At 15, many teenagers want to start working and get paid, earn their own money and build up crucial life skills. The options for jobs for 15-year-olds are diverse.
In this article, we’ll explore the best jobs you can get at 15 and outline why you might desire to consider an early work. We’ll consider the benefits of early employment, and outline tips for finding a job. We'll show how to know if the occupation you’re being offered is legitimate.
If you’re a parent helping a child make their first foray into the world, or you’re a 15-year-old ready to start working, the information here can be helpful when sorting out your choices.
What are the legal terms of jobs at 15?
Being fifteen makes you old enough to work but there are lots of legal requirements around your occupation.
How old you have to be to work depends on the job and the country. Although people you know may be hired by a grocery store when they are 15, there might be jobs that you cannot have just because of your age.
1. Age restrictions
The minimum working age is specified in most jurisdictionary. For instance, in the US, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) permits 14 years and older to work, with some restrictions.
2. Work permits
In many states, minors must obtain employment permits or certificates before they are legally allowed to work. Such procedures often involve parental sign-off and school approval.
3. Hours of work
There are legal restrictions on how many hours children can be made to work.
For example, in the US:
- During the school year: 15-year-olds can work up to 3 hours per day and 18 per week.
- During non-school weeks: 8 hours a day and 40 a week.
- There are limits on when they can work, often barring late-night shifts.
- Employers have to provide a 30-minute meal break.
4. Types of work
There are specific jobs that are deemed unsuitable for teens, such as those involving hazardous conditions, heavy machinery, or certain types of entertainment. The FLSA outlines a list of prohibited occupations.
5. Wage and tax
Employers must adhere to minimum wage laws. In some areas, 15-year-olds may earn a lower minimum wage than adults, but this varies by state. Just like adults, minors are subject to tax laws and may need to file taxes depending on their earnings.
Where can you work at 15?
There are plenty of 15-year-old jobs across different sectors. While the exact options may vary, here are some best places to work at 15:
Retail Stores
- Examples: Grocery stores, clothing shops, bookstores.
- Roles: Cashier, stock associate, sales associate, or customer service representative.
- Examples: Fast food restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, and casual dining establishments.
- Roles: Host/hostess, server (with restrictions), busser, dishwasher, or kitchen helper.
Tutoring and Childcare
- Examples: Private tutoring, babysitting, or working at daycare centers.
- Roles: Tutor for younger students, babysitter, or assistant at a daycare.
Entertainment and Leisure
- Examples: Movie theaters, amusement parks, bowling alleys, or recreation centers.
- Roles: Ticket seller, usher, arcade attendant, or concession stand worker.
Administrative and Office Jobs
- Examples: Small businesses, law offices, or community organizations.
- Roles: Office assistant, filing clerk, or receptionist (with parental consent).
Online and Freelance Work
- Examples: Remote jobs or freelance gigs.
- Roles: Online surveys, graphic design, social media management, or content writing (if skilled).
- Examples: Nonprofit organizations, animal shelters, hospitals, or community centers.
- Roles: Volunteer assistant, event coordinator, or outreach worker (although unpaid, this can provide valuable experience).
Seasonal Jobs
- Examples: Summer camps, holiday retailers, or seasonal farms.
- Roles: Camp counselor, festival worker, or fruit picker.
Pet Care
- Examples: Pet sitting, dog walking, or working at pet stores.
- Roles: Dog walker, pet sitter, or kennel assistant.
Household Jobs
- Examples: Working for neighbors or family friends.
- Roles: Yard work, cleaning, or helping with errands.
How to find where to work at 15?
- Tell family and friends that you are searching for employment. They might know of certain openings in their workplaces or through their respective networks.
Seek jobs hiring for 15 year olds within your immediate community. Mow lawns or offer to babysit or do housework for neighbors.
- Sites such as Indeed, Snagajob and SimplyHired often post entry-level jobs.
Use the filters to search for positions that are willing to hire younger job seekers. Look at the community classifieds or bulletins, or even the Nextdoor app.
- Presentably dress yourself, then visit stores, restaurants and cafés enquiring what jobs hire at 15.
Be sure to write a resume on hand if possible, even if this is your first ever job. Certain businesses might display "Help Wanted" signs or flyers in their front windows. Note these places.
- Your school may have a career centre where the list of openings is published and resume help is provided. Talk to school counsellors who may know of special jobs for minors or programs for the summer.
There are even sites devoted to jobs for teens, such as TeenJobFinder.
- Write a straightforward resume, emphasizing skills, interests and experience (even if informal). Write a letter of application showing your interest, why you want to work, and what you can do for the job.
Job application example for 15 year olds
Jolene Chambers
Wadena, MN 56482
Email: jolene.chambers@gmail.com
Phone: (356) 879-5645Objective
Enthusiastic and responsible 15-year-old seeking a position as an Attendant at Fun Zone Arcade. Eager to provide excellent customer service, maintain a clean and enjoyable environment, and ensure all games are functioning properly.
Education
Wadena-Deer Creek High School
Expected Graduation: 2027
Skills
- Customer Service: Friendly and approachable, able to assist customers with inquiries and ensure a positive gaming experience.
- Teamwork: Works well in a team environment and collaborates effectively with peers and supervisors.
- Communication: Strong verbal communication skills, able to interact clearly and politely with guests.
- Problem-Solving: Quick to identify and resolve minor issues with arcade machines and equipment.
- Time Management: Able to manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining attention to detail.
Experience
Volunteer, Community Events, Wadena, MN
June - August 2024
- Assisted in setting up and managing games for community events, ensuring guests had an enjoyable experience.
- Helped organize and clean up after events, demonstrating reliability and a strong work ethic.
Babysitting, Wadena, MN
March - May 2024
- Provided care for children of various ages, ensuring their safety and entertainment.
- Developed strong relationships with families and gained experience in responsibility and communication.
Extracurricular Activities
Member, School Robotics Club
- Collaborated with team members to design and build robotic projects.
Volunteer, Local Animal Shelter
- Assisted in caring for animals and maintaining a clean environment.
References
Available upon request.
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Taking a job at 15 may be an interesting and enriching experience for a teenager at the beginning of a future career. Employment for a general youth at this age prepares them not only for independent living, but also for a competitive job search.
What such young workers need to recognize is that they have rights, they must abide by local labor regulations, and that they need to learn which jobs match their interest and aptitude.
If the right preparations and a bit of proactivity are applied, teens can take their first tentative steps into the world of work, developing character and beginning to create pathways to successful future.