Can You Work at McDonald‘s at 14 in 2024? Everything You Need To Know
Working at McDonald‘s can be an exciting first job for a 14-year-old. With over 13,000 locations in the U.S., it offers ample job opportunities for teens seeking their very first paycheck. But can you really work at McDonald’s at just 14 years old?
The answer isn‘t straightforward. According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 200,000 14- and 15-year-olds were employed in food service and drinking places in 2021. However, federal and state labor laws restrict how old you need to be to work and what types of jobs you can perform.
Whether you can be hired at age 14 depends largely on the state where you live. Let‘s look at everything you need to know about working at McDonald‘s as a 14-year-old in 2024.
In Which States Can 14-Year-Olds Work at McDonald‘s?
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum employment age at 14, but states can choose to set a higher minimum age requirement.
Here are the 13 states that currently allow 14-year-olds to work at any company, including McDonald‘s, with the proper permits:
- Alaska
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
These states align with the federal minimum age guideline. However, be sure to check with your state labor department, as regulations can change.
What Types of Jobs Can a 14-Year-Old Perform at McDonald‘s?
Fourteen-year-olds have restrictions around the types of jobs they can perform for safety reasons. Here are the positions typically available to 14-year-olds at McDonald‘s:
- Front counter attendant – Taking orders, operating cash register, processing payments
- Lobby attendant – Cleaning dining area, bathrooms, and play area
- Table cleaner – Bussing tables, taking out trash
- Restroom cleaner
According to federal child labor laws, 14- and 15-year-olds are prohibited from operating dangerous equipment like fryers or grills. They also cannot work in freezers/coolers, perform any food prep, or conduct maintenance work.
In my experience working at McDonald‘s, they tend to keep 14-year-olds strictly in customer service or cleaning roles. These limit the risk for injuries.
Duties of a McDonald‘s Crew Member
As a crew member, your daily tasks will likely include:
- Greeting customers with a smile
- Taking orders at the counter and drive-thru
- Answering questions about menu items
- Operating the cash register to ring up orders
- Preparing simple menu items like soft serve cones
- Stocking cups, lids, straws, and front counter supplies
- Cleaning the dining area, play place, restrooms
- Changing garbages and sanitizing tables
- Checking with the shift manager for any other assigned duties
You‘ll stay busy as crew members are critical to the fast operations of the restaurant. It‘s a very active job with a lot of time spent on your feet.
Hourly Wages for 14-Year-Old Crew Members
As a 14-year-old crew member, you‘ll likely start at your state‘s minimum wage. Here‘s a look at 2023 minimum wages in top states that hire at age 14:
| State | 2023 Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $10.50 |
| Indiana | $7.25 |
| Kentucky | $8.25 |
| Ohio | $10.10 |
| Pennsylvania | $7.25 |
| Wisconsin | $7.25 |
Expect to start at the bottom of the pay scale as a new hire. But consistent hours and pay raises can bump earnings over time.
Work Schedule Rules for 14-Year-Old Employees
The FLSA has strict hourly limits for 14- and 15-year-old workers:
- No more than 3 hours on school days
- No more than 8 hours on non-school days
- No more than 18 total hours in a school week
- No more than 40 total hours in non-school weeks
Fourteen-year-olds are also prohibited from working before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. during the school year (or 9 p.m. in summer).
McDonald‘s is quite flexible with scheduling around school hours. However, don‘t expect to earn much. With a $10 wage and 18-hour weekly limit, maximum pre-tax earnings would be $180 per week.
Applying for a McDonald‘s Job at 14 Years Old
To get a job at 14, follow these steps:
- Stop by your local McDonald‘s in person – This shows initiative and gives the manager a chance to meet you.
- Fill out a paper application – A parent/guardian will need to co-sign.
- Obtain a work permit – If your state requires it, get the permit from your school.
- Complete new hire training – After being hired, you‘ll learn safety protocols.
Some states like Wisconsin require a 10-day waiting period after applying before you can begin work.
I‘d recommend applying to 3-4 locations at once. Competition can be stiff, so cast a wide net and leverage persistence.
Should a 14-Year-Old Work at McDonald‘s?
Working at McDonald‘s teaches responsibility and people skills. But the job comes with challenges:
Pros
- Steady part-time income
- Set schedule around school
- Safe, regulated work environment
- Valuable resume experience
- Flexible hours for sports/activities
- Employee discounts on meals
Cons
- Very limited weekly hours
- Unable to work past 7 p.m.
- Less earnings potential than older employees
- Fast-paced, physically demanding
- Lower wages than other jobs
- Limited growth opportunities
Overall, McDonald‘s can be a solid first job if you are seeking experience versus money. Just ensure you have the proper permits and stick to all labor regulations.
