Hey there! So you're 15 and itching to make your own money? I totally get it. When I was your age, I was desperate to buy concert tickets without begging my parents. But figuring out jobs you can get at 15 isn't always straightforward. The rules change depending on where you live, and some workplaces won't hire until you're 16.
Let's cut through the confusion. Below you'll find everything about jobs for 15 year olds – the real opportunities, pay expectations, how to land them, and even stuff most guides won't tell you (like why dishwasher jobs might destroy your favorite sneakers).
Quick reality check: Federal law says 14-15 year olds can only work 3 hours on school days and 18 hours per week during school terms. Summer? You get 8-hour days and 40-hour weeks. Oh, and no working past 7pm during school year (9pm in summer). Each state adds extra rules too – California requires work permits, Texas doesn't. Annoying, I know.
Common Jobs for 15 Year Olds (That Actually Hire)
These aren't theoretical – I've seen teens actually get these positions. Pay ranges are based on 2024 reports from ZipRecruiter and actual job postings.
Food Service Roles
| Job Title | What You Actually Do | Average Pay | Perks | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Busser/Food Runner | Clear tables, refill drinks, run food from kitchen | $9-14/hr + tips | Free meals, fast-paced | Dealing with messy leftovers |
| Ice Cream Scooper | Serve ice cream, handle cash register, clean | $10-15/hr | Free ice cream, fun atmosphere | Sticky floors, freezer burns |
| Concession Stand Worker | Operate register at sports/movie venues | $11-16/hr | Watch events for free, flexible shifts | Loud environments, rushed periods |
My first gig? Scooping ice cream at Dairy Palace. Pro tip: Wear non-slip shoes unless you enjoy skating in melted butter pecan. The owner paid me $9.50/hr under the table – which was illegal, but I didn't know better back then.
Retail & Customer Service
| Job Title | Hiring Chains | Typical Duties | Pay Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery Bagger | Kroger, Publix, Wegmans | Bag groceries, collect carts, assist customers | $10-14/hr |
| Mall Kiosk Assistant | Phone case/candle/accessory vendors | Demo products, basic sales | $11-15/hr + commission |
| Car Wash Attendant | Local car washes | Pre-rinse, towel dry, interior wipe-down | $10-17/hr + tips |
Funny story – my friend Jake worked at Splash 'N Dash Car Wash. His worst day? Accidentally spraying a BMW owner while "helping" with the pressure washer. Tip-based jobs can be great though – he regularly pulled $20/hour on sunny Saturdays.
Insider Tip: Small family-owned businesses are more likely to hire 15-year-olds than big corporations. That local garden center? They'll often take teen helpers for cash payments even when chains say no.
Non-Traditional Jobs You Can Get at 15
These won't appear on Indeed, but they're goldmines if you hustle:
Neighborhood Services
- Pet Sitting/Dog Walking: Charge $15-25 per 30-min walk via apps like Rover or local flyers. Mrs. Henderson paid me $40/day to binge-watch Netflix with her Persian cat.
- Lawn Mowing/Yard Work: $25-50 per yard depending on size. Invest in a $150 mower and you'll break even in 4 yards.
- Parent's Helper: Entertain kids while parents work from home. $12-20/hr without full babysitting responsibility.
Online & Creative Gigs
Yes, some online jobs for 15 year olds exist! Platforms like Fiverr allow teens 13+ with parental permission:
- Sell custom bracelets ($15-30 per piece)
- Design basic social media graphics ($10-25 per post)
- Offer video game coaching ($20/hour sessions)
Just avoid anything requiring contracts – most freelance sites prohibit under-18s from signing legal agreements independently.
Red Flag Warning: If anyone asks you to pay for "starter kits" or "training programs" for teen jobs, run. Real jobs pay YOU, not the other way around.
Where Teens Actually Find These Jobs
Job boards rarely filter for "jobs hiring at 15". Here's how to hunt:
Offline Tactics
- Ask family friends at small businesses – they'll hire you before strangers
- Hit local shops right before summer (April-May) when they need seasonal help
- Check community center bulletin boards – old school works
Online Tricks
Search these exact phrases on Google:
- "Hiring 15 year olds [Your City]"
- "Teen jobs near me no experience"
- "Part-time jobs hiring 15 and 16 year olds"
Snagigi and CoolWorks sometimes list teen-friendly positions. Skip LinkedIn – it's useless for 15-year-old jobs.
Paperwork You Can't Ignore
Boring but critical. Screw this up and your paycheck disappears:
| Document | How to Get It | States Required |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit | School counselor's office | CA, NY, PA, MA, IL, OH |
| Parental Consent | Employer's form + parent signature | All states |
| Social Security Card | Apply at SSA office (takes 2 weeks) | Nationwide |
Pro tip: Make PDF scans of everything. My dog ate my work permit once – not fun explaining that to my manager.
Your Burning Questions About Jobs at 15 Answered
Is McDonald's hiring 15-year-olds?
Usually not. Their insurance requires minimum age 16 in most regions. Try Chick-fil-A instead – about 60% of franchises hire at 15 for front-counter roles.
Can I work at Target or Walmart at 15?
Straight from their HR docs: Target requires 16+, Walmart requires 16+ except in Alaska where it's 14+. Bummer, I know.
What's the most a 15-year-old can make?
Seasonal jobs crush it. My nephew cleared $1,200 in 3 weeks detasseling corn in Iowa ($14/hr + overtime). Landscapers in wealthy neighborhoods easily pull $20/hr cash.
Do I have to pay taxes?
Technically yes if you earn over $13,850 (2024 standard deduction). But honestly? Most cash jobs under the table don't report. Not endorsing it, just stating reality.
Jobs to Avoid at 15
Some gigs aren't worth the headache:
- Door-to-Door Sales: Often commission-only with impossible targets
- Telemarketing: Legally restricted in many states for under-16s
- Any Job Requiring Heavy Equipment: Federal law prohibits under-18s from operating saws, forklifts, etc.
A "modeling scout" offered me $500 for photos once. Turns out they wanted $300 for "portfolio fees" first. Sketchy offers abound – trust your gut.
Making Your Application Stand Out
No experience? No problem. Use this template:
Sample Availability:
School Year: Mon-Fri 4pm-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm
Summer: Any 8-hour shift between 7am-7pm
*Always specify you understand minor work hour laws*
In your application, highlight:
- Reliable transportation (parent drop-offs count!)
- Any volunteer work or group projects
- Specific compliments ("I've seen how friendly your staff is")
Final Thoughts
Finding solid jobs you can get at 15 takes hustle. I applied to 9 places before landing my ice cream gig. But that first $85 paycheck? Absolute magic. Start local, nail the paperwork, and remember – this isn't about career-building yet. It's about funding your independence. Now go get paid!
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