Can You Work At Mcdonald’s At 14? (pay, Hours, Positions + More)

Not only do young workers have to find a job, but some of them can’t because they simply don’t have the connections to get their foot in the door.

So you’ve just found a job you’d really like and you’re curious about whether or not you can start work at McDonald’s at age 14? Keep reading to learn more!

Can You Work at McDonald’s at 14 In 2022?

Some States allow you to work at McDonald’s as long as you have permission from a parent. Most states you can only work at McDonald’s at 14 years old as long as you have a work permit. Most states also limit the hours that you can work. The average starting hourly wage is around $8 – $11.

If you’re wondering if you can work as a fry cook or cashier at McDonald’s once you’re 14, here’s what you need to know about McDonald’s hiring requirements.

Which States Allow You to Work at McDonald’s at Age 14?

A list of states that permit the employment of 14-year-olds can be found below. But check the laws in your state as they tend to change frequently.

What Type of Job Can a 14 Year Old Have at McDonald’s?

McDonald’s doesn’t allow kids under the age of 17 to apply for jobs. It’s a good way to teach the kids a lesson.

Even a staff member at McDonald’s still has a lot of work and is not expected to just stand around and wait for customers and do nothing.

What Does a Crew Member Do at McDonald’s?

Crew members will be the first line of defense for the restaurant’s customers, and are responsible for helping customers order food from the counter.

How Much Does a 14 Year Old Make at McDonald’s?

The amount that a 14-year-old can earn at McDonald’s depends upon the specific restaurant as well as location.

As an example, young people who apply for entry-level positions may be offered a higher salary, more training, and more benefits than older workers at the same level of responsibility.

When they do apply, it’s important for employers to remember that young professionals are different.

Paychecks will be hard to come by during the school year. There’s no federal law that determines when a 14-year-old can work.

How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work at McDonald’s Per Week?

The fast food chain has to follow federal guidelines and laws which state that someone who is 14 can only work 3 hours during the week on school days.
It is also a safety issue because 14 year olds are not old enough for most jobs and are more likely to try and steal from the restaurant to feed their families.

The law states that anyone age 14 or older cannot work more than 8 hours per day if school isn’t in session.

Also, an unmarried person under the age of 18 can work no more than eight hours per day with a maximum of 40 hours of work per week.

How Late Can a 14-Year-Old Work at McDonald’s?

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, a fourteen-year-old cannot work in factories, on farms or any other establishment unless the employer, at his option, has given the minor the option to get out of the job by the time required by law, or the minor has volunteered.

In addition to that, when school is in session, such as during the regular school year, a 14-year-old can work before 7 am or after 9 pm.

If you’re concerned about the safety of your child, you should contact your state child labor hotline to find out more.

What Are Break Requirements for a 14 Year Old Working at McDonald’s?

If you are a child, be provided a 10-minute break every hour. Be given a lunch when you work for 5 hours.

Regardless of the specific job or age, any minor working more than 5 hours is required by law to get their 30-minute break.

Also, when at a McDonald’s, don’t take time off to eat in the parking lot; eat on the premises to avoid having to clock in and out.

Unfortunately a lot of states have taken away the legal requirements for additional breaks for minors, so your McDonald’s location might not offer any additional breaks for teenagers.

How Can a 14 Year Old Apply for a Job at McDonald’s?

McDonald’s has created a simple platform that will help anyone in the world get a job at their restaurants.

In addition to online, you’ll also be able to complete a paper application at your local McDonald’s and drop it in the nearest mail box.

Whether you’re a minor under age 18, you still need to have your parents or legal guardian sign your application or fill out parts of it on your behalf.

Will a 14 Year Old Need a Work Permit to Work At McDonald’s?

The situation varies by state. You don’t necessarily need a work permit as a 14 year old just to work at McDonald’s.

In general, most states require a work permit for minors. But, it’s not a uniform policy across the country.

You can visit your guidance counselor and request a work permit. You can also get a copy of the application form there. When you return, you must fill it out, print it out, and submit it along with the application for your visa.

And also, if your state does require it, you can take a look at the State of Alabama website for your state to see what requirements they might have and how it is handled.

When you are ready to apply for work, you can fill out the application at the USCIS’s website.

What information is Needed for a Work Permit Application for McDonald’s?

You’ll need to bring the following paperwork.
Please fill out the application form given in this folder.

First, you’ll have to get a parent or legal guardian to sign the application letting you work at McDonald’s.

You will also have to get permission from the potential location for where you plan to open the McDonald’s.

Another thing you’ll need to do is visit your pediatrician and have them sign and date a certificate showing you’re able to work and in good physical condition.

To be eligible for the F1 visa, your age needs to be 18. The document, however, must be issued within the last 6 months.

Unfortunately, if you don’t have a copy of your birth certificate then you’ll have to contact the vital records office within your state to request a new copy be mailed or picked up.

If you are trying to get a copy of a birth certificate for yourself, your child, or someone else, you can request a copy online.

If an employer can establish a legitimate reason for its actions, and the job is otherwise a good fit, an employee’s mere personal preference for one day over another need not be considered.

Conclusion

McDonald’s hires kids under the age of 14 in certain states, but only for entry-level crew positions.

Further, you cannot engage in dangerous jobs so your job is going to be very limited in terms of the activities you can do.

You have to work until you’re 16 at most restaurants, but there’s no minimum wage for someone under 14. And you’re allowed to work until 11 every day of the week. And you’re not supposed to work on the weekends.

Finally, the guidelines for minors to work in the United States was varied from state to state.

First, check the State Department of Labor where you are located for further legal advice before applying for a job as fast food worker.