Finding your first job at 15 years old can be exciting — it’s your first step toward independence, experience, and earning your own money. But before you start applying, it’s important to understand the labor laws and age restrictions that apply to young workers.
Because federal and state laws regulate how, when, and where teens under 16 can work, not every company can legally hire 15-year-olds. Still, there are plenty of businesses — especially in food service, retail, and entertainment — that offer opportunities if you know the rules.
Understanding the Rules for 15-Year-Old Workers
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the federal law that governs youth employment. It sets the minimum age for work at 14, outlines hour limitations, and defines which jobs are considered hazardous or restricted for minors.
However, states may have stricter child labor laws, meaning the legal working age and hours can vary depending on where you live. If your state’s rules differ from federal law, the stricter rule applies.
Here’s what every 15-year-old (and their parents) should know before applying for a job:
🧾 Minimum Age to Work
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Federal law: The minimum age for non-agricultural jobs is 14.
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State laws: Some states set the minimum age at 15 or 16, particularly for restaurant or retail jobs.
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You can check your state’s youth employment laws on your state Department of Labor website (for example, California, Florida, and Illinois each have unique requirements).
🕒 Work Hour Limits (Under 16)
To protect education and safety, 14- and 15-year-olds are only allowed to work limited hours during the school year:
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School days: Up to 3 hours per day
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Non-school days: Up to 8 hours per day
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During school weeks: No more than 18 hours per week
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During summer or non-school weeks: Up to 40 hours per week
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Work hours allowed: Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day
These limits are designed to make sure work doesn’t interfere with school or rest time.
What Types of Jobs You Can’t Do at 15?
The FLSA prohibits anyone under 18 from working in hazardous occupations, such as:
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Operating heavy machinery
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Construction or roofing work
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Using power-driven equipment (like meat slicers or forklifts)
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Manufacturing, warehousing, or mining jobs
However, 15-year-olds can legally work in non-hazardous, entry-level positions such as:
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Food service (e.g., fast food, ice cream shops, host/hostess)
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Retail and grocery stores
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Movie theaters
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Recreational or amusement parks
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Tutoring, pet care, or light office work
Work Permits and Parental Consent
In many states, minors under 16 need a work permit or employment certificate before starting a job.
Here’s how it typically works:
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You’ll need permission from a parent or guardian.
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A school official may also need to sign off to confirm your age and enrollment.
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The employer must keep this permit on file as proof of compliance.
Some states also limit the type of work environments or require safety training before hiring minors. For example:
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In California, minors must have both a work permit and proof of school attendance.
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In New York, 15-year-olds need an Employment Certificate (AT-19) issued by their school district.
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In Texas, work permits aren’t required, but employers must verify your age before hiring.
Best Places That Hire at 15
Finding a job at 15 can open the door to valuable work experience, financial independence, and new skills. While options can vary depending on state labor laws, many national chains hire workers as young as 15 — sometimes even 14.
Below is a list of popular employers that frequently hire 15-year-olds, along with common roles and average pay rates. Keep in mind that availability may differ by location, and some jobs may require a work permit or parental consent.
| Company | Minimum Hiring Age | Common Roles | Average Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | 14–15 | Cashier, Crew Member | $9–$12/hr |
| Chick-fil-A | 15 | Front of House, Kitchen Assistant | $10–$13/hr |
| Dairy Queen | 15 | Cashier, Ice Cream Server | $9–$11/hr |
| Baskin-Robbins | 14–15 | Ice Cream Scooper | $9–$11/hr |
| Subway | 15 (varies by state) | Sandwich Artist, Cashier | $10–$13/hr |
| Kroger | 15 (select locations) | Courtesy Clerk, Bagger | $10–$12/hr |
| Safeway | 15 | Cart Attendant, Bagger | $10–$12/hr |
| Publix | 14–15 | Front Service Clerk, Bagger | $10–$12/hr |
| Giant Food | 15 | Cashier, Bagger | $10–$12/hr |
| Winn-Dixie | 15 | Courtesy Clerk, Cashier | $9–$11/hr |
| Culver’s | 14–15 | Team Member, Dining Room Attendant | $9–$12/hr |
| AMC Theatres | 15 | Usher, Concessions Crew | $10–$13/hr |
| Six Flags | 15 | Ride Operator, Food Service, Retail Associate | $11–$15/hr |
| SeaWorld | 15 | Park Attendant, Concessions, Guest Services | $12–$16/hr |
| King Soopers | 15 | Bagger, Courtesy Clerk | $10–$12/hr |
| Hy-Vee | 15 | Cashier, Bagger, Aisle Assistant | $10–$13/hr |
| Ben & Jerry’s | 15 | Ice Cream Server | $10–$12/hr |
| Local Pools & Parks | 15 | Lifeguard (with certification), Snack Bar Clerk | $11–$15/hr |
| YMCA | 15 | Camp Counselor, Lifeguard, Front Desk Assistant | $11–$14/hr |
Tips for Getting Hired at 15
Landing your first job at 15 might feel intimidating, but it’s completely doable with the right preparation and attitude. Employers hiring teens are often looking for enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn — not years of experience.
Here’s how to stand out and get hired faster:
✅ Get Your Work Permit Early
Many states require teens under 16 to have a work permit or employment certificate signed by a parent or school official. Getting this early shows initiative and saves time during the hiring process. You can usually obtain one through your school’s guidance office or your state’s Department of Labor website.
🏪 Start with Local or Family-Owned Businesses
While big chains like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, or Publix are great starting points, don’t overlook local opportunities.
Neighborhood restaurants, grocery stores, farms, amusement centers, and ice cream shops often hire younger teens because they can offer more flexible roles and hours. Walking in to ask about openings — with a polite attitude and neat appearance — can leave a great impression.
⏰ Be Flexible with Your Schedule
At 15, your availability can make or break your application. Employers love candidates who can work weekends, early evenings, or summer shifts. Even a few consistent hours a week show you’re dependable and committed.
💼 Show Responsibility and Maturity
Since you may not have much work experience yet, highlight other ways you’ve shown responsibility — such as good grades, volunteer work, sports involvement, or babysitting experience. Emphasize traits like reliability, teamwork, and punctuality on your resume or during your interview.
📝 Create a Simple Teen Resume
Even if you’ve never had a job, a short, professional resume helps you stand out. Include:
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Contact information
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Education (school name and grade)
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Volunteer work or school clubs
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Any relevant skills (e.g., customer service, communication, teamwork)
You can use a free online template to make it look polished.
💬 Practice Interview Confidence
Employers understand it might be your first interview — they mainly want to see that you’re respectful, attentive, and eager to learn. Practice answering common questions like:
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“Why do you want to work here?”
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“What does being a good team member mean to you?”
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“How will you balance school and work?”
🧠 Know Your Rights as a Teen Worker
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 15-year-olds are protected by strict rules about hours, safety, and working conditions. You cannot work in hazardous jobs (like construction or manufacturing), and your weekly hours are limited during school terms. Knowing your rights ensures your first job experience is safe and fair.
Key Takeaway
Working at 15 is more than a paycheck — it’s your first step toward independence, skill-building, and professional growth. You’ll learn time management, teamwork, communication, and customer service, all of which look great on future job or college applications. While opportunities may be limited, plenty of companies offer safe, rewarding part-time roles designed for teens.
How WiseWorq Can Help
Before applying anywhere, make sure you’re choosing the right environment. WiseWorq gives you access to verified employee reviews and insights from over 26,000 U.S. companies, helping you find employers that value young workers, offer fair schedules, and provide positive experiences.
👉 Explore companies hiring near you today at WiseWorq.
