For teens, especially those in Massachusetts, finding a part-time job is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable work experience, earn extra money, and develop important life skills. Whether you’re 14 or 18, part-time employment can help you learn how to manage your time, interact with others, and save for future goals. However, the process of finding a part-time job can feel daunting if you’re unsure where to begin or what the legal guidelines are. Fortunately, Massachusetts has specific rules and resources to help guide teens through this journey.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to find part-time jobs if you are 14-15 years old and 15-18 years old, including the steps you need to take, where to search, and tips for landing the job you want.
For Teens Aged 14-15: What You Need to Know
If you’re between 14 and 15 years old, there are specific limitations and guidelines you must follow, both in terms of what types of work you can do and the number of hours you can work.
Know the Laws Regarding Teen Employment in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has laws in place to protect minors in the workforce. At age 14, you are allowed to work, but there are restrictions on the kinds of jobs you can take and how many hours you can work:
Job Types: Teens aged 14-15 can work in jobs like retail, tutoring, babysitting, pet sitting, delivering newspapers, or working as a cashier in some smaller businesses. You cannot work in hazardous conditions or jobs that require heavy machinery, such as construction.
Hours: During the school year, you can work up to 18 hours per week. You can work 3 hours per day on school days and up to 8 hours per day on weekends or during holidays. During the summer or school vacations, you can work up to 40 hours per week.
Work Permits: To begin working, you will need to obtain a **work permit** from your school. This involves getting a promise of employment from an employer, filling out the necessary paperwork, and submitting it to your school’s guidance office. Your school will then issue the work permit, which will be sent to your employer.
Where to Look for Part-Time Jobs at 14-15
Here are some places to start your job search:
Local Businesses: Small businesses like local stores, ice cream shops, cafes, and family-owned restaurants may be willing to hire young workers, especially if they need help during busy seasons like summer.
Babysitting: This is one of the most popular jobs for young teens. You can ask family friends, neighbors, or use online platforms like Care.com to find babysitting gigs.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking: If you love animals, offering pet sitting or dog walking services can be a rewarding job. You can advertise your services by posting flyers in your community or using apps like Rover.
Tutoring: If you excel in a particular subject, tutoring younger children or peers is a great way to earn money while helping others. Check with local schools or advertise your services online.
Lawn Care and Yard Work: Many homeowners look for help with yard maintenance, such as raking leaves, mowing lawns, or shoveling snow. Offering these services can be a great way to gain experience while earning money.
Online Gigs: Some online platforms may offer small tasks that teens can do, such as taking surveys, testing websites, or helping with social media management.
How to Apply for Jobs as a 14–15-Year-Old
When applying for jobs, be sure to:
Prepare a Resume: Even if you don’t have prior job experience, you can list any volunteer work, babysitting, tutoring, or other relevant skills.
Have a Parent or Guardian’s Permission: Employers may require a parent or guardian’s consent to hire a minor. Make sure your parent or guardian is involved in the process.
Apply In-Person: While many businesses accept online applications, younger teens often have better success by applying in person. Dress neatly and be prepared to introduce yourself to potential employers.
For Teens Aged 15-18: Expanding Your Job Opportunities
Once you turn 15, your job opportunities expand, and you may be eligible for slightly more responsibilities and hours. However, you’ll still need to follow certain rules as a minor, especially if you’re under 18.
Know the Work Laws for Teens Aged 16-17 in Massachusetts
If you’re between 16 and 17 years old, you can work a wider range of jobs and work more hours, but there are still some restrictions:
Job Types: At 16, you can work in many retail, restaurant, and service jobs. You can also be hired for jobs like lifeguarding, working at a movie theater, or in administrative roles in an office. However, you still cannot work in hazardous environments or with heavy machinery.
Hours: During the school year, you can work up to 9 hours a day, but only 48 hours per week. You cannot work past 10 p.m. on school nights. During the summer, you can work full-time hours (up to 48 hours per week).
Work Permits: Even if you’re over 14, you still need a work permit to work legally in Massachusetts. However, the process for obtaining one is generally simpler for older teens. You can get a work permit from your school after securing employment.
Where to Look for Jobs for Teens Aged 15-18
Your job search options expand considerably when you turn 16, and there are many ways to find part-time work:
Retail Jobs: Many national chain stores, including clothing stores, grocery stores, and fast-food chains, hire teens. Common roles include cashier, sales associate, stock clerk, or customer service representative.
Food Service: Restaurants and cafes are always looking for extra help, especially on weekends and evenings. Positions like host/hostess, busser, dishwasher, or server assistant are great entry-level positions.
Entertainment: If you live near a movie theater, amusement park, or entertainment venue, there may be opportunities for teens to work in roles such as ticket sales, concession stand worker, or usher.
Internships or Volunteer Work: If you want to gain experience in a specific field, look for internships or volunteer opportunities. These may not always be paid, but they provide valuable skills that can help you land a job later.
Online Jobs: As you get older, you may find more online opportunities. Freelance writing, graphic design, and other digital jobs are options if you have a particular skill set. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork may be worth checking out.
Job Search Websites: Use job search engines like Indeed, Snagajob, or Glassdoor to look for teen-friendly positions in your area. Many of these platforms allow you to filter job searches by age and job type.
How to Apply for Jobs as a 15–18-Year-Old
To successfully apply for a job:
Update Your Resume: If you’ve had previous jobs or volunteer work, be sure to list these on your resume. Highlight any transferable skills like customer service, teamwork, or communication.
Get a Work Permit: Make sure you have a valid work permit from your school. This will be required by most employers.
Check Job Listings: Look for job openings on local websites, at your school’s career center, or on job boards for teens.
Prepare for Interviews: Employers will expect you to be prepared for interviews. Dress appropriately, practice common interview questions, and have a few questions of your own to ask.
Tips for Finding a Part-Time Job
Start Early: The earlier you start your job search, the better. Many employers begin hiring for the summer months early in the spring.
Network: Talk to family, friends, and teachers to see if they know of any job openings. Personal recommendations can be valuable.
Be Persistent: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get hired immediately. Keep applying and learning from each interview.
Focus on Building Skills: Even if your first job isn’t your dream position, focus on learning valuable skills that will help you in future positions.
Conclusion
Finding a part-time job as a teen in Massachusetts can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re 14 and just getting started or 18 and ready for more responsibility, there are plenty of opportunities available. By understanding the legal requirements, knowing where to look, and following through with applications, you can find a job that will help you gain important life skills and financial independence. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll be on your way to becoming a responsible, experienced worker.
If you need further career assistance, Contact Us | MSW Youth Connections
Helpful Links:
Part Time Teen Jobs, Employment in Massachusetts | Indeed
How to Get a Job as a Teen: Job Search Tips for Teenagers | The Muse
