Turning 15 usually marks the time to start your first job – a chance to earn your own money, practice responsibility, and gather some valuable experience. Due to Federal and State labor laws, employment opportunities for 15-year-olds may be limited. You can take comfort in the fact that many companies are still looking to hire young people!

In this blog, we will take a look at what jobs hire at 15, how to be hired as a 15-year-old, where to apply for those jobs, and related information.

Can You Work at 15 in the U.S.?

Yes! According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 14 years old is the minimum age to legally work for most non-agricultural work, with restrictions on the jobs and hours for 14 and 15-year-olds. You may also need a work permit, depending on your state.

Jobs That Are Allowed for 15-Year-Olds Include:

• Office/clerical work
• Retail work (like cashiering or stocking shelves)
• Food service (like host/hostess, bussing tables, and washing dishes)
• Tutor younger kids
• Lifeguarding (with certification)

Jobs That Hire Commonly Hire 15-Year-Olds

1. Fast Food Restaurants

Many fast food chains will hire 14- or 15-year-olds – here are a few that are noted for doing this:

• McDonald’s
• Chick-fil-A
• Burger King
• Dairy Queen

The common positions at fast-food restaurants for 15-year-olds include:

• Dining room attendant
• Cashier
• Drive-thru crew
• Kitchen helper (non-hazardous duties only).

2. Grocery Store

Duties may include bagging groceries, collecting carts, or stocking:

• Publix
• Kroger
• Safeway
• Winn-Dixie

3. Retail Stores

Some smaller or local retail stores may hire at a 15. Big chains may hire at 16, but always worth asking at:

• Local clothing stores
• Toy stores
• Pet supply stores

4. Movie Theaters

Chains such as Regal Cinemas or AMC may hire 15-year-olds to:

• Take tickets
• Clean theaters
• Work concessions

5. Amusement Parks and Waterparks

Many amusement parks hire, in the summer, young teens to be:

• Ride attendant (not hazardous rides)
• Game booth attendant
• Concessions

Examples:

• Six Flags
• Cedar Point
• Local fairs or carnivals

6. Local Businesses

Think about not just the big names:

• Ice cream shops
• Pizza places
• Bakeries
• Floral shops
• Family-owned stores

How Do I Get the Job at 15?

1. Check State Labor Laws

Each state in the US has different rules regarding:

• How many hours you can work on school days
• Work permits
• Types of jobs

Check your state labor department’s website for exactly what the rules are.

2. Obtain a Work Permit (if there is one)

Check with your school guidance counselor how to obtain one – usually requires:

• A form signed by your guardian
• Proof of age
• A job offer (possibly)

3. Make a Simple Resume

You can make a one-page resume even if you are 15 years old. You will want to have:

• Volunteer work
• Babysitting experience
• School clubs or sports
• Skills like communication or teamwork

Jobs that Hire Without Experience

Most jobs available to 15-year-olds do not require experience. The employer understands that this is likely your first job! Common job opportunities like:

• Cashier assistant
• Dishwasher
• Ice cream scooper
• Lawn or yard care
• Pet walking/sitting
• Farm work (in some states)

Best Jobs for 15 Year Olds

The “best” job depends on your interests, but here are some fun and flexible, options:

• Lifeguard: If you enjoy swimming (must be certified)
• Tutor: If you are good at math, reading, etc., you could help younger kids.
• Camp Counselor (In Training): Some camps hire 15-year-olds to help.
• Freelance Artist or Crafter: You could sell your creative art or handmade products online with support of your guardian.
• Blogging/Content Creator: You might create content, if you enjoy writing or video editing.

What Online Jobs Can 15-Year-Olds Do?

More limited options are available to those under 16, but you can still think about:

• Freelancer using sites like Fiverr (with parental approval)
• Completing surveys or reviews using sites like Swagbucks
• Selling crafts on Etsy (using a parent account)
• Tutoring younger kids online

FAQs

1. What jobs hire at 15 near me?

You can search job boards like:

1. Indeed
2. Snagajob
3. Glassdoor

By entering your zip code and using filters like “part-time” or “teen jobs” you can see what your local options are.

2. How do I get hired at 15?

• Make a simple resume.
• Just walk in and politely ask if they need help.
• Dress presentably and show enthusiasm.
• If you need one, bring your work permit.

3. Can I work at Target or Walmart when I’m 15?

Most retail chains like Target or Walmart will hire you at 16, but there may be exceptions with smaller stores or local chains.

4. Can you work at Starbucks when you’re 15?

No. Starbucks usually hires at 16 years old or older, but you can always check local coffee shops.

5. Does Chick-fil-A hire at 15?

Yes, many Chick-fil-A locations hire 14 and 15 year olds for front-of-house jobs, but it’s dependent on franchise.

6. How many hours can a 15 year old legally work?

Under Federal law:

• No more than 3 hours on a school day
• No more than 8 hours on a non-school day
• Only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (9:00p.m in summer)

Conclusion

Receiving your first job at 15 is one step closer to being independent and being an adult. Whether its scooping ice cream, stocking shelves, or babysitting little kids, these types of entry-level jobs allow you to learn responsibility, contribute to your resume, and gain self-confidence.

Just be sure to check your local laws on child labour, to get a work permit if one is needed, and to find something enjoyable: a good first job is a job that gives you experience and that you enjoy!

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