Jobs Hiring Teens Near Me
Getting your first job is a big step. It brings your own money, real world skills, and a resume line that helps with college and future jobs. The good news? Fall is one of the best times of the year to look. Stores and restaurants are hiring for the busy holiday season right now, and many of those roles are open to teens.
This guide covers jobs hiring teens near me as of late October 2026. You’ll find real openings posted this month, big employers hiring seasonal workers, typical minimum ages, pay, and the rules on how many hours teens can work.
Listings change daily. Everything below was active or announced as of October 29, 2026. Always confirm details, age rules, and pay on the employer’s official careers site before applying.
Jobs Hiring Teens Near Me Right Now: Holiday Seasonal Employers
Holiday hiring is in full swing. These national employers have announced or opened seasonal hiring for 2026, and many hire teens at their stores:
| Employer | 2026 Hiring News | Typical Roles | Pay Info | Common Minimum Age* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | About 300,000 seasonal hires for the 2026 holidays | Warehouse, fulfillment, delivery support | Seasonal average about $20/hour | 18 |
| Michaels | 10,000+ seasonal team members in the US and Canada | Store associate, cashier | Competitive wages, 30% discount | Often 16 |
| Target | Seasonal hiring underway for stores and supply chain | Guest advocate, style consultant, fulfillment | Often about $15 to $24/hour | Often 16 |
| Bath & Body Works | 30,000+ seasonal hires last year; hiring again for 2026 | Part time store associate | 40% discount, early wage access | Often 16 |
| Kohl’s | Seasonal store and fulfillment roles | Store associate, cashier | Weekly pay, associate discount | Often 16 |
| Dick’s Sporting Goods | Seasonal associates across its store brands | Sales, cashier, stock | About $17/hour (Indeed average) | Often 16 |
| Macy’s | Seasonal roles across stores and call centers | Sales, stock, cashier | About $17.50/hour (Indeed average) | Often 16 |
| Kroger | Hired 18,000 for the 2025 holidays | Cashier, bagger, clerk | Varies by store | Often 16, sometimes 14 to 15 |
*Minimum ages vary by state, store, and role. Always check the job posting.
Restaurant and Café Jobs Hiring Teens Near Me
Food service is the number one entry point for teens. Here are real restaurant and café listings posted in New York City in the last day or two on the JOB TODAY app. Many entry level food jobs welcome first time workers, but confirm the minimum age in each listing.
| Job | Employer | Location | Pay | Posted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier/Barista | Paris Baguette | Manhattan | $16 to $16.50/hr | Oct 2026 |
| Core Team Member | sweetgreen | Manhattan | $17.20/hr | Oct 2026 |
| Ice Cream Server | Van Leeuwen Ice Cream | Brooklyn Heights | $17/hr plus tips | Oct 2026 |
| Ice Cream Server | Van Leeuwen Ice Cream | Astoria, Queens | $17/hr | Oct 2026 |
| Kitchen Staff (Line Cook) | Panineria | Upper West Side | $17 to $20/hr | Oct 2026 |
| Packer | Comic Book Station | Greenpoint, Brooklyn | $17/hr | Oct 2026 |
| Sales Associate | TBG Uniforms Store | East Flatbush, Brooklyn | $17/hr | Oct 2026 |
| Salon Assistant | Roger Markel Salon | Manhattan | $17/hr | Oct 2026 |
Other popular restaurant chains are also adding staff this fall. BJ’s Restaurants posted new take out, host, prep cook, and dishwasher openings in October 2026 in cities including Pittsburgh, Arlington (TX), Greenwood (IN), Livonia (MI), and Columbia (SC). Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar posted take out, kitchen, server, and host roles in San Mateo, Irvine, Las Vegas, Oak Brook, Fairfax, San Jose, and Buffalo Grove.
Entry Level Jobs in Other Cities
These entry level listings were posted on JOB TODAY in October 2026 and list no experience required. Most are best for older teens, ages 16 to 19, so confirm age rules.
| Job | Employer | City | Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Driver | Papa Johns | Houston, TX | Up to $20/hr (must meet driving age rules) |
| Parking Valet Attendant | Propark Mobility | Houston, TX | $12/hr plus tips |
| Valet Attendant | LAZ Parking | Glendale, CA | $18.50/hr plus tips |
| Parking Valet Attendant | Propark Mobility | Santa Monica, CA | $25/hr plus tips |
| General Labor | Onin Staffing | Chicago, IL | Not listed |
Valet and driving jobs usually need a valid driver’s license and are often limited to 18+, but they’re good options for teens who just graduated.
What Age Can You Start Working?
Under federal law, most non farm jobs start at age 14. The Fair Labor Standards Act sets limits for younger teens:
| Age | What the Law Allows |
|---|---|
| Under 14 | Babysitting, newspaper delivery, family business, acting, and a few other exceptions |
| 14 to 15 | Retail, food service, office work with limited hours |
| 16 to 17 | Most jobs with no hour limits under federal law, but no hazardous work |
| 18+ | Any job |
Federal hour limits for 14 and 15 year olds:
- Up to 3 hours on a school day
- Up to 18 hours in a school week
- Up to 8 hours on a non school day
- Up to 40 hours in a non school week
- Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (until 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day)
Many states add their own rules and may require work permits. Check your state labor department’s website before you apply.
