Search real US job listings, learn the work rules for your age and state, find free training and youth programs, and spot job scams before they cost you. You always apply on the employer's or job site's own page, and a real job never charges you to apply.
Rules checked October 2026
1. Search jobs
Type a job and a place. Open the big job sites with your search already filled in. If live listings are switched on, they also appear right here.
Listings collected from US job sites. Tap one to read it and apply on the employer's or job site's own page.
Tip for a first job. Apply in person or online to places that hire teens often: grocery stores, restaurants, retail, movie theaters, pools, camps and parks departments. Ask for the manager, smile, and follow up after a few days. Then use the Resume Builder and Interview Prep tools to get ready.
2. Work rules for your age
Federal law sets the basics. Your state may add its own rules, such as work permits ("working papers") for minors, or a higher minimum wage.
Choose your age and state to see the rules.
Good to know. Federal rules apply to most jobs, but when your state's rule is stricter, the stricter one applies. Farm work, and working for your own parents' business, can have different rules. If you are unsure, ask your state labor department.
3. First job ideas
These are common starting points. Always check the age rules for your state first.
Ages 14 and 15Part-time and summer
Babysitting, pet sitting, yard work, tutoring and helping neighbors. These often need no permit, but you may owe tax if you earn enough.
Retail and grocery jobs such as bagging, stocking shelves and cashiering, outside school hours.
Restaurant and cafe jobs such as clearing tables and counter service. Most cooking and baking machine work is off limits at this age.
Pools, parks, camps and recreation departments. Some lifeguard training starts at 15 (it varies).
Your family's own business, which has different rules.
Ages 16 and 17More hours, more choices
Everything above, with fewer hour limits under federal law. Some states still limit hours on school nights.
Servers, hosts, cooks and kitchen helpers, movie theaters, amusement parks, camps and summer youth programs.
Office, library and customer service helpers, and city or county summer youth jobs.
Still off limits under federal law until 18: jobs the government lists as hazardous, such as roofing, most power-driven saws, and operating forklifts.
Ages 18 and olderFull range of jobs
No federal age limits on hours or job types, and you can enter apprenticeships, trade programs, warehouses, health care support jobs and federal jobs.
Many delivery and rideshare apps need you to be 18 or older, and some require a car and a clean driving record. Check each app's rules.
If you are in college, ask your school about Federal Work-Study and on-campus jobs.
4. Free training and youth programs
These real programs help young people get skills, paid work or a career start. Funding and locations change, so open each site to check what is available near you.
5. Spot job scams
Job scams are common, and they often target young people. Learn these warning signs.
Warning signs of a job scam.
What to do. Do not pay, do not send gift cards, and do not give your Social Security number or bank details before a real hiring process. Look the company up on its official website and call a number you find yourself. Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Read more in the FTC's guide to job scams.