As a teen below 16, you should be aware that there is legal law guiding you to work. If you want to work as a teen, you need to go through the legal process before you will be allowed to take a specific job at a given timeframe. If you are a teen in your 15’s, and you are looking for jobs that will hire you, then you’re at the right spot. In this post I will take you through why teens below 16 are partially restricted to work, jobs you can do and cannot do, companies that hire 15 years old, benefits and challenges of working at 15 and many more. So carefully read through this post to find out more.
Legal Age and Work Restrictions at 15
In the (U.S. & international perspective), the minimum working age law is usually 16 but teens under 16 who wish to work should first seek for a permit or parental/guardian consent before being employed. This means that parents should be aware of the work their teens can do and to be sure they meet legal requirements.
Types of Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
There are three categories of jobs that a 15 year old can do. They are:
- Traditional Jobs
- Creative and Online Jobs
- Seasonal and Community Jobs
Traditional Jobs
- Dog walking and pet sitting
- Movie theaters (usher, concessions)
- Retail stores (where allowed)
- Grocery store clerk (bagging, stocking, cashier)
- Fast food restaurants (McDonald’s, Burger King, Dairy Queen, etc.)Tutoring
Creative & Online Jobs
Here are list of traditional jobs that hires 15 years old:
- Dog walking and pet sitting
- Babysitting jobs
- Yard work, lawn mowing, and gardening
- Movie theaters (usher, concessions)
- Retail stores (where allowed)
- Grocery store clerk (bagging, stocking, cashier in some places)
- Fast food restaurants (McDonald’s, Burger King, Dairy Queen, etc.)
- Tutoring younger children
Above are traditional jobs that hire at 15, these jobs are not Hazardous to teens.
Seasonal & Community Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
Here are list of seasonal and community jobs that hires 15 years old:
- Holiday retail helper
- Summer camp counselor-in-training
- Lifeguard or pool attendant (with certification)
- Local farms: fruit picking, seasonal harvest work
- Amusement park jobs (ride operator assistant, food service)
Top Companies That Commonly Hire at 15
Here are list of companies that commonly hire 15 years old teens:
- Subway
- AMC Theaters
- McDonald’s
- Burger King
- Dairy Queen
- Safeway / Kroger (select locations)
- Publix
Above is a list of companies that commonly hire 15 year olds. These companies are location independent.
Tips for Getting Hired at 15
Here are top tips to help you get hired fast at 15:
- You should be able to create a simple teen resume
- At 15, you should be emphasizing on volunteer work, school clubs, and personal responsibility
- You should always practice and ready for interviews
- You should Network with family, neighbors, and local businesses to recommend you for jobs openings
Benefits of Working at 15
Here are lots of benefits associated to working at 15:
- You can start earning and saving money at early age
- You will be exposed to learning responsibility and discipline
- You can start building teamwork and communication skills early
- Your job experience will prepare you for future career goals
Challenges for 15-Year-Old Workers
There are quite a number of challenges a 15 year old will face while working. Some of these challenges are:
- It is strenuous balancing school, work, and social life
- You may have limited work hours and opportunities at your age
- They may face transportation issues for not allowed to (drive yet)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to frequently asked questions regarding jobs that hire 15 years old:
Can a 15-year-old work without a work permit?
It is not permissible for a 15 year to work with the consent of their parent/guardian consent or legal permit.
How many hours can a 15-year-old work per week?
A 15 year old is allowed to work at a maximum of 18 hours per week during school weeks. And Up to 8 hours per day and a Maximum of 40 hours per week during holidays/breaks.
What is the highest paying job for a 15-year-old?
Here are list of highest paying jobs for 15 year old:
- Tutoring: up to $10–$20 per hour or more.
- Babysitting: up to $10–$18 per hour depending on location, number of kids, & responsibilities.
- Pet Sitting / Dog Walking: up to $10–$15 per walk/hour, sometimes more.
- Yard Work / Lawn Care: up to $15–$20 per job, especially in neighborhoods.
- Freelance / Online Jobs (with parent supervision): This category payment varies widely depending on the role, but can be higher than traditional part-time jobs.
- Refereeing / Sports Assistant: up to $20–$30 per game, sometimes higher.
- Camp Counselor-in-Training (CIT)
Can a 15-year-old work online legally?
Yes a 15 year old can work legally online with the guidelines of their patents/guardian.
Conclusion
15 year olds can get jobs from quite a number of companies and online gigs and other places, but they are always required to have a working permit or parent/guardian consent before they will be allowed to work. If you are 15 and you are looking for a job, you should follow all the legal requirements before taking a job.