As a teen, when you start high school, you will have many expenses to take care of. Teen life is more about social life and you will likely want to stop relying on your parents for allowances. You will require a job to take care of your needs and there are several jobs for 15 year olds to choose from. These first jobs will teach you valuable professional skills to build a foundation for your career.
What jobs can you get at 15 as a source of income depends on the opportunities available around you. A teenager can always apply for jobs at water parks, retail stores, grocery shops, fast food restaurants and other companies that hire teenagers. However, as a teenager, there are limitations to the kinds of jobs you can take.
List of Jobs for 15 Year Olds
1. Babysitter
You can be a teenage babysitter as long as you are good with kids and responsible. This is one of the best jobs for 15 year olds because when parents are not able to take care of their kids, they will pay you to play the role of a babysitter. Having a CPR and First Aid certifications can make you more qualified.
2. Tutor
Are you a teen getting straight A’s in mathematics, English or any other essential subject? Then turn your knowledge into money by becoming a tutor. Tutoring is a great job of sharing the skills you already have. You can always ask your school and community about paid programs.
3. Chef
You can start working as a line cook in a restaurant. As a line cook, you will be responsible for helping the head chef by chopping vegetables or cooking meat. While following the directions of the head chef you will learn a lot.
4. Grocery bagger
A grocery bagger assists customers by quickly organizing the purchased groceries into bags and helps carry bags to customers’ vehicles. You will also need to stock shelves at the market and might need to work on the cash register as well.
5. Summer Camp Counselor
If you are a naturally outgoing person, then channel your energy into a summer camp. Do anything from leading athletic activities to organizing arts and crafts sessions. A camp counselor will help lead games, hikes, sing-along and other camp activities.
6. Document & Photo Scanner
Some people would like to scan old photos and documents to keep them as digital files, but don’t find time for it. You can offer them to do this job and get paid well.
7. Field Marketer
You can be one among the folks twirling giant signs on a walkway or passing out flyers for a business or event. All you need to do is to spread the word about the business.
8. Blogger
If you are a teenager with a passion for writing, then writing blogs can be a best option. You can share anything like fashion tips, latest technology, trends and much more with other teens across the world.
There are notable companies that hire at 15 and either seek extra help during busy seasons or offer long-term employment. Fast food restaurants employ more of the teen workforce. Companies like Taco Bell offer flexibility to teen employees. Other places that hire at 15 are Baskin-Robbins, Ben & Jerry’s, Dairy Queen, The Hershey Company, Taco Time, King Soopers, etc.
What You Need to Know About Working at Age 15
Before seeking jobs you can get at 15, there are some things you need to know. There is a law in the U.S. known as the Fair Labor Standards Act. This act helps to protect workers from unfair labor practices by management and has a set of specific rules that apply to workers under 16.
The first rule of the act is that 14 is the minimum age for employment. However, this is not applicable in certain situations where there is no minimum age such as babysitting, delivering newspapers, working at a business your parents own (only if it is non-manufacturing/non-hazardous job), and acting in commercials or movies.
Limits on the number of hours 15 years old can work
According to US Department of Labor, acceptable working hours for 15 years old are
- three hours on a school day & 8 hours on a non-school day
- 18 hours in a school week & 40 hours in a non-school week.
Note: A 15 Years Old can work between 7.00 am and 7.00 pm only.
Teenage Workforce Wages & Work Permit
According to FLSA, if you are under 20 years of age, you will be paid $4.25 per hour during the first 90 consecutive calendar days from the date of employment. Once you reach 90 days of employment or reaches age 20, whichever is first, you will be paid the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour(1).
Every teenager who prefers to take up a job is required to have a work permit. To obtain a work permit, you must first be hired by an employer and the school counselors will advise if the work permit is needed before getting a job.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re seeking a job opportunity where you can grow your customer service skills or learn about a specific industry that you already have interest and expertise, there are several summer jobs for 15 years old that gives you a valuable work experience as a teenager and prepares you for a successful future.
