Can You Work at McDonald's at 14? (2022 Guide)

Can you work at McDonald's at 14? Certain states in America allow children as young as 14 to work at McDonald's as long as they have a valid work permit and parental authorization.

If you work for McDonald's as a 14-year-old, you may have restrictions on the kind of positions you can apply for and the hours you work. Pay ranges from $8 to $11 per hour, depending on the state.

can you work at mcdonalds at 14

What states allow 14-year-old workers to get hired at McDonald's?

The following is a list of states that permit 14-year-olds to work. However, it's important reviewing your state's laws as well, as they can change regularly.

  • Alaska
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Montana
  • Dakota du Nord
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • State of Rhode Island
  • State of South Dakota
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

How many 14-year-old crew members can work at a single McDonald's?

Unfortunately, McDonald's restricts applicants under the age of 14 to crew member positions, but this is an excellent opportunity for entry-level work experience.

However, a McDonald's crew member still has a variety of responsibilities and contributes significantly to the team.

What does a 14-year-old crew member do?

Crew members are McDonald's entry-level employees who are assigned extremely specific responsibilities as part of their job description, which includes the following:

  • Keeping restaurants and restrooms clean (sweeping, mopping, sanitizing).
  • Assist clients with inquiries at the counter or during their dine-in experience.
  • Greeting customers upon their arrival and remaining courteous while on the floor.
  • Obtaining necessary items for customers while they dine.
  • Maintaining adequate stock levels across the store, including the front of the house and the kitchen.
  • As long as you are not using the grill or any other powered equipment, you may prepare food orders in the kitchen.
  • Dishwashing or clearing the tables and chairs to make way for the next customer
  • Additional tasks assigned by the manager or shift lead.

Crew members are considered entry-level positions. And report to the shift manager and store manager.

How much money does a fourteen-year-old earn at McDonald's?

A fourteen-year-old can earn between $8 and $11 per hour working at McDonald's, depending on the area.

Additionally, there may be additional incentives and bonuses in place to entice more young people to apply for entry-level roles, such as holiday pay, sign-on bonuses, and more.

Regrettably, due to different federal rules governing the number of hours a 14-year-old may work, payouts will be minimal during the school year.

How many hours per week may a 14-year-old work at McDonald's?

McDonald's must adhere to federal standards and laws that limit a person under the age of 14 to three hours per week on school days.

Additionally, when school is not in session, such as during summer break, the law prohibits someone under the age of 14 from working more than eight hours per day.

Additionally, a 14-year-old is not permitted to work more than 18 hours per week during the school year and no more than 40 hours per week once the school year ends.

Can a 14-year-old work overtime or work late at McDonald's?

A 14-year-old cannot work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. during the school year, according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Additionally, while school is not in session, such as during the summer, a 14-year-old is not permitted to work before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

Child labor laws, on the other hand, differ by state, therefore it's critical to research your state and identify more particular standards.

Do 14-year-old workers get breaks at McDonald's?

After working 5 hours continuously at McDonald's as a 14-year-old, you must be provided with a 30-minute lunch break.

Regardless of age or job description, any youngster who works more than five hours is required by law to take a 30-minute break.

Additionally, at McDonald's, you must clock out prior to taking a break and not return until your break is complete.

Unfortunately, a number of jurisdictions have repealed the legal duty to provide longer breaks, even for minors, which means that your local McDonald's may not offer any more 15-minute breaks.

How does a 14-year-old apply to get a job at McDonald's restaurants?

McDonald's allows anyone to apply for a job on their website, which also allows you to look for the nearest retail location.

Apart from applying online, you can also walk into your nearest McDonald's and request a paper application to complete if you prefer or lack Internet connection.

However, it's critical to keep in mind that if you're a juvenile under the age of 18, your parents or legal guardian will be required to sign or complete portions of your application on your behalf.

Will I receive minimum wage as a 14-year-old McDonald's worker?

Minors are entitled to receive the minimum wage. Turning to young teen workers may be a better way to survive an economic downturn than working a minimum wage job, as many workers are remaining at home to collect unemployment and meet childcare obligations.

Federal unemployment benefits associated with the pandemic (an additional $300 per week for the unemployed) expire in September.

can you work at mcdonalds at 14

How many hours per week can a 14-year-old worker work at McDonald's?

Teenagers between the ages of 14 and 15 may work in restaurants and quick-service establishments during non-school hours, up to three hours on school days, and up to 18 hours throughout the school week. They are restricted to 40 hours per week during non-school weeks. The FLSA does not restrict workers' hours until they reach the age of 16.

Is a 14-year-old required to have a work permit in order to work at McDonald's?

Not all 14-year-olds will be required to obtain a work permit prior to working at McDonald's, as state requirements vary.

Regrettably, there is no federal requirement for children to obtain a work permit; the state Departments of Labor are responsible for this.

Here is how to obtain your work permit:

  • You can visit your school's guidance counselor to determine whether you require a work permit and to obtain a copy to begin filling out.
  • You can visit the Department of Labor website for your state to determine if it is required.

From there, you can download or print an application for a work permit to complete at your leisure in order to gain employment.

What's required to get a job at McDonald's at 14?

If you are a minor, you will need certain sorts of information to complete the application for a work permit.

To begin, you must have your parent or legal guardian sign an application granting you permission to work at McDonald's.

Additionally, your work permit must be approved by the proposed McDonald's store.

Additionally, you'll need to see your physician and have them sign and date a document certifying your ability to work and physical fitness.

Finally, you must supply a copy of your birth certificate to establish your legal age in order for your application to be authorized.

Unfortunately, if you do not have a copy of your birth certificate, you must contact your state's vital records office to request a replacement copy be mailed or picked up.

If I fail a class will my work permit get taken from me?

Failing a class does not mean that you'll get fired from working at a McDonald's location. Generally speaking, work permits don't follow school grades. Work permits are taken from students who are failing multiple classes or failing to show up to school. Federal laws state the demands of the job must not interfere with the child's educational development.

can you work at mcdonalds at 14

McDonald's resources

author: patrick algrim
About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes, Glassdoor, American Express, Reader's Digest, LiveCareer, Zety, Yahoo, Recruiter.com, SparkHire, SHRM.org, Process.st, FairyGodBoss, HRCI.org, St. Edwards University, NC State University, IBTimes.com, Thrive Global, TMCnet.com, Work It Daily, Workology, Career Guide, MyPerfectResume, College Career Life, The HR Digest, WorkWise, Career Cast, Elite Staffing, Women in HR, All About Careers, Upstart HR, The Street, Monster, The Ladders, Introvert Whisperer, and many more. Find him on LinkedIn.

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