Many teenagers actively look out for places that hire at 15 or 16-year-olds, which is excellent, primarily because the extra money and the independence that comes with a job are worth it, especially for youngsters!
Not only does it act as a motivating factor (great feeling, too!), but financial independence and work ethics can give you a taste of the corporate world at an early age.
Besides experience, a job can also help you build professional skills to form the foundation of your future career.
But what jobs are open to hiring 15-year-olds? Well, the good news is, so many places hire at 15. In this post, you will also learn about the employment of teenagers. So, read on as we list various legitimate sites that should be on your radar.
If you are younger than 15, check out other ways kids can make money and things you can sell at school.
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Businesses That Hire 15-Year-Olds
Finding a job you love can be difficult at any age. But let’s face it – it will be more challenging if you start as a teenager!
While many businesses look for experienced folks while hiring their employees, several companies believe in giving younger people job opportunities and hiring as young as 15.
And some businesses don’t require experience and are open to hiring freshers. Below, we go over some places that lease at 15.
Note: These are also places that hire at 14.
Restaurants, Eateries, And More – What Places Hire At 15?
Ready to look at job openings at various companies that hire at 15?
Before we start, know that job seekers like you can also find job listings in the local newspaper.
Finding a job like this is easier than it might seem. After all, you need no experience for your candidature to be considered for most of these roles!
Besides that, you can also set up job alerts, use Linkedin, or post your resume on job sites. Just create an outline, highlight all your qualifications, prep for an introductory interview, and start applying to relevant vacancies.
Beware of online scams, though. All the best for your first job, guys! Let’s get started!
1. McDonald’s
Many teens get their first jobs at McDonald’s.
With more than 13438 locations in the US, it’s easy to find a job in this popular restaurant chain.
Their franchises have different policies, but most hire teens as young as 14-year-olds in states that allow it. You can be hired to cook, serve, or clean at McDonald’s.
2. Burger King
Though Burger King’s hiring age is a minimum of 16 for entry-level jobs, sometimes they also hire children under 14, so do check with them.
3. Baskin Robbins
This chain has over 3000 branches in almost all the states in the US. Different franchisees hire teenagers as young as 14.
4. Subway
You have to be at least 15 years old to be hired at Subway, and this restaurant chain has over 23000 franchises in the United States alone.
You can find one hiring close to your home as it is one of the best places that hire at 15.
5. Ben and Jerry’s
The minimum age requirement to work at Ben and Jerry’s is 14 years.
It has over 4000 branches in the United States, which makes it easy to get a job with them as a 15-year-old.
6. California Pizza Kitchen
Positions for 15-year-olds at California Pizza Kitchen depend on State regulations.
This restaurant employs people younger than 18 for host positions and other jobs that don’t require serving alcohol.
7. KFC
At Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), you can work as a cook or customer service attendant.
8. Arby’s
As a 15-year-old, you can apply for a crew member position at Arby’s.
The job requires taking orders, preparing food, and cleaning tables and counters.
9. Bruster’s
You can work as an ice cream maker/scooper at Bruster’s. Depending on the State’s work permit policy, their franchises can hire 14 or 15-year-olds.
10. Pizza Hut
You can work at the famous Pizza Hut chain if you are 15. It would help if you had a permit to operate.
11. Boston Market
Boston Market hires kitchen crew and counter staff starting at 15. The job requires preparing food, taking orders, and serving customers.
This is the list of eating places that hire at 15. Now, let’s look at other jobs you can take up as a teen.
Grocery Places That Hire At 15 Years
Well, the good news is many known grocery stores hire 15! You can work in shifts here, and the job requires you to work as a bagger, cashier, and cleaner.
Want to know which stores near you hire at the age of 15? Let’s get going!
12. Publix
Publix has over 1100 stores all over the US. They hire people from 14 years onwards for clerks, baggers, service desk clerks, and cashiers.
13. Giant Eagle
This chain has over 400 stores in five US states. They hire workers as young as 14 to work as shopping cart attendants and bakery clerks.
14. Giant Food
Giant Food has stores all across the states. They hire 15-year-olds for entry-level positions like bakery associate, bagger, stocker, and clerk.
15. Kroger
Kroger has over 2700 stores all across the US.
They also own stores under other names like Fry’s, King Soopers, and Smith’s. Depending on the state laws, some of these stores hire teens as young as 14 to work as baggers or stockers.
16. Safeway
As a 15-year-old, you can be hired at any of the 894 Safeway locations across the US. Your work may include greeting customers, doing cart runs, and bagging items.
17. Winn Dixie
This supermarket operates 500 stores in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Mississippi.
Most of these branches have positions for 15-year-old children
18. Harveys
Harvey’s Supermarkets have a minimum age requirement of 14 years. Harveys has over 100 stores across Florida, North, South Carolina, and Georgia.
19. Wegmans
As a 15-year-old, you can work at their store.
This medium-sized chain offers many benefits to your young employees and part-time workers, like tuition reimbursement through their scholarship program.
20. Hy-Vee
This Midwestern supermarket chain has over 400 stores. They hire 15-year-olds for entry-level positions like cashier, bagger, and stocker.
