If you’re a teenager, you may be thinking about getting a part-time job, but it’s hard when you’re 14 to find places that hire that young.
Fast-food restaurants are often where teenagers start, so maybe you’ve been wondering whether you can work at McDonald’s at age 14. Keep reading to find out the answer and much more!
Can You Work at McDonald’s at 14?
Some states in America do allow you to work at McDonald’s at age 14, as long as you have a valid work permit and parental permission. If employed by McDonald’s at 14-year-olds, you may be limited to the type of jobs you can apply for and the number of hours worked. Starting pay is $8 – $11, depending on the state.
To learn more about what states allow 14-year-olds to work at McDonald’s, types of jobs, duties, and more, keep on reading!
Which States Allow You to Work at McDonald’s at Age 14?
Below is a list of states that allow 14-year-olds to gain employment. However, it is also worthwhile checking your local state laws as these can change frequently.
- Alaska
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
What Type of Job Can a 14-Year-Old Have at McDonald’s?
Unfortunately, McDonald’s limits the type of job someone aged 14 can apply for to just a crew member, but it’s great entry-level working experience.
However, a McDonald’s crew member still has many responsibilities and plays an important part in the team.
What Does a Crew Member Do at McDonald’s?
Crew members are entry-level workers at McDonald’s and are given very specific duties as part of their job description, including:
- Keeping the restaurants cleaned and bathrooms cleaned (sweeping, mopping, sanitizing)
- Help customers with questions they have at the counter or during their dine-in experience
- Welcoming customers into the restaurant and being friendly while on the floor
- Getting needed items for customers while dining in
- Stocking items as needed throughout the store, including the front of the house and in the kitchen
- Preparing food orders in the kitchen as long as you’re not using the grill or other powered equipment
- Wash dishes or clear the tables and chairs for the next customer to use
- Other assigned tasks by the manager or shift lead
How Much Does a 14-Year-Old Make at McDonald’s?
A 14-year-old can make anywhere from $8 an hour to $11 an hour working at McDonald’s, depending upon location.
Additionally, there may be other special perks and bonuses to encourage more young people to apply for entry-level positions, such as holiday pay, sign-on bonuses, and more.
Unfortunately, due to various federal laws regarding how many hours a 14-year-old is allowed to work, paychecks won’t be much during the school year.
How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work at McDonald’s Per Week?
McDonald’s has to follow federal guidelines and laws, which state that someone who is 14 can only work 3 hours during the week on school days.
Additionally, if school isn’t in session, such as summer break, the law states that someone age 14 cannot work more than 8 hours a day.
Furthermore, a 14-year-old cannot work more than 18 hours a week during the school year and no more than 40 hours per week when the school year is over.
How Late Can a 14-Year-Old Work at McDonald’s?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, a 14-year-old cannot work before 7 am or after 7 pm if it’s during the school year.
In addition to that, when school is not in session, such as summer break, a 14-year-old cannot work before 7 am or after 9 pm.
However, child labor laws due vary by state, so it’s important to look up your state and determine more specific guidelines.
What Are Break Requirements for a 14-Year-Old Working at McDonald’s?
You must be provided a 30-minute lunch break after you’ve worked 5 hours consecutively while working at McDonald’s as a 14-year-old.
Regardless of specific age or job, any minor working more than 5 hours is required by law to get their 30-minute break.
Moreover, at McDonald’s, you must clock out before taking your break and not clock back in until your break is over.
Unfortunately, a lot of states have taken away the legal requirement to provide additional breaks, even to minors, so your McDonald’s location might not offer any additional 15-minute breaks.
How Can a 14-Year-Old Apply for a Job at McDonald’s?
McDonald’s offers the ability for everyone to apply for a job through their website, which allows you to search for the store location nearest to you.
In addition to online, you also can walk into your nearest McDonald’s and ask for a paper application to fill out if you’d prefer or if you don’t have Internet access.
However, it’s important to remember that if you’re a minor under age 18, your parents or legal guardian will have to sign your application or fill out parts of it on your behalf.
Will a 14-Year-Old Need a Work Permit to Work At McDonald’s?
Not all 14-year-olds will need to get a work permit before they begin working at McDonald’s, as it varies from one state to another.
Unfortunately, there is no federal mandate for a work permit for minors, and it’s left up to the Department of Labor on the state level.
Additionally, you can head to the guidance counselor at your school to see if you need a work permit and get a copy to begin filling out.
In addition to that, you also can head to the Department of Labor website for your state to see if your state requires it.
From there, you can download or print a copy of the work permit application to fill out at your convenience.
What information is Needed for a Work Permit Application for McDonald’s?
There are some specific types of information you’ll need to fill out the application for a work permit if you’re a minor.
Firstly, you’ll have to have your parent or legal guardian sign the application giving their consent for you to work at McDonald’s.
Additionally, you’ll also have to have the potential McDonald’s location sign off on your work permit.
Furthermore, you’re going to need to visit your pediatrician and have them sign and date a certificate showing you’re able to work and in good physical condition.
Lastly, you will need to also provide your birth certificate so that your age is legally proven for the application to be approved.
Unfortunately, if you don’t have a copy of your birth certificate, then you’ll have to contact the vital records office within your state to request a new copy be mailed or picked up.
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not McDonald’s drug test, if McDonald’s pays weekly, and if Walmart hires at 16.
Conclusion
McDonald’s does hire 14-year-olds in certain states, but someone that young can only apply and be hired for entry-level crew member work.
Furthermore, a minor cannot work in dangerous jobs, which means you’re going to be very limited in the activities you can do in your job and cannot operate the grill.
Additionally, there are federal laws that limit the hours a 14-year-old can work during the school week and school year, along with restrictions on how late they can work.
Subsequently, with child labor laws varying from one state to another, other additional guidelines for minors could be possible.
Most importantly, you should check the State Department of Labor where you live for further guidance before applying for a job at your local McDonald’s if you’re 14.
