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In this article, you’ll discover the top 10 national chains that hire 14-15-year-olds for summer jobs. We’ll cover pay, perks, and the kinds of roles available, plus tips on how to get hired and succeed.
10 Best National Chains That Hire 14 & 15 Year Olds
Landing a summer job as a young teen can be tough, thanks to age restrictions and limited options. But don’t worry. Several big-name national chains welcome 14- and 15-year-olds, offering valuable work experience, decent pay, and flexible hours to fit your busy summer schedule.
1. McDonald’s
Pay: $10 to $12 per hour (varies by location)
McDonald’s frequently hires younger teens for entry-level roles such as cashier, greeter, or kitchen helper. It’s an excellent place to gain hands-on experience in teamwork, customer service, and basic food safety practices. Plus, many McDonald’s locations offer flexible scheduling options, making it easier to balance work with school, sports, and other summer activities.
Benefits:
- Training programs for new hires
- Opportunity for promotion
- Employee discounts on meals
Best for: Teens seeking a fast-paced, social work environment with chances to grow.
2. Chick-fil-A
Pay: Around $10 to $13 per hour
Chick-fil-A welcomes 14- and 15-year-olds primarily as crew members, taking on roles like cashier and dining area helper. The company is well-known for its positive, respectful work culture that emphasizes teamwork and personal growth. One of the most popular perks is having Sundays off, giving young workers a guaranteed day to rest or spend time with family and friends.
Benefits:
- Flexible shifts
- Scholarships are offered in some locations
- Strong leadership development
Best for: Teens interested in customer service and leadership skills in a values-driven environment.
3. Publix Super Markets
Pay: $10 to $12 per hour
Publix often hires younger teens for positions like bagging groceries, stocking shelves, and assisting customers. It’s a great option for those looking for a quieter, yet responsible job in a friendly grocery store environment. Employees gain valuable experience in customer service and teamwork while working flexible hours that can fit around school and summer plans.
Benefits:
- Employee discounts
- Friendly, community-focused environment
- Paid training programs according to local labor laws
Best for: Teens who prefer retail and want steady, predictable schedules.
4. Kroger
Pay: $9 to $11 per hour
Kroger hires young workers, especially 14- and 15-year-olds, mainly for cashier and stocking positions. The company places a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork, creating a supportive environment that’s perfect for first-time job seekers. Additionally, Kroger offers benefits like scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs for employees who stay on long term, making it a great place to grow and learn.
Benefits:
- Paid training
- Employee discounts
- Opportunities for advancement
Best for: Teens wanting experience in grocery retail with future growth potential.
5. Baskin-Robbins
Pay: $9 to $11 per hour
For teens looking for a fun and social summer job, ice cream shops like Baskin-Robbins are a great option. These spots hire teens for roles including customer service, scooping, and simple food preparation. The seasonal nature of the work means flexible hours that fit well around summer plans and school commitments.
Benefits:
- Flexible scheduling
- Employee discounts
- Fun, lively work environment
Best for: Teens who love working with people and enjoy a light-hearted atmosphere.
6. Dairy Queen
Pay: $9 to $12 per hour
Starting at age 14, teens can find summer opportunities at Dairy Queen in roles such as cashiers, food service jobs, food prep workers, and drive-thru attendants. The company focuses on creating a friendly workplace with solid training programs. Many seasonal employees return year after year, making it a great place for teens to develop skills and enjoy a supportive team environment.
Benefits:
- Paid training
- Discounts on food
- Flexible shifts
Best for: Teens who want an energetic, team-focused environment with steady hours.
7. Burger King
Pay: $9 to $11 per hour
Younger teens looking for their first job can turn in their updated resumes at Burger King for opportunities in front-counter service, drive-thru, and kitchen positions. This well-known fast-food chain provides a fast-paced environment where employees quickly learn valuable skills like multitasking, customer interaction, and managing time effectively, perfect for building a strong foundation in the workplace.
Benefits:
- Paid training
- Flexible hours
- Opportunities for promotion
Best for: Teens looking for fast-paced work with plenty of variety.
8. Walmart
Pay: $11 to $13 per hour
While some Walmart roles require workers to be a minimum age of 16 or older, many stores hire 14- and 15-year-olds for stocking, cart retrieval, or cleaning roles. Walmart offers stable hours and a structured work environment. These positions provide a great introduction to workplace responsibility and teamwork, with the chance to develop skills that are valuable for future jobs. Plus, working at a national chain like Walmart looks strong on any resume.
Benefits:
- Employee discounts
- Training programs
- Potential for advancement
Best for: Teens wanting retail experience with a national brand.
9. Domino’s Pizza
Pay: $9 to $11 per hour
Domino’s hire young teens mostly for delivery assistance, preparing food, and customer service. The company, like most other fast food restaurants, emphasizes flexible scheduling and team spirit with their careers, as well as training on food safety and order accuracy.
Benefits:
- Flexible hours
- Employee discounts
- Team-oriented culture
Best for: Teens who want a casual job with flexible shifts.
10. Panera Bread
Pay: $10 to $12 per hour
Panera Bread welcomes teens and students with updated CVs to join their teams as cashiers or bakery helpers. Renowned for its supportive work culture and focus on employee well-being, Panera offers a welcoming environment perfect for teens starting their first job. Employees gain excellent customer service skills and experience while working alongside friendly coworkers in a positive, community-minded setting.
Benefits:
- Paid training
- Employee and family friends' discounts
- Supportive team environment
Best for: Teens interested in food service with a focus on quality and customer care.
Final Thoughts
Starting work at 14 or 15 is a fantastic way to build confidence, develop new skills, and earn your own money during the summer. National chains offer solid, age-appropriate roles with training, flexibility, and a chance to learn what it’s like to be part of a team.
Remember, the key to success is applying early, knowing your rights with regards to hours and the national minimum wage, and choosing a job that fits your personality and schedule. Any seasonal jobs aren’t just paychecks; they are really stepping stones to your future.
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