Summer Jobs
Lifeguard ($20/hr, 15+ w/CPR), camp counselor. EdWeek notes summer jobs scarce (50-80% teen employment at FAIR HS), so schools fill gaps.
Highest Paying Jobs for 14-Year-Olds: Pay Rates & Earnings Potential
Gig economy booms in 2026--focus on skills/teaching:
- Tutoring ($15-25/hr): Fiverr average $12-25; teach younger kids post-school.
- Babysitting ($13-20/hr): Non-professional services hit $20/hr peak.
- Dog Walking ($12-20/hr), Lifeguard ($20/hr, 15+). vs. Min wage ($7.25+ federal). FAIR HS: 50% 9th/10th graders earn summer cash.
Best Remote & Online Jobs for 14-Year-Olds from Home
Ideal for introverts:
- Fiverr Tutoring (13+): $15-25/hr.
- Online Surveys: 13+ sites like Cash In Style ($1.50 bonus, 3-6¢/word equiv).
- YouTube: Monetize w/parent account (avg $54k CA scaled down; rules against commercial kid content).
- Etsy/Reselling: Crafts/thrift flips ($50-1000/mo); Depop/eBay for 14+ w/parent.
- UserTesting: $10/20min (gig reviews).
Pet apps like Pawshake have underage rules--stick to neighborhood.
Neighborhood & Entrepreneurial Gigs: Start Your Own Business
Be your boss:
- Lemonade Stand: Set goal (e.g., skateboard), market story--86% kids gain skills (Stand Together). Tips: Adjust prices on supply/demand; boys earned via cookies/lemonade pivot.
- Mowing Lawns/Car Washing: $15-25/hr; family tips: Bucket/sponge method, microfiber cloths. Checklist: Price competitively, flyers, track earnings.
Babysitting, Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Guide
Rates: $13-15/hr babysitting. Start: CPR cert, neighborhood Facebook, apps (underage OK via parents).
Tutoring & Teaching Skills to Younger Kids
$12-30/hr; Fiverr or local--flexible, entrepreneurial.
Gig Economy Apps & Side Hustles for 14-Year-Olds: Pros vs Cons
| Gig | Pros | Cons | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surveys (Cash In Style) | Easy, 13+ | Low ($3-10/hr) | $10-50/wk |
| YouTube | Creative, passive | Slow monetization | $50-500/mo |
| Reselling (eBay) | Scalable | Inventory hunt | $50-500/mo |
| UserTesting/Voxpopme | Quick tests | Inconsistent | $10/20min |
Best Jobs for Introverts & Specific Personalities + How to Choose
- Introverts: Online surveys/tutoring (quiet, home-based).
- Extroverts: Babysitting/retail (social). Library stocking for book lovers vs. fast-food pace.
Step-by-Step: How to Land Your First Job as a 14-Year-Old
- Check Laws: State DOL site/work permit.
- Build Skills: CPR, resume (even simple).
- Network: Neighborhood flyers, family friends.
- Apps/Sites: Fiverr, Facebook groups.
- Set Rates/Goals: Track earnings like lemonade pros. Achieve Twin Cities: 14+ paid internships.
Pros & Cons: Traditional Jobs vs Entrepreneurial Gigs
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional (Publix) | Steady pay, resume boost | Hours limits, less flexible |
| Gigs (Lemonade/Mowing) | Unlimited potential, skills (supply/demand) | Weather/risk, self-marketing |
Entrepreneurship teaches real-world hustle.
FAQ
Is babysitting legal for 14-year-olds in the US?
Yes, under FLSA as non-hazardous; check state hour limits.
What are the highest paying summer jobs for 14-year-olds near me in 2026?
Tutoring ($15-25/hr), dog walking ($12-20/hr), lifeguard ($20/hr, 15+).
Can 14-year-olds do fast food or retail jobs? Minimum age requirements?
Retail: Publix/Kroger 14+ w/permit. Fast food: 14-16 varies by franchise/state; no hazards.
Best gig economy apps for 14-year-olds to make money from home?
Fiverr (tutoring, 13+), surveys (Cash In Style, 13+), YouTube (w/parent).
Child labor laws 2026: Hours limits for 14-year-olds by state?
Federal: 3/18 school hrs; states like FL more flexible--DOL charts.
YouTube monetization and Etsy rules for 14-year-olds?
YouTube: Parent-managed, quality content rules. Etsy: Parent account needed.