Theaters and Amusement Parks That Hire 15 Year Old
21. AMC Theatres
AMC theatres hire teenagers as young as 14-year-olds, depending on state laws.
The job generally involves customer service-related responsibilities, greeting customers, answering questions about showtimes, printing tickets, and directing guests to appropriate theatres
22. Six flags
Six Flags owns 26 properties throughout North America, including theme parks, amusement parks, water parks, and a family entertainment center.
Some parks hire 15-year-olds to operate game booths, help guests navigate the park, and work in retail positions.
23. Incline Village Recreation Centre
The Incline Village Recreation Centre in Nevada hires 15-year-olds. The jobs may vary according to season.
24. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Pennsylvania also employs 15-year-olds.
You can apply for the job of ticket taker, park services attendant, aquatic crew member, and food and beverage associate here.
25. The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company hires 15-year-olds for certain positions. Most of these jobs are located around their theme park in Pennsylvania.
There may also be some positions available on the East Coast.
Service Jobs That Hire At 15 or More
Here’s the catch: You don’t have to wait to be hired by big companies to make money! Instead, you can approach local businesses to offer your services and embrace freelancing and entrepreneurship if you wish!
Here are some job ideas for you –
Start freelancing with this free course today.
26. Babysitting
Babysitting jobs can be an excellent way to make money if you love babies. You can ask your family and friends if they need a babysitter.
You can also put up posters in your neighborhood. Get some CPR Certification to boost your credibility.
27. Lawn mowing
People want well-kept and presentable front and back yards but often need more time to maintain them.
You can offer lawn mowing services around your neighborhood. You must check if your state prohibits employers from letting minors use power equipment. There are many such odd jobs that you can take up.
28. Pet care
As a pet care provider, your work will include feeding, walking, and general care for the animal while its owners are away. For example, you can become a dog walker and make money.
If you are considering a future career as a veterinarian, this is the way forward for you.You may also set up your account on Rover.com and promote your services there.
29. Cleaning homes
It’s not the most glamorous job, but as a 15-year-old, you must be used to working around the house.
You can begin with cleaning the home of an elderly neighbor or relative.
The job involves vacuuming, dusting, cleaning windows, and organizing closets.
30. Caddy
If you love to play golf, this job is for you.
At 15 years old, you can be hired as a caddy at a golf club or country club. As a caddy, you must carry the club bags for the person who employs you.
In general, it takes four hours to finish a gold game, and you can earn up to $20 an hour.
31. Newspaper delivery
If you can get up early in the morning before school starts, you can earn money as a newspaper delivery person.
This is one job where 15-year-olds are hired regularly. The longer your delivery route, the more money you can make. You can also earn tips and bonuses.
32. Youth League Referee Or Umpire
You can offer referee services if you like sports and enjoy spending time with younger children.
The work will include compliance with game rules, determining results, imposing penalties, identifying infractions, and ensuring that all players follow safety instructions. You must also provide your schedule for the game days.
33. Camp Counselor
You can qualify as a camp counselor if you are 15 and have attended a camp recently.
This position requires minimal training. As your camp counselor, you must lead activities like hikes, games, and songs and ensure everyone follows the rules.
34. Field marketer
When businesses need to advertise their sales and promotions, they need the help of field marketers. This job usually involves putting up posters, handing out flyers, and holding up a sign outside stores.
You must dress appropriately as this job involves standing outside for long hours in harsh weather.
35. Editing and creating YouTube videos
This job suits you if you are passionate about making and editing videos. Many companies need to make promotional videos regularly.
You can earn money by editing YouTube videos if you have editing skills, an eye for detail, and the correct software.
36. Concession stand worker
Your work will include providing food and drinks to people at different events.
Your duties include welcoming guests, taking orders, processing payments, and ensuring everything remains clean.
37. Library assistant
You can also look around your neighborhood and your local library for a job as a library assistant.
As a library assistant, you will help visitors find checkbooks.
You will also assist the librarians in taking inventory, shelving books, and helping digitize printed files and other documents.
38. Surveys for 14 and 15-year-olds
With the internet, it’s now possible to make money online from home by completing online surveys.
Survey Junkies, Swagbucks, and MyPoints are some survey sites where you can complete surveys and make money. These sites pay through PayPal, so you may need the help of your siblings or parents to open a PayPal account.
Other Ways To Make Money For Teens
The ones mentioned above are some of the best jobs for 15-year-olds. However, that’s not the only way to go about it. There’s more to the story!
Instead of looking at jobs that hire at 15, you can be self-employed.
The catch is it’s only optional to find a place or a business that hires at 15. You also have the choice to start your own online business and make money as you grow! Some of the best work-from-home opportunities for teenagers include:
- Blogging
- YouTube
- Podcast (or become a virtual podcast assistant)
- Flea Marketing Flipping
- Freelance Writing
- Freelancing or virtual assistance
- Transcription
- Tutoring
- Data-Entry
Pick up any of them, especially blogging or YouTube, and make money from home without compromising your comfort. These could also help you advance your career goals in the future if you wish to get into the field of digital marketing.
