It’s a big move to get your first job at 15. You’re still too young to apply for the majority of full-time jobs, but you are eager to learn some independence, earn your own cash, and pick up transferable life skills. The news is that a number of businesses hire 15-year-olds. This guide will look at jobs that hire 15-year-olds, the policies you should learn about, and advice on finding that first job.
Why Work at 15?
Working at a young age is more than just receiving a paycheck. It develops responsibility, time management, communication skills, and even your college or scholarship applications. Here are some reasons why working at 15 is a good idea:
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Financial independence: Save for a car, college, or personal needs.
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Skill-building: Discover how to handle customers, take orders, and arrive on time.
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Resume experience: The early experience earns you an initial advantage in the workplace.
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Networking: Establish friendships with managers and co-workers whom you can contact later as your professional references.
Legal Rules: What You Need to Know First
Before applying, it’s important to understand the laws around teen employment. In the U.S., the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the rules for how many hours 14- and 15-year-olds can work and what types of jobs they can do.
Basic Rules for 15-Year-Old Workers:
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Maximum 3 hours on a school day
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Maximum 18 hours during a school week
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Up to 8 hours on a non-school day
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Up to 40 hours in a non-school week
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Work hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (to 9 p.m. in summer months)
There are additional rules in some states, so it’s a good idea to look at your state labor laws as well. You might also need a work permit, typically obtained through your school or state labor department.
What Jobs Hire at 15?
Now that you have the legal background, let’s discuss actual jobs you can get at age 15. These are legal, available, and appropriate for teens.
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Babysitting
Babysitting is one of the most common teen jobs. It instills responsibility, patience, and time management. Families tend to hire younger babysitters for nights, weekends, or even summer vacation.-
Average pay: $10–$15 per hour
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Pros: Flexible hours, usually near home
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Tip: Get a Red Cross babysitting course to gain credibility.
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Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
This one is ideal for animal lovers. Neighbors might need someone to walk their dog or care for pets when they are away.-
Average pay: $10–$20 per walk or visit
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Pros: Low stress, good for animal lovers
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Tip: Gain their trust by doing it for friends and family.
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Grocery Stores
Some supermarket chains employ teens as early as 14 or 15. Jobs are baggers, cart attendants, or stock clerks.-
Companies to explore: Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Giant Eagle
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Average pay: Minimum wage to $12/hour
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Upsides: Regular hours, consistent work
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Fast Food Restaurants
Most fast food restaurants are willing to hire 15-year-olds, particularly during peak times such as summer.-
Typical jobs: Cashier, cook’s assistant, or lobby attendant
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Companies to explore: McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen, Burger King
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Average pay: $10–$13/hour
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Pros: Team environment, potential for promotions
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Amusement Parks and Recreation Centers
If you live near an amusement park or pool, check if they hire teens for seasonal work. Jobs might include ticket booth operator, food service, or ride attendant.-
Average pay: $12–$15/hour
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Pros: Fun work environment, seasonal flexibility
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Ice Cream or Snack Shops
Small local businesses like frozen yogurt stands or snack shops often need extra help in warmer months.-
Average pay: Around $10–$12/hour
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Pros: Informal environment, interaction with customers
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Tip: Go in and ask if they’re hiring—demonstrates initiative.
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Tutoring Younger Students
If you excel at a subject area such as math, English, or science, you can tutor elementary or middle school students.-
Average pay: $10–$20/hour
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Pros: Flexible, fulfilling
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Tip: Promote your services to your neighborhood or school community.
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Referee or Scorekeeper for Youth Sports
Your local youth leagues and rec centers usually need teens to assist in running games.-
Jobs: Referee, umpire, scoreboard attendant
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Average pay: $15–$25 per game
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Pros: Active job, good for sports enthusiasts
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Camp Counselor-In-Training (CIT)
Most summer camps have counselor-in-training positions for 15-year-olds. Some are not paid, but others have a small stipend or hourly pay.-
Average pay: $0–$300/week
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Pros: Leadership skills, resume builder
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Tip: Use this as a stepping stone to future full counselor positions.
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Yard Work and Lawn Care
Neighbors may pay you to mow lawns, rake leaves, or do general gardening.
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Average pay: $10–$25 per job
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Pros: Work outdoors, charge your own rates
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Tip: Make a flyer and post it around.
Companies That Frequently Hire at 15
Here’s a list of companies that frequently hire 15-year-olds in some areas:
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McDonald’s
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Chick-fil-A
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Publix
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Safeway
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Dairy Queen
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Culver’s
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Baskin-Robbins
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Six Flags (seasonal)
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Local pools or YMCA branches
Always verify the hiring age on their website or inquire at the location.
How to Be Hired at 15
Even though you’re young, you can make a good impression. Here’s how to do it:
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Make a basic resume – Include any volunteer activities, school clubs, or babysitting.
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Dress professionally when you apply – Appearances are important, even for a simple job.
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Rehearse your introduction – Be confident and respectful. Make eye contact.
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Get recommendations – Have a teacher, coach, or family member speak for your dependability.
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Apply early – For summer employment, begin searching in April or May.
Work Permits: Do You Need One?
Most states require 15-year-olds to have a work permit. It’s proof that you have permission from your parents and that your employment meets labor regulations. Here’s how to obtain one:
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Stop by your school guidance office
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Complete an application with your employer’s information
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Have it signed by a parent or guardian
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Turn it in to your state’s labor department or school official
Your employer can also provide forms or procedures to walk you through the process.
Work-School Balance
It’s great to keep in mind that school is still number one. This is how you maintain the balance:
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Select a job with variable hours
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Have a planner for homework and shifts
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Don’t overwork—stay within legal hourly boundaries
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Speak with your supervisor if school gets too much
Time management is the key, and working part-time while in school teaches this early on.
Final Thoughts
So, what are some jobs that hire at 15? Plenty! Whether you desire to work fast food, baby-sit, or cut lawns, there are wonderful opportunities. Being a teen worker instills responsibility, earns you money, and teaches practical skills that will serve you well for years to come.
The secret is to take initiative. Ask people, look online, and don’t hesitate to go into a business and inquire, “Are you hiring?” With the proper attitude and a bit of initiative, your first job may be just around the corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Can I work at 15 without a work permit?
A: In some states, yes, but many do require a work permit. Look on your state labor department’s website. -
Q: What if I have no experience?
A: We all begin somewhere! Be truthful, demonstrate eagerness to learn, and emphasize school or volunteer work. -
Q: How do I get local 15-year-old jobs?
A: Ask family and friends, approach local businesses, search online job boards, or scan bulletin boards at schools and community centers.