Turning 15 opens more doors than most teens realize. You're old enough for a real paycheck at many restaurants, grocery stores, pools, and summer camps, and you can run your own small business in your neighborhood or online.
Yes. In most countries, 15 is a legal working age, with restrictions. There are limits on how many hours you can work, what time of day you can work, and which tasks you're allowed to do. The rules exist so work doesn't hurt your schooling, health, or safety.
The federal law that governs teen work in the US is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For non-farm jobs, it sets these limits for 14- and 15-year-olds:
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Hours on a school day | Max 3 hours |
| Hours in a school week | Max 18 hours |
| Hours on a non-school day | Max 8 hours |
| Hours in a non-school week (e.g., summer) | Max 40 hours |
| Earliest start time | 7:00 a.m. |
| Latest finish time (school year) | 7:00 p.m. |
| Latest finish time (June 1 to Labor Day) | 9:00 p.m. |
| During school hours | Not allowed (except approved school programs) |
State laws can be stricter. When state and federal rules differ, the employer must follow whichever rule protects you more. Always check your state labor department website.
School work programs are an exception. Students in a Work Experience and Career Exploration Program (WECEP) may work more hours during school weeks, including some hours during the school day.
Farm work has separate rules. Agricultural jobs follow different age and hour limits than regular jobs.
Some work has no age limit at all, such as acting or performing, delivering newspapers, and working in a business fully owned by your parents (as long as it isn't hazardous).
At 15, you're still legally a child for employment purposes, and many councils require a work permit from your local authority.
| Rule | Term time | School holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Max hours per week | 12 | 35 |
| Weekdays (school days) | 2 hours | 8 hours |
| Saturdays | 8 hours | 8 hours |
| Sundays | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Working hours | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. only | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. only |
You must get a 1-hour break for every 4 hours worked and a 2-week break from work during school holidays each year.
Under-16s aren't entitled to the National Minimum Wage, so your pay is agreed with your employer.
You can't work in factories, pubs, betting shops, or anywhere that could harm your health.
Local bylaws vary, so contact your council's education welfare service before starting.
It depends on your state. Many US states require minors under 16 to get a work permit (also called working papers or an employment certificate) before starting a job. A few states don't require permits at all. The process usually looks like this:
Get a job offer from an employer.
Pick up the permit form from your school counselor's office or state labor department website.
Fill it out with your employer and a parent or guardian.
Return it to your school or the issuing office for approval.
Pay depends on where you live and what kind of work you do. Here's what to expect, plus a quick calculator to estimate your monthly earnings.
In the US, employers must pay at least minimum wage. The federal minimum is $7.25/hour, but many states and cities set a much higher minimum, so check your local rate.
Federal law allows employers to pay workers under 20 as little as $4.25/hour for the first 90 days of employment. Not all employers use this, and some states don't allow it.
You set your own rate. These often pay more per hour than entry-level jobs because you're offering a direct service.
Example: 12 hours a week at $12/hour ≈ $576 a month. In summer, 30 hours a week ≈ $1,440.
Heads up: US federal law caps 15-year-olds at 18 hours in a school week.
Grouped by type so you can quickly find what fits your schedule, interests, and transportation options.
A steady paycheck, a set schedule, on-the-job training, and a strong reference for your resume.
Take orders, run the register, prepare simple items, and keep the dining area clean. Fast-food chains are among the biggest employers of teens because they train everyone from scratch.
At or near local minimum wageAt 15, you can't use most fryers, slicers, or other hazardous equipment.
Bag groceries, collect carts, help customers load cars, and restock shelves. One of the most common first jobs at 15.
Minimum wage rangeScan items, handle cash and card payments, and answer customer questions at grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail shops.
Minimum wage and upUnpack deliveries, organize shelves, and set up displays. Some retailers hire 15-year-olds for stocking and front-end roles, especially during the holidays.
Minimum wage and upGreet guests, manage the waitlist, seat tables, and answer phones. Family restaurants, pizza places, and diners often hire younger teens.
Minimum wage (sometimes + tip share)Clear and reset tables, refill water, and support servers during busy shifts.
Hourly wage + tip shareClean dishes, cookware, and kitchen tools. Hard work, but widely available and a common way into the restaurant industry.
Minimum wage and upTasks involving power-driven equipment may be restricted at your age.
Scoop orders, make shakes, and serve customers. Seasonal shops hire heavily for spring and summer.
Minimum wage + tipsSell tickets, run the concession stand, check tickets, and clean theaters between shows.
Minimum wageOperate games, sell food and merchandise, greet guests, or help with ride lines. Big parks hire hundreds of teens every summer.
Minimum wage and upWatch swimmers, enforce pool rules, and respond to emergencies. In the US, you can become Red Cross lifeguard certified at 15 (if you're 15 by the end of the course).
Often above minimum wageFederal rules limit 15-year-olds from certain duties, like working elevated water slides.
Help lead activities, supervise kids, and assist senior counselors at day camps, YMCAs, and park districts.
Varies: some paid, some volunteer-to-paidCheck in members, help run youth programs, and set up equipment at community and rec centers.
Minimum wage and upCarry golf bags, track clubs, and help players on the course. Caddying can lead to scholarship programs at some clubs.
Per round, often + tipsWater plants, move stock, help customers carry purchases, and keep the store organized.