Best Types of Jobs for Teens
When you search for jobs hiring teens near me, these job types come up most often:
- Fast food and quick service: Cashier, crew member, drive thru
- Cafés and ice cream shops: Barista, server, counter help
- Grocery stores: Bagger, cashier, stocker
- Retail stores: Sales associate, cashier, stock team
- Movie theaters: Concessions, ticket taker, usher
- Amusement and fun centers: Ride operator, party host, front desk
- Recreation: Lifeguard, swim instructor, camp counselor
- Seasonal holiday work: Gift wrapping, holiday retail, photo studio helper
- Freelance and neighborhood work: Babysitting, pet sitting, lawn care, tutoring
Teen Friendly Employers and Their Usual Minimum Ages
| Employer | Usual Minimum Age* |
|---|---|
| McDonald’s | 14 to 16, depending on franchise and state |
| Chick-fil-A | 14 to 16, depending on franchise |
| Publix | 14 |
| Kroger | 14 to 16 |
| Target | 16 |
| Starbucks | 16 |
| Michaels | 16 |
| Dick’s Sporting Goods | 16 |
| Walmart | 16 for many store roles |
| Amazon | 18 |
| The Home Depot | Most roles 18+ |
*These are common patterns, not guarantees. Ages vary by location and state law.
How Much Do Teen Jobs Pay?
Pay depends on your state’s minimum wage and the employer. Many big chains now start between $15 and $20 an hour, especially in cities with higher minimum wages. The NYC restaurant listings above, for example, range from $16 to $20 an hour. Tips can add more for servers, valets, and ice cream shop staff.
How to Find Jobs Hiring Teens Near Me
- Check company career sites. Search the brand name plus “careers” and filter by your zip code.
- Use job apps. Apps like JOB TODAY, Snagajob, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter let you filter by location and “no experience.”
- Walk in. Many restaurants and shops still hire people who ask in person. Go during slow hours, like 2 to 4 p.m.
- Ask your school. Counselors often know local employers who hire students.
- Check city youth programs. Many cities run youth employment programs, especially in summer.
- Tell friends and family. Referrals are one of the fastest ways to get hired.
How to Apply When You Have No Experience
You don’t need a long resume. Focus on:
- School activities: Clubs, sports, band, or student government
- Volunteer work: Food banks, church events, or school fundraisers
- Informal jobs: Babysitting, pet sitting, or mowing lawns
- Skills: Reliability, teamwork, friendliness, and willingness to learn
- Availability: Employers love teens who can work weekends and holidays
Keep your application short, honest, and free of typos. Use a simple email address.
Interview Tips for Teens
- Dress neatly, one step nicer than the job’s uniform.
- Arrive 10 minutes early.
- Make eye contact and smile.
- Prepare answers to common questions like “Why do you want to work here?”
- Be clear about your school schedule and when you can work.
- Ask one or two questions, like “What does a typical shift look like?”
- Send a short thank you message afterward.
Avoid Teen Job Scams
Scammers often target young job seekers. Watch for these red flags:
- Asking you to pay for training, equipment, or a “starter kit”
- Offering huge pay for easy remote work
- Asking for bank details or your Social Security number before an interview
- Hiring you by text without any interview
- Sending a check and asking you to send part of it back
Real employers never ask you to pay to get a job.
Balancing Work and School
A job should help you, not hurt your grades. Try these tips:
- Start with 10 to 15 hours a week
- Ask for weekend shifts during busy school weeks
- Share your exam schedule with your manager early
- Use a calendar app to track shifts and homework
Seasonal Timing for Teen Job Seekers
Searches for jobs hiring teens near me spike twice a year: in spring for summer jobs and in fall for holiday jobs. Right now, late October, is the sweet spot for holiday retail and restaurant work. Apply in the next few weeks, since most stores finish seasonal hiring by early December.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 14 year old get a job? Yes. Many grocery stores, fast food restaurants, and recreation centers hire 14 year olds, with limited hours under federal law.
What jobs pay teens the most? Lifeguarding, tutoring, valet, and some retail and restaurant jobs with tips often pay the most.
Do teens need a work permit? It depends on your state. Some states require work permits for workers under 18.
When should teens apply for holiday jobs? Now. Many stores hire from September through early December.
Final Thoughts
There are more jobs hiring teens near me than many people expect, especially during the fall holiday rush. Start with the seasonal employers and local listings above, check age rules, and apply to several places at once. With a positive attitude and a flexible schedule, your first paycheck may be just a few weeks away.
Key Takeaways
- Jobs hiring teens near me are easiest to find in food service, retail, and holiday seasonal roles.
- Michaels, Target, Bath & Body Works, Kohl’s, Dick’s, Macy’s, and Kroger are hiring seasonal workers for the 2026 holidays.
- NYC restaurant and café listings posted in October 2026 pay about $16 to $20 an hour.
- Federal law lets 14 and 15 year olds work limited hours; 16 and 17 year olds have fewer limits.
- Use job apps, career sites, and walk ins to find openings near you.
- Never pay to get a job; that’s a common scam.
