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Places That Hire at 14 in Harlingen, TX

Discover where 14-year-olds can find entry-level jobs in Harlingen and learn Texas work hour limits.

14-year-old job opportunities in Harlingen

Places That Hire at 14 in Harlingen, TX: Key Takeaways

  • 14-year-olds in Harlingen can find entry-level jobs like cashier, host/hostess, and busser in local fast food and fast casual restaurants.
  • Popular chains hiring at 14 include McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Subway, and Panera Bread, though franchise policies vary.
  • Texas labor laws limit 14-year-olds to 8 hours a day, 48 hours a week, with specific limits on hours during school days and nights.

Seeking your first job at 14 in Harlingen? Many local restaurants offer opportunities for young teens to get started in the workforce. This guide helps you know where to look and what rules apply.

Learn about common jobs that 14-year-olds can do, specific employers who hire young workers, work hour restrictions, and official resources for youth employment in Harlingen, TX.

What Types of Jobs Can a 14-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Harlingen, TX?

At age 14, teens typically qualify for entry-level restaurant roles that require minimal experience and focus on customer service.

Common jobs include cashier, host or hostess, busser, and some limited food preparation tasks that do not involve machinery or hazardous equipment.

Wages generally start at the federal minimum of $7.25 but can reach up to around $9.00 per hour depending on the employer and job duties.

Employers looking to hire young workers should consult guidance on how to hire a cashier and how to hire servers effectively to ensure compliance and attract great candidates.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 14 in Harlingen, TX

Fast-food restaurants are the most frequent employers of 14-year-olds, as they often need staff for customer service and basic food prep.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires young teens for crew member positions handling register operations, order assembly, and dining area cleanliness.

To attract quality hires, owners can review strategies from restaurant staff hiring best practices.

Burger King

Burger King offers team member roles for 14-year-olds, focusing on cashier duties and assisting with food prep in a supervised environment.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A sometimes hires 14-year-olds as part-time team members helping with order taking and restaurant upkeep.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen employs young workers to assist with serving customers, handling cash, and maintaining clean work spaces.

Wendy's

Wendy's hires 14-year-olds to work as cashiers, order takers, and light food service helpers during busy hours.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 14 in Harlingen, TX

Fast-casual dining spots may also provide entry-level positions suitable for young teens eager to learn food service.

Subway

Subway hires young workers to assist with sandwich preparation, cashiering, and maintaining the dining area.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread offers positions such as cashier and food prep assistant to 14-year-olds looking for experience in a fast-casual setting.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle sometimes employs younger workers for simple prep and customer service tasks, although hiring policies may vary by location.

For more detailed kitchen role insights, owners may find useful advice on how to hire a kitchen manager and how to hire a cook.

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How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work in Harlingen, TX?

Texas law and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulate how long 14-year-olds can work to protect their schooling and well-being.

Under Texas regulations, 14- and 15-year-olds may work up to 8 hours per day and up to 48 hours per week.

They may not work before 5 a.m. and cannot work after 10 p.m. on nights before school days, and not past midnight on nights before non-school days.

Federal law adds that teenagers cannot work during school hours, limiting them to 3 hours on school days and 18 hours total in a school week.

Outside of school days, federal rules allow 8 hours daily and 40 hours per week, but only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year, extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.

The stricter law applies, so employers and teens should always follow the most protective limits. For more on youth employment laws and hiring best practices, see how to hire high performers and HR policies for restaurants.

Resources for 14-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Harlingen, TX

Here are some useful links to help younger teens navigate labor laws and youth employment guidelines in Harlingen and Texas:

FAQs About Places That Hire at 14 in Harlingen, TX

14-year-olds can work as cashiers, bussers, hosts/hostesses, and in limited food prep roles without hazardous equipment.

Popular chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen, and Wendy's often hire 14-year-olds.

14-year-olds may work up to 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week, but there are limits on time of day and school hours.

Yes, many fast-casual restaurants such as Panera Bread and Subway hire 14-year-olds for entry-level roles.

The Texas Workforce Commission and U.S. Department of Labor websites provide detailed information on youth labor laws.