Starting your first job at 15 is an exciting step toward independence, financial literacy, and skill-building. Whether you’re saving for college, a car, or personal expenses, numerous industries welcome motivated teens. Below, we’ve curated a list of top in-person and online jobs for 15-year-olds, along with FAQs and tips to help you succeed.
Top In-Person Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
- Fast Food Crew Member
- Companies: Arby’s, McDonald’s, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell hire teens for roles like cashier, food prep, and cleaning.
- Perks: Flexible hours, free/discounted meals, and training programs 16.
- Pay: 12–12–18/hour, varying by state and role 18.
- Grocery Store Assistant
- Retailers: Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and Giant Eagle hire teens for stocking, bagging, and cashier roles.
- Benefits: Learn inventory management and customer service skills 617.
- Ice Cream Shop Attendant
- Chains: Baskin-Robbins, Ben & Jerry’s, and Dairy Queen offer roles like scooping ice cream, managing registers, and cake decorating.
- Extras: Tips, discounted treats, and seasonal flexibility 16.
- Lifeguard
- Requirements: CPR/first-aid certification (often provided by employers).
- Pay: Up to $17.72/hour for monitoring pools or beaches 817.
- Retail Associate
- Stores: AMC Theaters, Six Flags, and local entertainment venues hire teens for ticket sales, concessions, and customer service.
- Skills: Develop teamwork and communication abilities 68.
- Babysitter/Pet Sitter
- Flexibility: Set your own rates (15–15–25/hour) and hours through neighborhood apps or word-of-mouth 28.
Online Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
- Freelance Graphic Designer
- Platforms: Fiverr (minimum age: 13) allows teens to create logos, social media graphics, or edit photos 7.
- Content Creator
- Options: Earn via TikTok’s Creator Fund, YouTube ad revenue, or brand sponsorships. Focus on niches like gaming, beauty, or DIY 717.
- Online Tutor
- Subjects: Offer tutoring in math, science, or languages through platforms like Zoom. Earn 20–20–25/hour 817.
- Survey Taker
- Sites: Swagbucks (age 13+) pays for surveys, though earnings are modest (1–1–5/hour) 7.
How to Land Your First Job
- Resume Tips: Highlight volunteer work, academic achievements, and extracurriculars 517.
- Work Permits: Check state laws—some require permits signed by parents and schools 517.
- Apply Strategically: Visit local businesses, check company websites, or use job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor 58.
FAQs
- What’s the minimum wage for 15-year-olds?
- The federal minimum is 7.25/hour,butstateslikeCalifornia(7.25/hour,butstateslikeCalifornia(15.50) and Connecticut ($14) pay more 17.
- Can 15-year-olds work full-time?
- No. Federal law limits teens to 3 hours/day on school days and 18 hours/week during school terms 517.
- Do I need a work permit?
- Depends on your state. Most require permits for minors, obtainable through schools or labor offices 58.
- What are the highest-paying teen jobs?
- Lifeguarding (17.72/hour),tutoring(17.72/hour),tutoring(24.49/hour), and pet sitting ($25/visit) top the list 817.
- How do I balance school and work?
- Prioritize flexible roles (e.g., weekends or online gigs) and communicate your schedule with employers
