Jobs for 15 Year Olds: Best Options, Hours & How to Get Hired

Looking for jobs for 15 year olds? There are plenty  from in-person roles at cafés, shops, and cinemas to online gigs you can do from your bedroom and seasonal summer work. At 15 you're legally allowed to work, but child-labor laws limit how many hours you can put in and the type of work you can do. Below guide covers those rules in plain English, breaks down the best job options one by one, explains what each pays, and shows you exactly how to land your first job even with zero experience.

Key Takeaways

• There are lots of jobs for 15 year olds, but federal and state laws cap your hours and rule out hazardous work.
• The best options fall into three groups: in-person jobs, online/remote gigs, and seasonal summer work.
• Certain employers regularly hire young teens and train you on the job, so no experience is fine.
• A simple resume, the right permit, and a professional first impression are usually all you need to get started.

Note: The rules below are US federal (Fair Labor Standards Act) guidelines. State laws vary and some are stricter, so always check your state's Department of Labor rules  and your own country's laws if you're outside the US.

How Many Hours Can a 15 Year Old Work?

In the US, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets clear limits for 14- and 15-year-olds in non-agricultural jobs. Knowing these protects you and helps you plan around school. As a 15-year-old, the main rules are:

• No hazardous work. You can't work in manufacturing, mining, or any job the law classes as dangerous (heavy machinery, ladders, power-driven equipment, and similar).
• Limited hours on school days. You can work a maximum of 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week.
• Longer hours when school's out. You can work up to 8 hours on a non-school day and 40 hours in a non-school week.
• Restricted times of day. You generally can't work before 7am or after 7pm. The exception is summer (June 1 to Labor Day), when the evening limit extends to 9pm.
• Special school programs are different. Students in approved programs like WECEP or work-study may be allowed different hours, sometimes during school time.

Two more things worth knowing: agricultural jobs have their own, often more relaxed rules, and state law can be stricter than federal law. When the two differ, the stricter rule applies — so always check both before you accept a role.

What Kind of Work Can a 15 Year Old Do?

More than you might expect. Before the job lists, a few useful special cases:

• Performing has no minimum age. Anyone can work in TV, film, radio, or theatre, regardless of age.
• Family businesses are flexible. Your parents can employ you in their own business, as long as the work isn't in a banned or hazardous category.
• The job market favors young workers right now. Many entry-level roles go unfilled, so employers are often more willing to hire and train young teens than they used to be.

Now let's get into the actual jobs, grouped into in-person, online, and summer work each with what you'd do, why it suits a 15-year-old, and a quick tip.

In-Person Jobs for 15 Year Olds

These roles put you in a real team environment and teach the workplace basics  punctuality, following instructions, and handling customers  that make every future job easier to get.

1. Fast-Food or Café Crew

What you'd do: Take orders, prepare food and drinks, run the till, and keep the area clean.

Why it's great at 15: It's the classic first job  lots of openings, full on-the-job training, and no experience required.

Tip: Highlight that you're reliable and available for the shifts they need most (evenings and weekends).

2. Supermarket Bagger or Stocker

What you'd do: Bag groceries, help customers to their cars, and restock shelves.

Why it's great at 15: Steady hours, simple training, and a friendly first step into retail.

Tip: Note that selling alcohol usually requires being 18, so you may be limited to bagging and stocking rather than the till.

3. Cinema or Entertainment Venue Staff

What you'd do: Sell tickets, serve concessions, and tidy screens or lanes at cinemas, arcades, bowling alleys, and family attractions.

Why it's great at 15: Many of these venues specifically hire under-16s, and the atmosphere is fun and social.

Tip: Apply a few weeks before school holidays, when they staff up for the rush.

4. Busser or Dishwasher

What you'd do: Clear and reset tables, wash dishes, and support the kitchen and serving team.

Why it's great at 15: It's an easy foot in the door at restaurants, and can lead to better-paid roles as you get older.

Tip: Do it well and ask about progressing to host or food-prep roles down the line.

5. Babysitter

What you'd do: Look after children playing, preparing simple food, and keeping them safe while parents are out.

