Places That Hire at 14 in PA

Places That Hire at 14 in PA: Key Takeaways

14-year-olds in PA can obtain entry-level restaurant jobs such as cashier, host/hostess, busser, and food prep assistant.
Federal law allows 14-year-olds to work limited hours in non-hazardous roles, typically no more than 3 hours on school days and 18 hours per week during the school year.
Popular fast-food and fast-casual chains like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, and Dairy Queen may hire 14-year-olds depending on franchise policies and PA labor laws.

Starting work at 14 in Pennsylvania typically involves entry-level restaurant roles with limited hours.

Employers looking to find and hire suitable young staff might find our restaurant staff hiring guide helpful for recruitment tips.

This article covers common jobs, popular employers, work hour rules, and helpful job resources for young teens.

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

At 14, teens can work in positions such as cashiering, hosting/hostessing, bussing tables, and assisting with food preparation.

These roles emphasize customer service, task completion, and basic food safety awareness while offering foundational work experience.

Wages generally align with minimum wage rules; in Pennsylvania, the federal minimum of $7.25/hour applies to many young workers.

Job duties may include taking orders, handling money, seating customers, cleaning dining areas, and supporting kitchen staff with simple prep tasks.

Employers needing to create effective job postings for these roles can refer to our resource on creating restaurant job descriptions for fast results.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 14 in PA

Several major fast-food chains hire 14-year-olds for entry-level roles, but availability depends on local franchise policies and state labor restrictions.

McDonald's

McDonald's often hires 14-year-olds as crew members who engage in order taking, food prep, and maintaining store cleanliness.

For restaurant owners interested in improving recruitment efforts, we have a guide on how to hire high performers in hospitality.

Chick-fil-A

Some Chick-fil-A franchises employ 14-year-olds in cashier and dining room attendant positions, offering valuable customer service experience.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen locations sometimes hire 14-year-olds as cashiers or to assist with food prep tasks, ideal for those starting work young.

Arby's

Certain Arby's franchises permit 14-year-olds to work as cashiers or dining area attendants, where they support customer needs.

KFC

KFC may hire 14-year-olds for roles like cashier and food prep assistant depending on store and state rules.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 14 in PA

Some fast-casual restaurants allow 14-year-olds to work in basic service positions, though fewer options exist compared to fast food.

Culver's

Culver's hires 14-year-olds for crew member and kitchen staff roles in select locations, offering experience with customer service and food handling.

Boston Market

Boston Market locations sometimes employ 14-year-olds in roles such as cashier or food server, giving teens an introduction to the food industry.

Hospitality employers can learn more about restaurant staffing strategies to build a productive workforce.

Pizza Hut

Some Pizza Hut franchises hire 14-year-olds as cashiers and dining area attendants, providing opportunities to develop teamwork skills.

How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work in PA?

Under federal law (FLSA), which Pennsylvania follows for youth employment, 14-year-olds face strict limits on working hours to protect their education and health.

During school days, teens may work no more than 3 hours per day (including Fridays) and 18 hours per week.

On non-school days, they may work up to 8 hours, with a weekly maximum of 40 hours during school breaks.

Work hours must be between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., except from June 1 through Labor Day, when evening hours extend to 9:00 p.m.

These limitations ensure teens have ample time for schooling and rest while gaining work experience safely.

Resources for 14-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in PA

For young workers and their families, our spotlight on best summer jobs for teens offers practical career ideas.

01. What types of jobs can a 14-year-old get in PA restaurants?

14-year-olds can work as cashiers, hosts/hostesses, bussers, and food prep assistants in Pennsylvania restaurants.

02. Are there popular fast food chains that hire 14-year-olds in PA?

Yes, companies like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen and Arby's often hire 14-year-olds, but it depends on franchise and state rules.

03. How many hours can a 14-year-old legally work in PA?

During school days, 14-year-olds may legally work up to 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week under federal law and PA labor policies.

04. What are some good job resources for 14-year-olds in Pennsylvania?

Helpful resources include the U.S. Department of Labor, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, and YouthRules! for child labor laws.

05. What are typical work hour restrictions for 14-year-olds in PA?

14-year-olds cannot work more than 8 hours on non-school days and must stop work by 7:00 p.m., but hours extend to 9:00 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day.