So you’re 15 and looking for your first job? Welcome to the wonderful world of early employment!
When I got my first job at 15, I had no idea what I was doing. But that’s the beauty of it – you learn by doing, and those early work experiences can be incredibly valuable later in life.
The Ultimate Guide to Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
Let’s be real – your options at 15 are more limited than they’ll be at 16 or 17. But there are still plenty of opportunities out there that can help you start earning money, building your resume, and developing skills that’ll serve you for decades.
And most importantly, can I blame my terrible first job for all my career problems while taking no personal accountability? (sarcastic laugh)
Popular Jobs That Will Actually Hire You at 15
Fast Food Isn’t Glamorous, But It Works
Fast food chains like Wendy’s and Taco Bell are often willing to hire 14 and 15-year-olds. You might be taking orders, preparing food, or cleaning the restaurant.
The upside? These places are used to working with school schedules and first-time employees. Plus, you’ll develop customer service skills that are valuable in pretty much any future job.
A study from the National Restaurant Association found that 1 in 3 Americans got their first job experience in a restaurant. So you’re in good company.
Grocery Stores: More Options Than You Think
Grocery chains like Stop & Shop, Giant Eagle, and Winn Dixie often hire 15-year-olds for various departments:
- Bagging groceries
- Stocking shelves
- Working in floral or bakery sections
- Cashiering (at some locations)
The benefit here is that grocery stores are everywhere, tend to be stable employers, and often promote from within if you stick around.
Retail: For the Socially Inclined
If you enjoy talking to people and don’t mind folding the same shirt 50 times a day, retail might be your jam. Many local shops and some chains hire at 15 for positions like:
- Sales associate
- Stock room helper
- Cashier
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail jobs teach valuable skills in customer service, merchandising, and sales that transfer to many other careers.
The Classics: Babysitting, Pet Care, and Lawn Work
These traditional teen jobs still exist for good reason – they’re flexible and often pay better per hour than formal jobs.
- Babysitting can pay $10-15 per hour
- Dog walking might net $10-20 per walk
- Lawn mowing can earn $20-30 per yard
The downside? These jobs can be less consistent, but the upside is complete schedule flexibility and sometimes better hourly pay.
Online and Remote Opportunities for Tech-Savvy Teens
If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re pretty comfortable with technology. Good news – there are growing opportunities for online work even at 15.
Freelancing: For the Skilled
If you’ve got skills in:
- Graphic design
- Writing
- Basic video editing
You can make money on platforms like Fiverr or by offering services to local businesses. The freelance economy has grown 78% since 2014, making this a viable option even for teens.
Surveys and Product Reviews: Low Barrier to Entry
Not ready for skilled work? You can still make some pocket money through:
- Online survey sites
- Product testing
- App reviews
The pay isn’t amazing (think $1-5 per task), but it requires zero experience and can be done from anywhere.
Labor Laws: The Fine Print You Need to Know
Here’s the not-so-fun but important part: labor laws significantly restrict what you can do at 15.
Federal child labor laws generally limit 14 and 15-year-olds to:
- No more than 3 hours on a school day
- No more than 18 hours during a school week
- No more than 8 hours on a non-school day
- No more than 40 hours during a non-school week
- Cannot work before 7am or after 7pm (except from June 1 through Labor Day, when the evening hour is extended to 9pm)
And you’re completely prohibited from many jobs considered hazardous, like operating heavy machinery or working with certain chemicals.
State laws can be even more restrictive, so always check your local regulations or have your parents help you understand what’s allowed.
Why Working at 15 Is Actually Awesome
Getting a job at 15 isn’t just about the money (though that’s nice too). Studies show that teens who work develop better time management skills and have higher earnings later in life.
Early employment teaches you:
- Responsibility – showing up on time, completing tasks
- People skills – dealing with customers and coworkers
- Money management – when you earn it yourself, you think differently about spending
- Problem-solving – handling real-world challenges
Plus, it looks great on college applications and future job applications.
How to Actually Get Hired at 15
The job search process is pretty simple, but requires some preparation:
- Create a basic resume – even if you have no work experience, list school activities, volunteer work, and skills
- Dress appropriately for interviews – no need for a suit, but clean, neat clothes make a good impression
- Be prepared to explain your availability – know your school schedule and other commitments
- Have your work permit ready if your state requires one
- Apply in person when possible – managers often appreciate seeing your face and initiative
Remember that rejection is part of the process. I applied to 8 places before getting my first job, and that’s pretty normal.
The Bottom Line
At 15, you’re at the perfect age to dip your toes into the working world without too much pressure. The job you take now isn’t your career – it’s just the first step in building work experience.
Choose something that fits with your school schedule, follows labor laws, and hopefully aligns somewhat with your interests. Whether it’s scooping ice cream, stacking shelves, or walking dogs, what matters most is the skills and habits you develop along the way.
And if the job ends up being terrible? Well, that’s valuable information too. Sometimes learning what you don’t want to do is just as important as finding what you love.