Why it's great at 15: Flexible, arranged around your schedule, and often better-paid per hour than formal jobs once you're trusted.

Tip: A babysitting or first-aid certificate and a few good references from neighbors go a long way.

6. Dog Walker or Pet Sitter

What you'd do: Walk, feed, and check in on pets while owners are at work or away.

Why it's great at 15: Active, low-stress, and easy to start through people you already know.

Tip: Reliability wins repeat clients one happy owner usually refers you to others.

7. Lawn Care and Snow Shovelling

What you'd do: Mow lawns, rake, weed, and clear snow from driveways and paths for neighbors.

Why it's great at 15: No formal qualifications, and you set your own rates and hours.

Tip: Supplying your own equipment lets you take on more clients and charge more.

Online Jobs for 15 Year Olds

Some of the best jobs for 15 year olds don't require leaving your room. If you've got digital skills or a creative streak, you can turn them into cash.

1. Tutoring Younger Students

What you'd do: Help other kids online in subjects you're strong at maths, science, English, or languages.

Why it's great at 15: Flexible, rewarding, and pays well for your age if you're a solid student.

Tip: Start with students a few years below you; it's easier and builds confidence.

2. Coding, App Building, or 3D Modelling

What you'd do: Build small apps, websites, or 3D assets, or sell things you've already made.

Why it's great at 15: In-demand skills mean real pay, and it doubles as portfolio experience for the future.

Tip: Showcase your work on a simple personal site or profile so clients can see what you can do.

3. Audio or Video Editing

What you'd do: Edit clips, podcasts, or music for local creators, bands, and small businesses.

Why it's great at 15: If you already edit for fun, you're basically getting paid for a hobby.

Tip: Offer a small free sample edit to win your first paying client.

4. Data Entry

What you'd do: Type, sort, and organize information into spreadsheets or systems.

Why it's great at 15: Simple, remote, and ideal if you're detail-oriented and accurate.

Tip: Speed and accuracy are everything mention both when you apply.

5. Paid Surveys, Reviews, and Ad Watching

What you'd do: Fill out surveys, review songs or products, or watch ads for small rewards.

Why it's great at 15: Low effort and flexible, though earnings are modest.

Tip: Check each site's minimum age some require you to be 16 or older.

6. Blogging, Vlogging, or Freelance Writing

What you'd do: Create content around a topic you love and earn through ads, sponsors, or writing gigs.

Why it's great at 15: Huge upside and great skill-building, and you work entirely on your own schedule.

Tip: Be patient these take consistent marketing and time before the money follows.

7. Selling Crafts or Designs Online

What you'd do: Sell handmade goods or graphic designs on marketplaces and print-on-demand sites.

Why it's great at 15: Turns a creative hobby into income, with no set hours.

Tip: A parent may need to set up the seller or payment account since you're under 18.

Summer Jobs for 15 Year Olds

If school comes first but you want to earn during the break, seasonal work is the sweet spot  more hours are allowed in summer, and the roles are often the most fun.

1. Amusement or Water Park Worker

What you'd do: Staff ticket booths, concessions, rides, or games.

Why it's great at 15: High-energy, social, and many parks actively hire young teens for the season.

Tip: Apply in spring the best spots fill before summer starts.

2. Day Camp Counsellor

What you'd do: Help run activities and supervise younger kids at day camps, the YMCA, or your local park district.

Why it's great at 15: Rewarding, resume-friendly, and great if you enjoy working with children.

Tip: Any experience babysitting or coaching makes you a stronger candidate.

3. Lifeguard

What you'd do: Watch over swimmers, enforce pool rules, and respond to emergencies.

Why it's great at 15: You can usually train and certify if you'll be 15 by the end of the course, and it shows real responsibility to future employers.

Tip: Get certified early in spring so you're ready for the summer hiring wave.

4. Landscaping or Nursery Work

What you'd do: Plant, water, weed, and help maintain gardens or a plant nursery.

