Best Jobs for 14 Year Olds in Australia

Turning 14 is a big deal — you're finally old enough to get a proper job in most Australian states. But where do you even start? Not every employer hires at 14, and navigating work permits, hour restrictions, and junior pay rates can feel overwhelming.

This guide breaks down the best job options for 14 year olds in Australia, including which major employers hire at 14, what you'll earn, and how to apply. Let's get you that first paycheck.

Major Employers That Hire 14 Year Olds

The good news: plenty of major employers in Australia hire 14 year olds. The jobs are mostly in fast food, supermarkets, and some retail chains. These employers are used to training teenagers with zero experience, and they offer flexible hours that work around school.

Fast Food Chains (Best for Beginners)

Fast food is the classic first job for 14 year olds. Shifts are short (often 3-4 hours), training is straightforward, and you'll learn customer service, teamwork, and how to handle a busy rush. Most fast food chains hire from 14 years old.

• McDonald's — Australia's biggest teen employer. Hires from 14 in most states. Great for shift flexibility and structured training. Crew members start on kitchen prep, fries, or lobby cleaning before moving to registers or drive-thru.
• KFC — Hires from 14 in most states. Similar to McDonald's but often slightly quieter shifts. You'll work in the kitchen or front counter. Good stepping stone for hospitality work.
• Hungry Jacks — Hires from 14 in most locations. Smaller than McDonald's but still offers solid training and flexible hours. Roles include burger assembly, fries, and register work.
• Red Rooster — Hires from 14 in most states. Less busy than the bigger chains, which can be good if you want a gentler first job. Chicken packing, salads, and customer service roles available.
• Subway — Many franchises hire from 14-15. Smaller teams (often just 2-3 people per shift), so you'll learn quickly. Sandwich making, register, and cleaning duties.
• Domino's — Hires from 14-15 for in-store roles (not delivery — that requires a driver's license). Pizza making, phone orders, and cleaning. Fast-paced but fun team environment.

Supermarkets

Supermarkets are another great option for 14 year olds. The work is less hectic than fast food, and you'll build skills in stocking, customer service, and checkout operations. However, not all supermarket chains hire at 14 — some start at 15.

• Woolworths — Hires from 14 years 9 months (Victoria's minimum age law). Roles include shelf stacking, trolley collection, service deli, and checkout. Woolworths is one of Australia's biggest employers of teenagers.
• Big W — Hires from 14 years 9 months (part of Woolworths Group, follows same age rules). Retail floor work, checkout, and stock replenishment. Good if you're interested in retail instead of food.
• IGA — Minimum age varies by store (some hire at 14, others at 15). IGA stores are independently owned, so it's worth checking with your local store. Roles are similar to Woolworths — stacking, cleaning, customer service.
• Foodland (SA) — Hires from 14 years 9 months. Similar roles to other supermarkets but focused on South Australia. Good local employer option if you're in SA.

Note: Coles hires from 15 years old, not 14. If you're still 14, try Woolworths or IGA instead. Once you turn 15, Coles opens up as another option.

Other Options for 14 Year Olds

Beyond fast food and supermarkets, there are a few other options, though they're less common:

• Chicken Treat (WA) — Western Australia's local chicken chain. Hires from 14 in most stores. Similar to Red Rooster or KFC.
• Local cafes or bakeries — Some smaller cafes hire weekend kitchen hands or counter staff at 14. These jobs are less formal and might involve washing dishes, cleaning tables, or helping with food prep. Ask around in your neighbourhood.
• Paper rounds or flyer delivery — Not glamorous, but some 14 year olds do newspaper delivery or letterbox flyer drops. Pay is usually per delivery, not hourly. Good for independence and early mornings.
• Babysitting or lawn mowing — Technically not "employment" but a way to earn money at 14. Babysitting for neighbours or mowing lawns can pay $15-$20/hour if you build a reputation.

What You'll Earn at 14

At 14, you'll earn a junior rate — a percentage of the adult minimum wage based on your age. The exact amount depends on the award (the legal pay structure for your industry) and your state, but here's a rough guide:

Your pay increases automatically as you get older, even if you stay in the same job. At 15, you'll earn more. At 16, even more. By 18, you'll be on the adult rate. This is built into the award system — you don't need to negotiate or ask for a raise.

Work Restrictions for 14 Year Olds

Australian law limits how much and when 14 year olds can work. These rules protect you from overwork and ensure school stays your priority. Here's what you need to know:

Maximum Hours Per Week

• During school term: 12-15 hours per week maximum (varies by state)
• During school holidays: Full-time work allowed (usually 38 hours/week)
• Per day: Typically 3-4 hours on a school night, up to 8 hours on weekends or holidays

When You Can Work

• Not during school hours (obvious, but legally enforced)
• After school: Usually after 4pm on weekdays
• Weekends: Daytime hours (usually 7am-9pm, depending on state and industry)
• Late nights: Restricted — most states prohibit under-15s from working past 9pm or 10pm

Your employer will handle these restrictions automatically when rostering shifts. You don't need to police this yourself, but it's good to know your rights.

Do You Need a Work Permit?

It depends on your state. Some states require a work permit (also called a Child Employment Permit) for workers under 15. Your employer will usually handle this as part of the hiring process.

• Victoria: Work permit required for under-15s
• NSW, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT: No permit required, but restrictions still apply

If you need a permit, your employer will provide the form. You (or your parents) fill it out, and the employer submits it. It's free and takes about a week to process.

How to Apply

Most major employers only accept online applications now. Here's how to apply for jobs as a 14 year old:

1. Create a simple resume. Even with no experience, you need a one-page resume. Include your contact details, school, any volunteer work or hobbies, and a short paragraph about why you want the job. Need help? Check our resume guide for teenagers.
2. Go to the employer's careers website. For McDonald's, it's careers.mcdonalds.com.au. For Woolworths, it's wowcareers.com.au. Each employer page on this site includes a link to their careers page.
3. Filter by location and age. Search for "crew member" or "team member" roles near you. Many application systems let you filter by minimum age.
4. Fill out the online form. You'll answer basic questions about your availability, skills, and why you want to work there. Be honest and enthusiastic.
5. Upload your resume. Save it as FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf before uploading.
6. Wait for a response. If they're interested, you'll usually hear back within 1-2 weeks. Some employers send an automated assessment or video interview link. Follow the instructions carefully.

Pro tip: Apply to 5-10 places at once. Not every application gets a response, so cast a wide net. The more you apply, the better your chances.

What to Expect in Your First Job

Your first job at 14 will be entry-level. You'll start with simple, repetitive tasks while you learn the ropes. That's normal. Here's what a typical first job looks like:

• Training: 1-3 shifts of shadowing an experienced worker, followed by gradual independence
• Shifts: 3-4 hours on weeknights, 5-8 hours on weekends
• Tasks: Cleaning, food prep, stocking shelves, customer service, register work (after training)
• Uniform: Usually provided by the employer (sometimes you buy it and they reimburse you)
• Pay cycle: Weekly or fortnightly, paid into your bank account

It won't be glamorous, but it's how everyone starts. Show up on time, listen to instructions, and ask questions when you're unsure. The skills you learn at 14 — punctuality, teamwork, communication — matter way more than the actual job title.

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