We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclosure for more information.
Aged 15 and looking for a job? Or perhaps you’re a parent reading on behalf of your young teenager who has begun to express a desire to find a part-time job and gain a greater level of independence. To help you boost your chances of finding employment, we’ve listed out 35 of the best places that hire at age 15 across the US.
At age 15, it’s likely that you’re beginning to crave a greater level of independence from your parents – and that often starts with finding a job to bring in some extra cash. Have a look at these similar jobs that hire at 14!
A part-time job can be a great way of finding some freedom as a young teen, giving you control over your own finances to do and buy the things you like.
However, there are also a limited number of places that hire at 15 – more often, age 16 is the cut-off for hiring companies. Here, we’ve compiled a list of over 30 jobs that hire at 15 across the US as well as some other side hustle ideas to consider.
Jobs for 15 Year Olds: 35 Places That Hire At Age 15
According to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the minimum age required to work most jobs in the U.S. is 15 years old, so you’re at a great age to begin a part-time job hunt.
However, we’d always recommend checking with companies in their local area in case their own company policy is different.
1. Entrepreneur
While the other jobs listed below are in-person jobs in stores and other household-name businesses, our first job is slightly more left-field: entrepreneurialism.
Being an entrepreneur is a great job for a 15 year old if bringing in money quickly isn’t necessarily your top priority. If you would like to get a job to gain experience, learn new skills, and perhaps begin to carve out an actual career path for yourself, though, beginning to build your own business could be a great move.
To start? Sign up to a platform such as Fiverr or Upwork and take on some freelance gigs to get a feel for what you might like to do. Remember, approximately 1 in 5 new businesses fail in the first year – so don’t get discouraged if your first attempt does work out!
Note: This list is in alphabetical order, rather than ordering them in any specific kind of ranking.
2. AMC
AMC Theatres is one of the largest movie theater chains in the U.S., and is a great place to offer unique job opportunities for young individuals, particularly those aged 14 or 15 and above. A job at your local cinema can provide an excellent platform for teens to gain early work experience in a customer-focused and entertaining environment.
3. Arby’s
Arby’s is another great chain that has regular opportunities for 15 year olds looking for a part-time job to earn some extra cash. This fast-food chain not only offers a chance to learn about the culinary and service industry but also helps teens develop valuable customer service skills.
4. Baskin Robbins
Baskin Robbins is another welcoming place for 15-year-olds to begin their working journey. There are thousands of these stores across the US, so any teens with a penchant for ice cream flavors might enjoy serving cool desserts for their part-time job!
5. Boston Market
Boston Market, specializing in rotisserie chicken and classic American comfort food, is a friendly environment for young teens starting their work life. This company, known for its commitment to homestyle meals, offers 15-year-olds a chance to learn about food service and hospitality.
6. Bruster’s
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, with its handcrafted ice cream made fresh daily, provides job opportunities for individuals as young as 15 or 14 in some cases. Bruster’s has approximately 200 stores across the country, so there should be many job opportunities available if you have a store local to you.
7. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A, a leader in the fast-food industry known for its chicken sandwiches and strong customer service ethos, offers employment opportunities to teens aged 15 and older.
8. Community Centers
Local community centers often provide employment opportunities for young teens, including those aged 15. These centers are not only hubs for social and recreational activities but also serve as a platform for teens to engage in community service and administrative roles.
9. Culver’s
Culver’s, renowned for its ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard, welcomes young teens into the workforce. For those aged 14 or 15 and over, you should be able to secure a great part-time job here.
10. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen, another dessert-focused chain widely recognized for its iconic Blizzard treats and classic fast-food menu, offers job opportunities for 15-year-olds.
11. Fareway
Fareway Stores,a Midwest grocery company known for its personalized service and quality meat department, employs young teens, including those aged 15.
12. Giant Eagle
Giant Eagle, a major supermarket chain in the United States, is among the places that hire at 15. Offering roles in various departments, it’s a great place for young individuals to learn about retail operations and customer service.
13. Giant Foods
Giant Food Stores, with a strong presence in the grocery retail sector, provides job opportunities for individuals as young as 15. This allows teens to gain valuable experience in a retail setting, learning about product management and customer relations.
14. Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee, a well-known supermarket chain in the Midwest, is recognized for its dedication to excellent customer service and community involvement. They welcome 15-year-olds, offering them a chance to start their professional journey in a supportive and educational retail environment.
15. KFC
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), famous worldwide for its fried chicken, offers employment to young teens, including those aged 15. This provides an invaluable opportunity to gain experience in the fast-food industry and learn about customer service and teamwork.
16. Kroger
Kroger, one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, is a place where 15-year-olds can find employment opportunities. Working at Kroger can be a fantastic first step into the workforce, offering experience in various aspects of retail operations.
