How Old Do You Have to be to Work at McDonalds?
The Federal government has passed the “Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)” that sets the minimum age to work at most jobs (including McDonalds and Wal-Mart) at 14-years-old. It also limits the number of hours that employees under the age of 16 are allowed to work.
Because of the hour limitations for 14 and 15-year-olds, a large number of companies require a minimum age of 16 for their employees. Another factor companies might not hire employees under 16 is that the older teens tend to be more mature and, therefore, more reliable. Of course, no one is suggesting that no 14 or 15-year-olds are reliable, only that the percentage of 16-year-olds that are mature enough to make good employees is higher. The message here is that the younger you are, the more important it becomes to impress upon the prospective employer that you are a very responsible teenager.
So what if you’re under 14-years-old or older but finding it hard to get a job due to your age? Well, there are many jobs that aren’t covered by the “Fair Labor Standards Act”. Most states limit the amount of time you can work each week at these jobs and/or limit the conditions under which you can work. Some states also limit these jobs by age but in most states you can earn money in many ways including but not limited to:
Whatever you do, be inventive! What things are you good at? Are there other people who might need that service or good? Always remember that you have to prove yourself. We all do! When you’re young it’s just a bit harder because you don’t have a “track record” and older employers have had many bad experiences with unreliable young people.
Your first jobs are very important! Later when you’re looking for a really great job, being able to give that family you babysat for as a teenager as a reference to your character will be a great asset for you! The McDonalds Manager that says what a fantastic employee you were at 16 will impress the hiring manager at that Fortune 500 Corporation you want to work at when you’re 21-years-old.
Thank you for visiting our How Old Do You Have To Be To Work At McDonalds post!
Thanks I have been wondering because i am 14 and wanted a job….
You are very welcome! I’ve been working since I was twelve years old myself. My first job was delivering newspapers. It’s nice to have a pocket full of cash, that’s for sure!
I’m trying to get a job to I’m twelve were do u go to get a job delivering news papers?
You would have to contact your local newspaper office to find out exactly where to go and what to do. I was a paperboy many years ago and things have changed since then in the newspaper business. For one thing, many people don’t even get a newspaper anymore due to the availability of news on the web. Child labor laws are also a bit tougher today so newspapers like to hire older adolescents and even adults when possible.
Here are some other ideas for jobs suited for young people:
Babysitting
Entertaining young children to give parents the opportunity to get tasks done around the house or simply get a break from their kids. Play games with them, read to them, etc.
Walking dogs or pet sitting.
Outdoor work: Mowing lawns, raking leaves, shoveling sidewalks/driveways.
Shopping, cleaning or simply checking up on the elderly.
Cleaning jobs for friends, family, and neighbors, such as tidying garages or washing windows.
Washing Cars and/or cleaning the interiors.
do you need a working license to work at McDonalds
well, i live in cordele, ga i applied for a job at mcdonalds, they called for an interview, I went, then they said I have to be 18!!!! what up with that???
Our article basically covers what the law permits. Since age discrimination laws do not apply to minors, an individual business owner can decide that they won’t hire anyone under 18 years of age even though the law does not prevent them from hiring someone younger.
My daughter applied to McDonald’s, got an interview, got hired, went to orientation, then got called the day she was to start training and told, sorry, we are supposed to hire 15 year olds! She already had her uniform, too.
I meant “are not supposed to”
Thanks! I’ll be applying tomorrow at McDonalds! Wish me luck. I need more money!
Hey guys, I’m writting a deabte on college education is overated. Julie I can not believe this has happen to you, I believe that education system simply wants our money and give us the education we need to find the jobs that we dream about. Public school needs to cut back on general ed requirements, I mean most college students waste a good 2 years on general ed, they need to cut. If the state system loves to teach more history or basic science then they need to have better teachers at the High schools. I wish you guys the best, good luck with finding the job tha treats you right , and pays you accordingly.-Zohra
Thanks for the info. I thought you had to be 21 to work for McDonalds.
I worked at McDonalds and my boss sucked. I couldn’t do anything to please her. Try WalMart!
can i work at mcdonals at 15teen
As mentioned in this post, you are legally allowed to work at McDonalds but the number of hours you can work are limited so not all companies will hire you for that reason. In order to learn whether a particular McDonalds location will hire you simply go there and ask or phone.
