Where Can You Work at Age 15? Here Are the Best Options
So your 15-year-old is bugging you about getting a job?
Maybe they need some spending money. Maybe they’re bored. Or maybe you’re just tired of them lounging around the house all summer playing video games and eating all your food.
Whatever the reason, there are actually tons of legit jobs that 15-year-olds can do! And I’m not just talking about mowing lawns (although that’s definitely still an option).
Let’s dive into the world of teen employment and figure out where your not-quite-adult can start making some cash.
The Ultimate Guide to Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
Look, I get it. The idea of your 15-year-old entering the workforce might make you nervous. Will they be safe? Is it even legal? Will they still have time for school?
The good news is that plenty of companies actively hire 15-year-olds and there are strict laws protecting young workers. Plus, early work experience is actually great for teens – they learn responsibility, gain confidence, and hey… they might even appreciate your job a little more!
Skip ahead:
- Restaurant jobs
- Entertainment jobs
- Retail jobs
- Flexible side hustles
- Legal stuff you should know
- Best-paying options
Restaurant and Food Service Jobs (AKA Free Food)
If your teen wants to work at a restaurant, they’re in luck because fast food places are basically teen employment factories.
Companies like Chick-fil-A, Arby’s, Culver’s, and Dairy Queen regularly hire 15-year-olds as:
- Cashiers (taking orders, handling money)
- Food prep assistants (no cooking on hot equipment though – that’s illegal)
- Dining room attendants (the fancy name for cleaning tables)
- Hosts/hostesses (for sit-down restaurants)
The perks? Besides the obvious employee discounts on food (goodbye grocery bill!), restaurant jobs teach killer customer service skills and how to work in fast-paced environments.
My friend’s daughter started at Culver’s at 15, and by 16 was already training new employees. By 17 she was handling some shift manager duties. These places often promote from within!
Entertainment and Customer Service Roles (The Fun Stuff)
Movie theaters like AMC Theaters are teen employment goldmines. Where do you think all those ushers come from?
A 15-year-old can work as:
- Ticket taker
- Concession stand worker
- Usher (cleaning theaters and checking tickets)
Other entertainment venues that hire teens include:
- Trampoline parks
- Bowling alleys
- Mini-golf courses
- Community pools (usually as concession workers, not lifeguards)
The huge benefit here is the social environment. These jobs are generally more fun, you’re around other teens, and hey – you might even get to see free movies!
Retail and Grocery Jobs (For the Fashion-Forward Teen)
Retail and grocery stores often hire 15-year-olds for positions like:
- Cashier
- Stock clerk
- Bagger
- Customer service assistant
Some teen-friendly retail companies include local grocery chains and smaller clothing stores. While bigger chains like Target typically hire at 16, many local markets are more flexible.
One caution about retail: Make sure your teen understands that these jobs involve a lot of standing. I know a kid who quit his first grocery store job after two days because his feet hurt.
Flexible Side Hustles (For The Entrepreneurial Teen)
Not all teens want a traditional “clock in, clock out” job. For the more independent types, consider these options:
Babysitting: The classic teen job. Care.com can help find opportunities, though many still come through family friends.
Pet sitting/dog walking: Perfect for animal lovers.
Lawn care: Mowing lawns, raking leaves, or shoveling snow can earn good money.
Tutoring: For the academically gifted teen, helping younger students can pay $15-20 per hour.
My nephew started a “tech help” business at 15 where he’d help older folks in his neighborhood set up their phones and computers. He made more per hour than his friends at fast food joints!
Legal Stuff You Should Know (Don’t Skip This Part)
Before your teen starts job hunting, understand the rules:
- Work permits: Many states require these for minors. Check your state’s department of labor website.
- Hour restrictions: During school weeks, 14-15 year olds can typically work no more than 3 hours on school days and 18 hours per school week.
- Time restrictions: Teens under 16 usually can’t work before 7am or after 7pm (9pm during summer).
- Prohibited jobs: No driving, no heavy machinery, no cooking on hot surfaces, no dangerous equipment.
Think of these laws as a good thing – they’re protecting your kid from exploitation while still giving them work experience.
Best-Paying Options (Show Me The Money)
Not all teen jobs pay the same. Here are some of the better-paying options:
- Restaurant team members – average $11-12/hour plus tips in some places
- Retail sales associates – around $11-13/hour
- Movie theater staff – usually starts at minimum wage but flexible hours
- Tutoring – can earn $15-20/hour for more specialized subjects
The highest-paying jobs like package delivery ($16+/hour) typically require being at least 16 or 18 due to driving requirements.
Remember that for a first job, the experience is worth more than the hourly rate. That resume-builder will pay dividends later!
How to Help Your Teen Land That First Job
Here’s the step-by-step:
- Make sure they’re ready – Can they manage their time? Are they responsible enough?
- Check local requirements – Work permits, hours restrictions, etc.
- Create a simple resume – Even with no experience, they can list education, skills, volunteer work
- Practice interviewing – Basic questions like “Why do you want this job?” and “Tell me about yourself”
- Apply broadly – Don’t just try one place, apply to multiple positions
- Dress appropriately – First impressions matter!
Pro tip: Having your teen physically walk into businesses and ask if they’re hiring shows initiative that online applications don’t. My daughter got her first job at an ice cream shop simply because she was the only applicant who showed up in person!
Getting a job at 15 is about more than just money. It’s about building confidence, learning responsibility, and developing skills that will serve them for life.
And who knows? Maybe after a few shifts of dealing with cranky customers, they’ll even appreciate you more. (A parent can dream, right?)