Minimum wage and upReshelve books, organize materials, and help with children's reading programs.
Minimum wage (hiring age varies)Local offices sometimes hire teens for filing, scanning, and simple admin tasks.
Minimum wage and upFlexible, often better paid per hour, and you choose your own hours. Safety and school balance still come first.
Watch kids, prepare snacks, help with homework, and handle bedtime routines. One of the most popular jobs at 15.
Often $10–$20+/hourFeed pets, refresh water, clean litter boxes, and keep animals company while owners travel.
Per visit or per dayWalk dogs before school, after school, or on weekends.
Per walk, regulars add upMow lawns, rake leaves, pull weeds, and plant flowers. In winter, switch to snow shoveling.
Per job, usually beats minimum wageOffer driveway car washes or basic interior detailing to neighbors.
Per carHelp younger students with math, reading, science, or test prep.
Often $10–$25/hourPick up groceries, return library books, or drop off packages for busy neighbors or older adults. Best if you can walk, bike, or use transit.
Per errand or hourlyCollect mail, water plants, and check on the home while neighbors are away.
Per dayHelp families organize, price items, and run yard sales, or sell your own unused items.
Hourly or a share of salesEarn from home with the right skills. Many platforms require users to be 18, so a parent may need to run the account.
Make jewelry, stickers, candles, crochet items, or art prints and sell them online or at local craft fairs.
Parent-owned shopMarketplaces like Etsy require sellers to be 18, so a parent must own the shop.
Buy items cheaply from thrift stores and garage sales, clean them up, and resell them at a profit.
Profit per itemMost resale platforms require an adult account holder.
Tutor younger students over video call in a subject you're strong in. Start with family friends before joining any platform.
HourlyHelp local small businesses or family friends type documents, organize spreadsheets, or enter data.
Hourly or per projectBuild a YouTube channel, blog, or social media page around a hobby. Treat it as a long-term project rather than quick money.
Long-term, not guaranteedDesign logos, edit videos, code simple websites, or make social media graphics for local businesses and clubs.
Per projectSome reward sites allow users 13+ with parental permission. The money is small. Think pocket money, not a job.
Small rewardsSafety tip for online work: Never share personal details like your home address, school, or bank information with strangers online. Avoid any "job" that asks you to pay upfront. That's a scam.
Hiring age depends on the specific location, franchise owner, and your state's laws, so always confirm with the store directly. These employers are well known for hiring teens at 15:
Tip: Many franchise locations are independently owned, so one McDonald's might hire at 15 while another in the next town hires at 16. Walk in and ask the manager.
Federal law bans 14- and 15-year-olds from hazardous work. This is why many restaurants hire 15-year-olds for front-of-house roles (host, cashier, busser) rather than cooking roles.
Employers don't expect experience at 15. They look for reliability, a positive attitude, and willingness to learn. Follow these eight steps.
Know your hour limits and whether your state requires a permit. Showing an employer you already understand the paperwork makes you look prepared.
Let parents, neighbors, teachers, coaches, and family friends know. Be specific: "I'm looking for babysitting or weekend retail work." Most first jobs come through someone you already know.
Even with no work experience, you have plenty to include:
Ask 2–3 adults who know you well: a teacher, coach, club advisor, or volunteer supervisor. Avoid family members unless asked, and always get permission first.
Practice answers using examples from school, sports, or volunteering:
A job should add to your life, not take over it.
Try 6–10 hours a week before taking on more.
If your grades drop, cut back your hours.
Tired teens don't perform well at school or work.
Write down shifts, tests, and deadlines in one place.
Even 20–30% of each paycheck adds up fast.
Ask ahead if you need time off for exams.
Babysitting, pet sitting, dog walking, and lawn care are usually the easiest because you can start with neighbors and family friends. For employer jobs, grocery bagging and fast-food crew roles are the most common entry points.
Up to 3 hours on a school day, 18 hours in a school week, 8 hours on a non-school day, and 40 hours in a non-school week. Work must be between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day. State laws may be stricter.
Many McDonald's locations hire at 15, but since most are franchise-owned, the minimum age varies by location and state. Ask your local restaurant directly.
Yes. Fifteen-year-olds commonly work as hosts, bussers, cashiers, and dishwashers. However, cooking with fryers or using power-driven equipment is generally restricted until 16 or older.
Absolutely. Most employers hiring 15-year-olds expect no experience. Highlight school activities, volunteering, and informal jobs like babysitting on your resume to show you're responsible.
Lifeguarding, camp counseling, amusement park work, ice cream shops, golf caddying, and lawn care are great summer options. During summer break, you can work up to 40 hours a week in the US.
Yes, but many freelance and selling platforms require users to be 18. Tutoring, design work for local clients, and selling crafts with a parent-owned account are good starting points.
Working about 10–12 hours a week at a part-time job, or combining regular babysitting clients, dog walking, and lawn care, can get you to $500 a month depending on your local pay rates.
In many US states, yes. Some states don't require one. In the UK, many local councils require a child employment permit. Check your state or local council rules before starting.
Fifteen is a great age to start working. Whether you choose a structured job at a grocery store or restaurant, or start your own babysitting or lawn care business, you'll earn money and build skills like responsibility, communication, and time management that help for years.