Why it's great at 15: Active, outdoor, hands-on work with steady summer demand

Tip: Great for teens who'd rather be outside than behind a counter.

5. Golf Caddying

What you'd do: Carry clubs and assist players around the course.

Why it's great at 15: Good base pay plus tips, and plenty of fresh air and exercise.

Tip: Learn basic golf etiquette first it makes you far more useful on the course.

6. Car Washing or Pool Cleaning

What you'd do: Wash and detail cars, or clean and maintain pools for neighbors.

Why it's great at 15: Simple to start, and easy to run as your own little summer business.

Tip: Offer interior car cleaning as a paid add-on to earn more per job.

How Much Do Jobs for 15 Year Olds Pay?

Employers must pay at least the minimum wage, but a few details affect what you'll actually take home:

Federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour, but many states and cities set it higher so where you live matters most

A youth wage may apply at first. Employers can legally pay around $4.25/hour for your first 90 days of employment.

Self-employed gigs often pay more. Babysitting, tutoring, dog walking, and lawn care usually beat minimum wage once you've built a reputation and repeat clients.

Tips can add up. Roles like caddying and some food service come with tips on top of your hourly rate.

Always check your state or city minimum wage so you know what you should be earning.

How to Get Your First Job at 15 (With No Experience)

No work history yet? That's completely normal at 15  here's how to stand out anyway:

1. Check whether you need a work permit. Many US states require a work permit or age certificate for 15-year-olds, usually issued through your school. Sort this before you apply.
2. Build a simple resume. You can fill a strong one-pager with school activities, clubs, sports, volunteering, and skills. Our guide on how to write a resume with no experience walks you through it step by step.
3. Add a short objective. One or two lines stating what you're looking for and what you bring see resume objective examples for wording you can adapt.
4. Write a first-job cover letter. A brief, enthusiastic note can set you apart from other applicants; here's how to write and end one well.
5. Apply both in person and online. Look for "Help Wanted" signs, walk in and ask managers directly, and search teen-friendly job sites for roles near you.
6. Make a strong first impression. Dress neatly, be polite and professional, make eye contact, and reply to messages promptly.
7. Lead with the right skills. Employers hiring 15-year-olds care more about reliability and attitude than experience, so highlight your soft skills like communication, punctuality, and teamwork.

A resume that stands out even with no work history  is often exactly what gets a 15-year-old hired ahead of the competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can a 15 year old get? 

Fast-food and café crew, supermarket bagger or stocker, cinema and entertainment staff, busser or dishwasher, babysitting, dog walking, tutoring, lifeguarding, and summer camp roles are all common — plus online gigs like data entry, editing, and freelance work.

How many hours can a 15 year old work? 

Under US federal law: 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  and not before 7am or after 7pm (extended to 9pm in summer). State rules can be stricter.

Can a 15 year old work online? 

Yes. Tutoring, data entry, coding, audio and video editing, paid surveys, blogging, and selling crafts or designs are all options just check each platform's minimum age, and have a parent set up any accounts that require you to be 18.

Do you need a work permit at 15? 

In many US states, yes  a work permit or age certificate is required for 15-year-olds and is usually issued through your school. Requirements vary by state, so check yours.

How much does a 15 year old get paid? 

At least the minimum wage where you live (the US federal minimum is $7.25/hour, higher in many states). A youth wage of around $4.25/hour can apply for the first 90 days, and self-employed gigs often pay more.

What are the best first jobs for 15 year olds with no experience? 

Babysitting, café or fast-food crew, supermarket work, dog walking, and tutoring are ideal first jobs  employers mainly want reliability and a willingness to learn.

The Bottom Line

There are lots of jobs for 15 year olds structured in-person roles, flexible online gigs, and seasonal summer work. Learn your legal hour limits, sort any permit you need, pick something that fits your schedule and interests, and put together a simple, strong resume to make a great first impression.

Ready to apply? Build your first resume with AI  AI Resume Lab turns your activities, volunteering, and skills into a resume that gets noticed, even with no experience. Turning 16 soon? See our guides to 

jobs for 16 year olds and good paying jobs for teens.