17. Little Caesars
Little Caesars, known for its affordable pizza and “Hot-N-Ready” model, is a great starting point for 15-year-olds looking to enter the workforce. This pizza chain provides a dynamic work environment where young employees can learn about food preparation and customer service.
18. Local Amusem*nt/Entertainment Venues
Local amusem*nt and entertainment venues often provide job opportunities for young teens, including 15-year-olds. These places are perfect for gaining experience in customer service and operations in a fun and lively atmosphere.
19. Local Coffee Shop
Local coffee shops often serve as excellent first job locations for 15-year-olds. These establishments not only provide a cozy and community-oriented work environment but also teach valuable skills in hospitality and customer interaction.
20. McDonald’s
McDonald’s, a global leader in the fast-food industry, offers employment opportunities to young teens, including those as young as 15. This provides a great chance for them to learn about fast-food operations, customer service, and teamwork in a highly dynamic environment.
21. Palace Entertainment
Palace Entertainment, a company operating numerous amusem*nt and water parks, offers positions suitable for 15-year-olds. This environment is ideal for teens interested in gaining work experience in a lively and entertaining setting.
22. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut, a well-known pizza restaurant and delivery chain, provides job opportunities for those aged 15 and up. Working at Pizza Hut allows young teens to learn about the food service industry, customer interaction, and teamwork.
23. Publix
Publix, a leading grocery store chain in the Southeastern United States, is known for its commitment to customer service and community values. They hire individuals as young as 15, providing a great platform for early career development in a supportive environment.
24. Rita’s Italian Ice
Rita’s Italian Ice, famous for its delightful frozen treats, is an ideal workplace for 15-year-olds looking for their first job. It offers a fun and relaxed environment where young employees can learn about customer service and retail operations.
25. Runza
Runza, a regional fast-food chain known for its unique sandwiches, offers employment to teens starting at age 15. This provides a unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment while learning about food service and customer interaction.
26. Safeway
Safeway, a major grocery chain, opens its doors to young workers, including 15-year-olds. It’s an excellent place to start a career, offering a chance to learn about the retail industry, customer service, and teamwork.
27. Six Flags
Six Flags, a well-known chain of amusem*nt parks, is a thrilling place for 15-year-olds to start working. Offering various roles, from food service to ride operation, it’s an exciting environment for young individuals to gain work experience and learn customer service skills in a dynamic setting.
28. Starbuck
Starbucks, the world-renowned coffeehouse chain, is known for its commitment to employee development and community engagement. Although hiring policies may vary, some locations offer opportunities for 15-year-olds, allowing them to begin their career journey in a globally recognized brand.
29. Stop & Shop
Stop & Shop, a prominent grocery store chain in the Northeast, provides job opportunities for young teens, including those aged 15. This allows them to gain valuable experience in retail, customer service, and teamwork within a community-focused environment.
30. Taco Bell
Taco Bell, a major player in the fast-food industry known for its Mexican-inspired menu, offers employment to teens starting at 15. This provides an excellent opportunity for young workers to learn about the fast-paced food service industry and customer interaction.
31. U-Haul
U-Haul, the leading name in moving and storage solutions, provides job opportunities for individuals as young as 15 in some locations. Working at U-Haul can be a great way for teens to learn about customer service, organization, and the logistics industry.
32. Wegmans
Wegmans, a highly-regarded supermarket chain known for its quality products and exceptional customer service, offers employment to teens, including those aged 15. This provides a rich learning environment in retail operations and customer relations.
33. Wendy’s
Wendy’s, famous for its burgers and fries, is another fast-food chain where 15-year-olds can find employment. This offers young individuals a chance to gain experience in food service, customer interaction, and teamwork in a lively environment.
34. Winn Dixie
Winn Dixie, a well-known supermarket chain in the southern United States, offers job opportunities for teens, including those aged 15. This is an excellent place for young individuals to start their career, learning about the various aspects of retail and customer service.
35. YMCA
The YMCA, known for its community-focused programs and services, often hires young teens, including 15-year-olds. This organization provides an opportunity for teens to engage in various roles, from administrative tasks to assisting in recreational programs, fostering a sense of community involvement and responsibility.
Other Potential Side Hustles & Jobs for 15 Year Olds
If a traditional job doesn’t sound like your thing right now, there are a wide array of side hustle and business opportunities that you could start even at the young age of 15.
Whether your goal is to start making a real income to support you through school and college, or simply to gain some real-world experience for future career prospects, the following are all fantastic jobs for 15 year olds to consider:
Blogging
Starting a blog allows young teenagers to explore their passions, whether it’s fashion, sports, technology, or any other interest. It’s a fantastic business opportunity for 15 year olds to explore and potentially grow into a full-blown business.
You can monetize your blog through advertising, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing. Blogging not only provides a potential income stream but also helps to hone your writing and digital marketing skills.