Where Do Most 15-Year-Olds Work?
As we already discussed, many opportunities exist for teenagers wanting a job. Below are some places where most of them work:
- Grocery Stores
- Eateries, Cafes, and Fast Food Restaurants
- Ice cream parlors
- Recreational centers
- Pet stores
- Retail stores
- Amusement parks
- Libraries
- Agricultural setups
- Movie Theatres
Laws That Apply To 15-Year-Olds
While there are ample job opportunities for teenagers in the US, it is always advisable to check your employer’s policies and the local state laws before you begin your job search.
The US Department of Labor has enacted laws to protect employees under 16. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) constitutes the federal rules for working teenagers.
These include:
- Children can legally gain employment from 14 years old in the US, except for agricultural jobs.
- There is no minimum age limit for children if they’re performing in performing arts, which includes television or theatrical productions.
- Teens can deliver newspapers, perform babysitting, or run errands around their home to help stay-at-home moms and work in family businesses but in the non-hazardous category.
- If you are 14 or 15, you can work up to 3 hours if you have school on that day or 18 hours a week.
- If it is not a school day, you can work 8 hours on that day and up to 40 hours during a vacation week.
- The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour for most employees. If you are under 20, federal law permits a youth minimum wage.
- So, you may be paid at least $4.25 for the first 90 days of employment or until you reach 20 years. This pay is not limited to your first employer. Every time you change your job at 15, your employer can pay you the youth minimum wage.
Henceforth, reading the local laws would be worthwhile before you take a job that hires near you. Most of the time, if you do it as a side hustle and your work timings are not interfering with your school hours, everything should be fine.
Note: In case the state law and FLSA overlap, whatever happens to protect the teenager better shall apply. Tap here to check your state’s Child Labor Laws concerning employment in the agricultural field.
How Much Pay Should 14 And 15-Year-Olds Expect?
This is one question every 14 and 15-year-old reading this article must be having, right? So, let’s break the ice!
The pay of a 14 or 15-year-old depends on a lot of factors. However, the minimum wage (as set by the federal govt) is $7.25/hour. All States are mandatorily required to provide this.
But if you are below 20 years, then the laws change. You will be paid youth minimum wage and $4.25 per hour for the first 90 consecutive calendar days. After that, your employer must pay you the minimum wage.
This is, unfortunately, for more than just your first job. So, you can be paid youth minimum wage whenever you change careers at 15 (until you are under 20).
While some States can have higher wages, others can keep them lower, too. So, always check what laws apply to you.
Note: We understand that as a teenager, there must be no better feeling than getting your hands at your first ever paycheck. But it’s essential to ensure everything happens lawfully and you do not engage in anything illegal!
Benefits Of Working At The Age Of 15
So, why should teenagers start working once they reach high school? Does it make sense for fifteen-year-olds to balance school projects and work commitments?
Well, it turns out that as long as you’re not monkey-balancing things, it does make a lot of sense!
Here’s how working at an early age can help you:
- Pay your college fees by yourself.
- Understand the nitty-gritty of the professional world.
- Build an optimistic attitude toward working in collaboration with a team.
- Improve your time and money management skills.
- Gain financial independence and learn how to put it to use the right way.
- Develop valuable professional skills like attention to detail, customer service, communication, etc.
- Gain work exposure and expertise that prepares you for the long run and enhances your resume.
Ready To Find The Best Places That Hire At 15?
If you were searching for ways to make money as a teenager, we hope your search ended with this blog. Many restaurants, grocery stores, movie theatres, and amusement parks offer jobs to 15-year-olds. If that’s not something you’d like to do, remember there are many online jobs for college students, too!
Of course, you can only take up some kinds of jobs as a minor. Considering the legal restrictions on the type of jobs and the number of work hours a day, you can get out there and find a compatible job for yourself.
Suppose no positions are available in your neighborhood. In that case, you can find opportunities by working as a babysitter, newspaper delivery person, caddy, or camp counselor, or get an online job that pays well. However, it would help if you found the correct balance between your school and your work. These positions will provide work experience without affecting your schoolwork.
Pursuing these opportunities will also help you develop the skills to prepare for college and full-time positions. If you wish to explore more work opportunities online, try these secret websites!
Frequently Asked Questions – Places That Hire 15-Year-Olds
Let’s answer a few frequently asked questions about places that hire at 15.
Can A 15-Year-Old Get a Job In The US?
Yes, most US states allow 15-year-olds to get jobs for themselves.
What’s The Best Place to Work At 15?
Grocery stores, eateries, cafes, and fast food restaurants are the most popular choices among 15-year-olds who want to begin their professional lives.
What Jobs Pay The Most At 15?
Regarding payments, you cannot expect restaurants and grocery stores to pay very high wages to 15-year-olds. It’s primarily gig-based/freelance work where you can decide your rates and get paid the maximum.
Author: Chhavi Agarwal, finance expert and a lawyer at Mrs Daaku Studio. She has tried and tested many side hustles and is a promoter of working from home, digital nomadism, and living a financially secure life. She has been featured on Business Insider, Forbes and is a regular contributor to MSN and AP Wire. Find out more about her here.