If you’re 15 years old and looking for your first job, you’re already ahead of most teens. A job at this age helps you earn your own money, learn real-life skills, and build confidence. But it’s normal to feel confused at the start — you might be wondering where can you work at 15, which businesses actually hire teens, and what the legal rules are in the United States. The truth is, you do have several job opportunities at 15, both in-person and online, as long as you understand what’s allowed and what isn’t.
This guide is written specifically for 15-year-old teens in the USA who want real answers, real job examples, and clear explanations about work permits, laws, and the best places hiring right now.
Is It Legal to Work at 15 in the United States?
Yes — it is completely legal to work at 15 in the USA. However, the U.S. Department of Labor has strict rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to protect teenagers from dangerous jobs and overworking during the school year.
Most 15-year-olds are allowed to take non-hazardous jobs, but you cannot operate heavy machinery, work with power tools, cook on open flames, or do jobs considered dangerous for minors. These rules apply nationwide, but your state may have its own additional restrictions.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work?
If you’re wondering how many hours you’re legally allowed to work at 15, here is the national rule under FLSA (unless your state requires stricter limits):
- Up to 3 hours per day on school days
- Up to 18 hours per week during the school year
- Up to 8 hours per day on non-school days
- Up to 40 hours per week during summer and holidays
- Work only between 7 AM and 7 PM (stretched to 9 PM in summer — June 1 to Labor Day)
These rules ensure 15-year-olds work safely without affecting school.
Where Can You Work at 15? (Best Real Jobs That Hire Teens)
When teens search “where can you work at 15,” they usually want to know which real companies actually hire at this age. While not every place hires 15-year-olds, many nationwide chains do — especially in retail, food service, recreation, and entertainment.
Here are the most common workplaces that hire at 15:
| Grocery Stores | Many grocery store chains hire 15-year-olds for roles like bagging, cart collection, and customer support. Stores such as Publix, Kroger, and Safeway frequently employ younger teens because the jobs are simple, safe, and require no experience. |
| Restaurant’s | Major restaurant brands allow 15-year-olds to work as crew members, cashiers, dining room assistants, and prep helpers. Chick-fil-A, Culver’s, and Dairy Queen often hire young teens because these jobs don’t require handling dangerous equipment. |
| Entertainment and Recreation Centers | Movie theaters, bowling alleys, trampoline parks, and family entertainment centers hire 15-year-olds for ticketing, snack counters, and guest assistance. AMC and Cinemark theaters sometimes open these roles seasonally for young workers. |
| Parks, Pools, and Community Centers | A 15-year-old can work as a junior lifeguard, pool attendant, recreational assistant, or camp helper. Many city parks departments hire teens every summer for day camps and pool operations. |
| Local Small Businesses | Family-owned businesses hire 15-year-olds more often than you think. This includes ice cream shops, smoothie shops, bakeries, floral stores, and neighborhood stores. These jobs offer flexible hours and friendly environments — perfect for students. |
Jobs That Hire At 15 – Online Jobs
More teens are now earning money online, but you must be careful — many platforms require you to be 18. However, you do have several safe, legal, and beginner-friendly options at 15 when a parent helps verify your account.
| Freelance Microtasks | Teens with basic skills can complete simple tasks like caption writing, logo ideas, or design concepts with a parent-managed account on platforms that allow under-18 teens with supervision. Even small tasks pay a few dollars and can add up quickly. |
| Online Surveys with Parental Sign-up | Survey websites like Swagbucks or SurveyJunkie allow minors as long as a parent creates the account. These platforms won’t make you rich, but they let you earn small, steady amounts. |
| Creating and Selling Digital Art | If you’re artistic, you can design wallpapers, phone backgrounds, or simple graphics and sell them through a parent-controlled Etsy account. |
| Beginner Content Creation | You can start a YouTube channel or TikTok profile as a hobby, but monetization requires a parent or guardian to manage the account. Teens often succeed in niches like gaming, school hacks, crafts, or lifestyle. |
Where You Cannot Work at 15 in the USA
Even though there are many opportunities, the law prevents 15-year-olds from working in places considered dangerous. These include any job involving:
- Power-driven machinery
- Construction work
- Warehouses and factories
- Roofing or climbing
- Meat processing
- Hazardous kitchen equipment
These restrictions exist for your safety — not to limit your opportunities.
State-by-State Differences for Teen Jobs
Although the federal labor laws set the foundation, your state may adjust the rules slightly. For example:
- California requires strict work permits and limits hours more than FLSA.
- Texas follows federal rules but is more flexible about work permits.
- New York requires school-issued working papers even in summer.
- Florida allows more hours during holidays but restricts late-night work.
Checking your state rules ensures you follow the law and avoid issues with employers.
Understanding Work Permits for 15-Year-Olds
Most states require teens to get a work permit before starting a job. This permit confirms your age and ensures the employer follows teen labor laws.
States that almost always require a work permit at 15 include:
California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Virginia.
States that often do not require a work permit include:
Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Nevada — but employers may still ask for proof of age.
Simply check your state’s Department of Labor website for a printable youth work certificate.
Where Do Most 15-Year-Olds Actually Get Hired?
From thousands of teen hiring trends, most 15-year-olds find work in these areas:
- Local restaurants
- Grocery stores
- Ice cream shops
- Fast-food chains
- Movie theaters
- Swimming pools
- Summer camps
- Retail helper roles
Even if the job isn’t glamorous, it’s a great starting point. Your goal at 15 isn’t to build a lifelong career — it’s to gain exposure, responsibility, and confidence.
If you’re looking for Where Can You Work at 16 in the USA? then this is for you
How to Apply Successfully at 15 (Even with No Experience)
Getting hired without experience can feel intimidating, but employers understand that 15-year-olds are new to the workforce. The best way to stand out is by showing enthusiasm, reliability, and willingness to learn.
Introduce yourself politely, explain why you want the job, and tell them you’re excited to learn and work hard. That attitude is often more valuable than experience.
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Final Thoughts: You Have More Opportunities Than You Think
Being 15 doesn’t limit your future — it opens the door to your first steps in the real working world. Whether you choose a job at a store, a restaurant, a pool, or even online, you’re already building valuable skills that will help you for years. Employers love motivated teens, and the experience you gain now will make your future job applications stronger.
If you understand the rules, choose safe jobs, get your work permit, and stay consistent, you can confidently start earning money at 15 in the United States.
Hey there! I’m Kumar, the owner of DollarHire. Alongside working as an Executive SEO Specialist, I studied at a finance institute to strengthen my skills in finance and marketing.
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