Depending upon the state a teen lives in and its labor laws, there are plenty of jobs for 14-year-olds that will help ready them for the real world.
They may find work with a neighbor or at a local family business that will give them the experience they need to start focusing on a lifelong career.
Theater Usher
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National average salary: $10 per hour
Theater ushers greet patrons as they arrive, tear or take their tickets, work the concession stand, hand out programs and guide patrons to their seats.
In some theaters, they introduce the film or play, let the audience know where the exits and restrooms are, manage patrons in emergency situations and even clean up after the show.
Lawn Maintenance
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National average salary: $10 to $15 per hour
Some jobs will never become obsolete, and mowing lawns during the summer is one of them.
This is a job that older adults often need help with, as they may have too much land to cover on their own. Raking and weeding a lawn and bagging up leaves may also be part of their responsibilities.
Newspaper Delivery
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National average salary: $10 to $15 per hour
Newspaper delivery people still deliver papers on a daily, biweekly or weekly basis. Workers will either hand out papers to every house in the neighborhood or just to those who subscribe.
Often, they will deliver papers by bike and throw them in driveways or yards; however, some kids may deliver on foot.
Car Washer
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National average salary: $10 to $15 per hour
A teen can work for a mobile car wash company or they can strike out on their own. They'll attend to the inside and outside of cars, by cleaning, vacuuming and waxing.
The teen will spend most of their time outdoors doing manual labor, as this is a very physical job, and they'll get wet in the process.
Ice Cream Attendant
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National average salary: $10.60 per hour
We're all about getting free ice cream, but there's more to this job than sweet treats. An ice cream scooper greets customers, suggests flavors, answers questions about ice cream and sometimes orders inventory.
They may also collect money for ice cream and keep the establishment clean.
Busser
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National average salary: $11.61 per hour
A busser is a restaurant employee who supports the wait staff. They are responsible for cleaning and setting tables in a timely manner.
If a restaurant has bread or tortilla chips that come out before the meal, they make sure those are on the table by the time you sit down to order. They'll also come by and replenish your water glass.
Cashier
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National average salary: $11.91 per hour
A cashier processes payments at a variety of businesses. They work the cash register by taking money and issuing receipts.
They also sometimes greet customers, answer their questions and bag products.
Food Preparer
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National average salary: $12.02 per hour
A food preparer acts as support staff in restaurants, cafeterias, fast food chains or grocery stores.
They work under the supervision of chefs, cooks or food service managers. Their responsibilities include prepping ingredients and food service equipment, preparing drinks, some cooking, storing and cleaning ingredients and cooking equipment, and stocking a kitchen.
Host/Hostess
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National average salary: $12.45 per hour
In smaller, family-owned restaurants, a teen host or hostess greets and seats patrons, sometimes takes orders, organizes tables and reservations, and keeps the establishment running smoothly overall.
Their objective is to ensure guests enjoyed their meal while at the restaurant.
Bagger
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National average salary: $13.67 per hour
Bagging groceries has always been a popular first job for teens. Baggers assist customers by organizing their purchased groceries into bags so that nothing breaks.
They often help carry bags to customers’ vehicles and return store carts to their rightful place.
Dog Walker
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National average salary: $15.19 per hour
Dog-walker jobs are great for 14-year-olds who love animals. They go to the client's household (usually while the client is not in the home) and take the dog for a walk, play with the dog and sometimes feed them.
Their visit can last half an hour, an hour or sometimes longer. They may also be asked to check on cats or other animals.
Golf Caddy
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National average salary: $17.88 per hour
Golf caddies are essential to the game, as they assist and serve the needs of the golfer they are assigned to. Their biggest duty is carrying the golf bag for the person playing and handing the golfer whatever club they request.
They also keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers and fix pitch marks.
Babysitter
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National average salary: $20 to $23 per hour
Babysitting is one of those jobs that will never become obsolete. Every parent needs a break, and a teen can provide childcare services for parents whenever they need them.
Duties may vary, but a teen may accompany children on outings, feed them, help them with their homework and make sure they complete the tasks their parents have for them. Play is important, too, as it keeps kids entertained.
Babysitters will often check in with the parent during their shifts.
Camp Counselor
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National average salary: $18.23 per hour
While most camp counselors are a little older, some states do allow younger teens to take camp jobs.
Camp counselors guide younger campers and ensure their safety while they engage in various activities. They also plan activities for the kids and lead them in specific events.
Snow Shoveler
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National average salary: $21.17 per hour
Snow shovelers have a higher hourly rate, but chances are, they won't shovel snow all day, so the average is about the same as most jobs on this list.
Shoveling snow and scraping ice from walkways, driveways and steps is a great way for teens to make money and help keep older people in the neighborhood safe.