The most popular jobs for 15-year-olds, retail jobs, food service, babysitting, and many others in the United States.
Getting a job at 15 years old is an exhilarating move toward some sort of independence, work experience, and your very own money. While jobs available to teens are somewhat limited because of federal labor laws, many opportunities are still available to the young worker in the United States.
This article is a complete guide to the type of jobs a 15-year-old is legally allowed to do, the legislation that controls youth employment, and where such jobs are found. Whether a part-time gig during the school year or a summer job, this guide will attempt to help you get started in the most appropriate manner.
Legal Guidelines for 15-Year-Olds Looking to be Employed
First, it’s important to understand the juridical limitations and requirements expected of a 15-year-old who wants to work. In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act, FLSA, sets certain guidelines as to how many hours minors can work and what types of jobs they can do.
Hours and Work Restrictions for 15-Year-Olds
Federal law directly governs how many hours and at what times 15-year-olds can work. During school weeks:
You are not permitted to work more than 3 hours in any school day. You are not permitted to work more than 18 hours in any school week. You are permitted to work 8 hours on a non-school day. You can only work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., except from June 1 through Labor Day, until 9 p.m.
In summer months, you can work up to 40 hours in a week.
Jobs Allowed and jobs Not Allowed for 15-year-Olds
The FLSA also dictates what sort of jobs a 15-year-old is allowed to do. Hazardous occupations or work involving heavy machinery are forbidden until age 18. However, there are plenty of other jobs appropriate for younger teens.
Examples of jobs allowed for 15-year-olds include:
Retail positions, such as cashiers and stock clerks
- Food service, such as waiters and waitresses, hosts and hostesses, and dishwashers,
- Babysitting and child care, Yard work and gardening.
- Dog walking/pet care, Lifeguarding, Certified Camp counselor
Minimum Wage Requirements:The federal minimum wage also covers most workers under the age of 18, although employers can also hire youth at a lower minimum wage of $4.25 for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment with the company. After this date, an employee must receive the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour or a higher amount if your state requires it.
Best Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
Retail Jobs Retail stores are extremely popular among teens and especially for those who like to deal with customers. Most major retail chains do hire teens for beginning positions as cashiers, stock clerks, or floor associates. Retail jobs are often quite flexible when it comes to the hours, thus making the schedule really accommodating around a school schedule.
Working in the retail environment will also help you learn some very valuable communication and customer service skills.
Food Stores Other popular employers of teens are food stores. Jobs available in food stores run the gamut from bagging groceries and stocking shelves to being a cashier in several states pending state legislation. Kroger, Publix, and Safeway also employ teens as a workforce during holiday rush times, too.
Food Service Jobs Restaurants, cafes, and food chains can also employ 15-year-olds for the following positions:
Host/Hostess: This is the person who greets patrons and manages seating.
Dishwasher: Assist the kitchen staff with cleaning dishes and utensils.
Bussing Tables: After the customers are done and leave your table, it is your responsibility to clean down the table and prepare it for the next customer sitting down. Places like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A usually hire younger workers to fill shifts when volume is high.
Lifeguard: If you live near a pool, beach, or recreational facility, becoming a certified lifeguard is a great way to spend your summer while earning money. Most lifeguard positions require you to complete a certification course, but once you’re certified you’ll have an opportunity to work in a fun, outdoor environment. Local recreation centers, YMCAs, and private pools are always looking for responsible teens to fill lifeguard positions.
Babysitting: Starting babysitting is one of the most ideal and flexible jobs for teens. You can also set your own rate and work within your neighborhood or community. Babysitting helps to develop a sense of responsibility and leadership while earning through the provision of care and service to smaller kids.
Online websites such as Care.com can be explored too.
The ultimate dream job for many animal lovers includes pet care, whether it is dog walking or pet sitting. This is something one can start right within their neighborhood by offering dog-walking or pet-sitting services. Many pet owners are in need of someone to look after their animals while they go to work or when they take their vacation.
Sites like Rover and Wag! allow you to create a profile and offer services in your area. This is quite a flexible job and ideal for any teenager who loves animals.
Lawn Care Yard work: is another great option, particularly for 15-year-olds during summer. You can offer to mow lawns, rake leaves, weed gardens, and water flowers. The kind of jobs that help them get their physical activity and often pay quite well because most families want to subcontract this kind of labor.
You can start off by asking family friends or neighbors or advertise through local community boards or even a social networking site.
Tutoring: If you are great in some subject, then tutoring can be a good means to earn money. Many parents seek out teens who can help their kids with math, science, or English. Tutoring is popular during the school year and even more during exam time. Besides, it sharpens your academic skills, too, while helping others.
Camp Counselor Many summer camps hire teens as counselors or junior counselors. This is a great job for those who love kids and enjoy the outdoors. Most summer camps provide a place to live and food for counselors, so you can get away for the summer and build important work experience. Look for one in your area, or check groups like the YMCA or Boy Scouts of America.
Where to Find Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
By now, you must have an idea of what kind of jobs are available. Now the question is, how to find them? Here are some of the most useful ways to look for a job:
Online Job Portals: Job portals like Indeed, Snagajob, and Glassdoor allow you to sort through teen jobs or part-time work. You can search for positions that are specifically targeting the younger age group.
Company Websites: Most national chains, like McDonald’s, Target, and Starbucks, have a particular section of their website where applicants can apply for work.
Local Businesses: Most importantly, family-owned restaurants, shops, or even recreational centers are local businesses with websites that might not post jobs but are most open to hiring teens.
Community Centers: Many community centers, schools, and churches have job boards or at least can tell you who is hiring teens.
Conclusion
Jobs for 15-year-olds available in the United States are a great way to gain experience, skills, as well as an income. Although there are some restrictions on what type of jobs, as well as hours, teens can work, there are plenty of opportunities available in the retail, food service, and childcare industries.
Always make considerations to balance school with work, and check labor laws in your state. With a little effort and a positive attitude, finding the perfect job as a 15-year-old can be quite satisfying.