You are ready to earn your own money, but every application seems to ask whether you are at least 16. Does that mean no one hires at 15? Not at all. Many supermarkets, restaurants, theaters, recreation facilities, and local businesses can employ 15-year-olds. The challenge is finding an employer with suitable duties, scheduling needs, and policies for younger workers.
Federal law permits most 15-year-olds to work in approved nonhazardous jobs outside school hours. State rules may be stricter, however, and individual locations may set a higher minimum hiring age. That is why two branches of the same restaurant chain may give different answers.
Employers that may hire 15-year-olds
When searching for jobs that hire 15 year olds, focus on businesses with entry-level customer service, cleaning, stocking, or office duties. The following employers and workplaces are worth trying, although hiring age, available positions, and work-permit requirements vary by location.
Grocery stores
Supermarkets frequently need help with tasks that federal law allows younger teens to perform. Publix states that it hires applicants beginning at age 14 for select store positions. Other regional and independently owned supermarkets may also consider 15-year-olds.
Possible responsibilities include:
- Bagging groceries
- Collecting lightweight carts where permitted
- Stocking approved products on accessible shelves
- Helping customers locate items
- Cleaning counters and public areas
- Cashiering when allowed by the employer and local law
Ask the store manager which positions are available specifically to applicants under 16. Some supermarket departments contain machinery, freezers, meat-processing equipment, or other areas where a 15-year-old cannot work.
Restaurants and quick-service locations
Some McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, ice cream shops, cafés, and other restaurants hire at 15. Many of these businesses are operated by independent owners, so minimum-age policies can differ from one location to another.
Permitted duties may include taking orders, operating a cash register, preparing certain drinks and foods, cleaning dining areas, and packaging orders. A younger teen cannot perform every kitchen task. Federal restrictions cover baking, open-flame cooking, most power-driven equipment, meat slicers, and certain fryers. Ask for a clear description of the job rather than assuming that every “crew member” duty is allowed.
Movie theaters
AMC reports that it often offers employment to people ages 14 through 17, depending on applicable laws and work-permit schedules. Local theaters may need ushers, concession workers, ticket attendants, or employees who clean auditoriums between showings.
Theaters can be appealing because their busiest periods are after school, on weekends, and during school vacations. However, federal evening-hour limits still apply to 15-year-olds, even if the theater remains open late.
Pools, camps, and recreation programs
A properly certified 15-year-old may work as a lifeguard or swimming instructor at a traditional swimming pool or qualifying water park. Certification and training requirements apply, and some states or employers establish a higher minimum age.
Community centers, day camps, sports programs, and parks departments may also offer jobs such as junior counselor, admissions assistant, equipment-room helper, or activity assistant. Certain tasks involving power-driven groundskeeping equipment, elevated water slides, or amusement rides are prohibited.
Local businesses and self-directed work
Small offices, tutoring centers, retail shops, libraries, and family-owned businesses may need help with filing, basic computer work, customer service, or organizing merchandise. You can also explore casual work for private households, including babysitting, pet sitting, dog walking, tutoring, leaf raking, and simple yard cleanup.
For more ideas tailored to a local search, review these job opportunities for 15-year-olds in your area.
How many hours can a 15-year-old work?
Under federal rules for nonagricultural employment, 14- and 15-year-olds may work only outside school hours. The standard limits are:
- No more than three hours on a school day, including Friday
- No more than 18 hours during a school week
- No more than eight hours on a nonschool day
- No more than 40 hours during a week when school is not in session
- No work before 7 a.m.
- No work after 7 p.m., except from June 1 through Labor Day, when work may continue until 9 p.m.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s child labor guidance for nonagricultural jobs explains the federal rules in greater detail. When federal and state requirements differ, the stricter protection generally applies. Approved school work-study or career-exploration programs may have limited exceptions.
What jobs are off-limits?
At 15, you generally cannot work in manufacturing, mining, construction, warehousing, transportation, or occupations involving hazardous equipment. Prohibited tasks commonly include:
- Operating meat slicers, grinders, bakery machines, compactors, or balers
- Driving a vehicle as part of the job
- Working from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs
- Loading or unloading goods from trucks or conveyors
- Working inside freezers or meat coolers
- Using power-driven lawn mowers, trimmers, saws, or woodworking equipment
- Performing door-to-door sales or youth peddling
- Doing building maintenance or repair work
A manager should assign age-appropriate duties and provide adequate training. If you are asked to operate unfamiliar machinery, drive, climb onto a roof, or perform another task that seems unsafe, stop and speak with a parent, supervisor, school official, or state labor agency.
Do you need a work permit?
Federal law does not require working papers, but many states require an employment certificate, age certificate, school authorization, parental consent, or employer registration. Your school guidance office or state labor department can explain the local process.
You may also need proof of age and the standard documents used to verify your identity and authorization to work. Do not send sensitive personal information through an unofficial social-media account or give anyone money in exchange for a promised job.
How much can a 15-year-old earn?
Pay depends on the employer, position, and applicable state or local minimum wage. Federal law generally sets a $7.25 hourly minimum for covered workers. It also allows certain employees under 20 to receive a youth minimum wage of at least $4.25 per hour during their first 90 consecutive calendar days with an employer, provided the arrangement does not displace another worker. Many states prohibit or limit this lower rate and require higher pay.
Before accepting an offer, ask about the hourly wage, expected schedule, payday, uniform costs, tip policies, and required training. All required work time should be recorded and paid.
How to improve your chances of getting hired
Apply to several locations rather than waiting on one application. Visit during a quiet period, ask politely whether the business hires at 15, and mention your exact availability. A simple résumé can list school activities, volunteer work, babysitting, tutoring, sports, technology skills, and responsibilities you have handled at home.
Employers know that most 15-year-olds have little formal experience. Reliability often matters more. Arrive on time, dress neatly for interviews, respond professionally, and be honest about school commitments and transportation. Finding a first job may take persistence, but targeting legally permitted roles makes the search faster and safer.
