Guide
Jobs for teens.
What you can do at 14, 15, 16 and 17 under federal law, how to find a first job, and why a job is worth more on a college application than most students think.
By Lokesh Pampatti, founder of Clarity Prep · Updated October 18, 2026
The rules by age
| Age | What federal law allows |
|---|---|
| Under 14 | Babysitting, newspaper delivery, acting and performing, and work in a parent-owned business (not hazardous jobs) |
| 14 and 15 | Retail, some food service, office and tutoring work, outside school hours: 3 hours on a school day, 18 in a school week, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (9 p.m. in summer). Lifeguarding from 15 |
| 16 and 17 | Any hours, any job except hazardous ones like driving for work, forklifts, meat slicers and roofing |
| 18 | No federal youth limits |
How to get a first job
- Start with people who know you: neighbors, family friends, teachers, coaches and places you volunteer.
- Walk in and ask for the manager at local shops and restaurants, in the afternoon when it’s quiet.
- Apply early for seasonal work: pools and camps hire for summer in the spring, stores hire for the holidays in October.
- Make a one-page résumé with school, activities, volunteering and any certifications like CPR or lifeguarding.
- Check whether your state needs a work permit before your first day.
Why work counts for college
A job you keep shows responsibility in a way few activities do. The Common App lists Work (Paid) as its own activity type, and admissions readers know that many students work to help their families instead of doing paid summer programs. Track your hours and what you’re trusted with, because those details make a strong activity description.
Too young for most jobs, or want experience first? Volunteer opportunities for teens lists organizations that take high schoolers, with their age rules. If you’d rather build experience in a field you want to study, look at internships and research for high school students and free programs, many of which pay a stipend.
Questions
What age can you start working?
Under federal law, 14 is the minimum age for most non-farm jobs. Younger kids can babysit, deliver newspapers, act or perform, and work in a business their parents own (outside of hazardous jobs). States can set stricter rules.
What is the best first job for a teenager?
One you can keep through the school year. Babysitting, tutoring, lifeguarding, camp work, retail and restaurant jobs are common first jobs, and a job tied to what you want to study is a bonus.
Do colleges care if you have a job?
Yes. Colleges value steady work, and the Common App lists Work (Paid) as its own activity type. Many students work to help their families, and admissions readers take that seriously.
Planning more than a summer job?
A Clarity Prep mentor helps you plan work, classes and activities around the colleges you want, with a weekly check-in until applications are in.