I definitely think that university can be a great place to learn, because it is a place where you find a structured kind of knowledge, a community dedicated to learning and people who can share there knowledge with you. This is why I think three years at university to get the BA were worth it,even if I might have ended up flipping burgers. You can never be sure, that any way of education, study, internship or whatever is good for your career, but if you can get a good insight into the things you are really interested in, i think this is the best start for a career. You can only be succesfull if you do something you really like. So if you like history/media/*fill in what you like*, study it. Besides that: German universities emphazise the independence of students. You have to organize/learn/find etc. everything by yourself. This is something that is really helpful in everyday life.
I got hired at McDonalds at 16 even though the manager at first said that I was too young. I showed him my last report card with straight A’s and got my assistant principal to highly recommend me and he gave in! Have been there nearly two years now and was recently promoted to night manager. I’m expecting to be a location manager within a year. It’s a great job with opportunities for you if you are dependable and a hard worker.
You people are sick! Your goal in life is to work at McDonalds? What a bunch of losers!
no.. it’s not my goal in life.. im just young and i need the money.. so dont go around calling people losers, your obv one by searching this up to say that.
Of them are 14 – 18 trying to make some cash and try could be saving up for a car or to go to college so you have to think about it.. If you were 14 and had the chance to make money so you could go to college or here a nicer car then a freaking clunker that you very much.. And I’m 13 looking for a jOb.. How much fun you think I’m having? Yeah I want to work there until I can go to college I’m working for it for myself.. So you can’t judge p because thy want to work there to make some cash.. So back off
Most of the people who came to this post are under sixteen and those are the only jobs they can get. And to have a job at all is an accomplishment in this economy. Plus, Ive heard that Mcdonalds gives some of their young employees scholarships when they graduate. It sounds like a great first job to me.
This page is about how old you have to be to work at McDonalds. We’re not a bunch of losers! We’re kids who want to earn some money while getting experience in the workplace. Plus, even if someone in their middle-age works at McDonalds they aren’t a loser if they are doing the best they can. A loser is someone who criticizes people they don’t know. That’s you, Marylyn.
I really wanted a job at McDonalds.. im only twelve but i’m responsible and i really need the money.. i want a actuall job… anyone have suggestions?
Angie, Im so PROUD of you! My daughter is 11 and been babysitting and doing lemonade stands since 9. She has a real go getter mind set & does really well for her. Right now, you will have to focus on being self-employed. Lemonade stands are NOT bad. Alot of people give donations to help out. She made $115 in ONE day because of the love and support the people showed her. I bet you would be good at it too.!
I have to admit I had the same thoughts all 4 years I spent getntig my BS.A college degree today is like a high school degree used to be years ago. It’s a requirement, a right of passage, another thing that will get you considered for jobs. Many jobs require a degree, at least they say so and they use that as a way to filter candidates.I’m still not sure if college helped me all that much since I’ve worked tech support contracts ever since graduating and one job at a print shop having nothing to do with my field of study in college (advertising). But all I can say is college for me was more about meeting people and making connections than the actual coursework. That’s just my story and I’m not the normal person so your mileage may vary.Overall, I’d say go because while it may not open doors, it will keep them from getntig closed on you.
So most likely if i apply for a job at mcdonalds i would be to young?
Definitely you are too young by law if you are under 14. If you are 14 or older you have nothing to lose. Go fill out an application and see what happens. All they can do is say no and you are no worse off than you are now. Never give up just because your chances aren’t great. Winners never give up!
Hello I have been told you can work at mcdonalds if you are 13 is that true?
No Amelia sorry but my brother worked at McDonalds and he asked and they can only have very few maybe none 14 years old kids plus like the geltamen said up top you have to be at least 14 or older to work at McDonanads
thanks next year im try to apply to McDonald’s next year
Umm… Im turning 14 in a month and i want to apply at McDonalds or Walmart I still go to school and was wondering what hours are available to work? Because My family and I really need the money. Can you please answer?
I am 14 and would like to get a job at mcdonalds would that be possible
No. My daughter is 15. They hired her and she went to Orientation, then 2 days later, her first day, they called and said they couldn’t hire her (even though they already did) because she was 15.
Thanks! I’ve been trying to find a job since July (when I turned 14) and I live close to McDonald’s and Walmart!
Tanks for the tips. I am 13 and I was looking for a job. Between my mom being next to broka and my parents divorced, I really need the money.
yo ,ya no i wana work at walmart but i dont no how old i have to be can some1 plz tell me the answer i really want to work
The Labor Department’s latest snapshot of the job market said employers added 146,000 jobs last month. That is an improvement from the previous two months, but below the average job growth per month of about 150,000 over the past two years. Payroll growth in September and October also was revised down by about 50,000 jobs.
so are you saying most jobs hirer at the age 14 because im 14 years old and i need a job.
thanks i hope this works because i need a job and i am 14 and i want to work