Another potential avenue here is to write for bigger bloggers, or do adhoc tasks such as photo editing, email admin, social media management, or an array of odd-jobs. This not only creates valuable contacts in your blogging niche – but at aged 15, you’ll be learning an array of skills that you can apply to any job.
Freelance Writing
Those who have a knack for writing can offer their services online. Freelance writing could include writing articles, blog posts, or even social media content for different clients.
Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork can be a good starting point to find freelance writing gigs.
Virtual Assistant
With the rise of remote work, the demand for virtual assistants has increased. Tasks may include managing emails, scheduling appointments, or data entry.
This role can teach valuable organizational and communication skills while offering flexible working hours.
Being a virtual assistant is a great job for 15 year olds because it requires very little experience – you just need to be somewhat tech-savvy and willing to learn how you can be the most useful to your employer.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a side hustle that even 15 year olds can get stuck into this year. This potentially lucrative side hustle involves promoting products and earning a commission for each sale made through a unique affiliate link.
A great bonus to this side hustle for 15 year olds is that teenagers can leverage their social media presence or a blog to start with affiliate marketing. It’s a great way to learn about sales and marketing strategies.
YouTube Creator/Influencer
Creating content on YouTube can be both fun and profitable. Whether it’s making vlogs, tutorials, or reviewing products, there’s a wide range of content that can attract viewers. As a YouTube influencer, income can come from ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
Find out how much you could earn per 50k, 100k, 300k, and more views to get an idea of the kind of money to be made here!
Social Media Management
Many small businesses look for individuals to manage their social media profiles. A 15-year-old with a good understanding of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter can offer to create content, schedule posts, and engage with the audience.
Reach out to local businesses near you – local businesses often don’t have the time or resources to do their own social media management, and would leap at the chance to have someone motivated and well-informed help them with their strategy.
Online Tutoring
If you excel in a particular subject, you can offer tutoring services online to younger students.
Subjects could range from math, and science, to language arts or even teaching a musical instrument. This is a great creative side hustle for 15 year olds with a readymade pool of clients in your own school.
Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
For animal lovers, dog walking or pet sitting can be a rewarding and enjoyable job. It involves taking care of pets while their owners are away and can be a great way to earn money, especially during vacations.
Ask family, friends, and neighbors to help you find your initial work, and then you can expand from there with a few glowing reviews under your name.
Babysitting
Babysitting is a timeless job option for 15-year-olds looking for a reliable way to earn money while learning valuable life skills.
As one of the most common jobs for teenagers, it offers an excellent opportunity to develop responsibility and childcare skills.
To enhance your qualifications, babysitters can become certified in first aid and CPR. Parents are often more willing to hire a babysitter who is prepared to respond effectively in unexpected situations, thereby offering peace of mind.
Furthermore, for 15-year-olds, babysitting can serve as a stepping stone to other childcare-related professions. Successful babysitters often get referrals from satisfied parents, which can lead to a steady stream of job opportunities. With its flexible hours and the potential for good pay, babysitting remains a top choice among jobs that hire at 15.
Housecleaning
Offering house cleaning services can be a practical way for a 15 year old to earn money. This side hustle can extend to involve tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and general tidying, and is another side hustle that can bring in repeat business from happy customers.
As always, it’s important to ask for your parents’ help when finding trustworthy clients for this type of work. Family and family friends may be a good place to start.
Yard Work/Lawn Mowing
Offering to mow lawns, rake leaves, or do other yard work is a great outdoor job for 15-year-olds. It’s not only a way to earn money but also to stay active and develop a work ethic.
Many homeowners are willing to pay well for regular yard maintenance so once you build up your reputation, you’ll likely find repeat work from the same happy customers.
Online Sales
Teenagers can sell products online through platforms like Etsy, eBay, or even Instagram or the TikTok shop, which is growing increasingly popular. For some apps, you may need your parent to supervise your business as many have age restrictions regarding under 18 year olds being on the app.
Whether it’s handmade crafts, vintage clothes, or custom artwork, there’s a wide market online for unique items. This venture teaches them about e-commerce, customer service, and basic business skills.
Sell Used Stuff
Selling used items, like clothes, books, or toys, is an easy way for teens to make money without having to get a “proper job”. Many 15 year olds have a growing collection of clothes that no longer fit them as their body change, so selling your clothes on platforms such as Poshmark, eBay, or local Facebook selling groups provide a great business opportunity.
What’s more, you’ll be combining your side hustle with a more sustainable approach to clothing, which is a great win-win! Find out the best places to sell used clothing here.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of jobs for 15 year olds and fantastic places that hire at 15 years old across the country, so finding something that can give you a little more independence and cash of your own shouldn’t be difficult at this age.
Remember to go into every interview with a positive attitude and lots of confidence – and if you don’t land a job after your first interview, keep on applying. You’ll get there!
