Intro
Discover part-time jobs that hire at 15 and kickstart your career. Explore opportunities in retail, food service, and babysitting, and learn how to create a strong application. Get tips on balancing work and school, and find out how to make the most of your first job experience with our comprehensive guide to jobs for 15-year-olds.
As a 15-year-old, it's exciting to start thinking about entering the workforce and gaining valuable work experience. Not only can having a part-time job help you earn some extra money, but it can also teach you important life skills, such as time management, teamwork, and communication.
While many jobs have age restrictions, there are still plenty of options available for 15-year-olds. Here are some popular jobs that hire at 15:

Retail Jobs
Many retail stores hire 15-year-olds as sales associates, cashiers, or stockroom assistants. Some popular retail stores that hire at 15 include:
- Gap
- American Eagle
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Forever 21
- Target
As a retail sales associate, you'll be responsible for assisting customers, restocking shelves, and processing transactions. This job is a great way to develop your communication skills and learn how to work with customers.
Food Service Jobs
Food service jobs are another popular option for 15-year-olds. You can work as a host/hostess, server, or kitchen assistant at restaurants, cafes, or ice cream shops. Some popular food service chains that hire at 15 include:
- McDonald's
- Subway
- Dairy Queen
- Starbucks
- Chick-fil-A
As a food service worker, you'll be responsible for taking orders, serving customers, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
Babysitting and Pet Sitting Jobs
If you enjoy working with kids or animals, you might consider babysitting or pet sitting. You can advertise your services on social media or use a pet sitting platform like Rover.
As a babysitter, you'll be responsible for caring for children, preparing meals, and engaging in activities. As a pet sitter, you'll be responsible for feeding, walking, and playing with pets.
Lawn Care and Landscaping Jobs
If you enjoy working outdoors, you might consider a lawn care or landscaping job. You can offer to mow lawns, trim bushes, or rake leaves for neighbors or family friends.
As a lawn care worker, you'll be responsible for maintaining lawns, gardens, and outdoor spaces. This job is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
Recreation Center Jobs
Many recreation centers hire 15-year-olds as lifeguards, swim instructors, or youth program assistants. Some popular recreation centers that hire at 15 include:
- YMCA
- Boys and Girls Club
- Local park districts
As a recreation center worker, you'll be responsible for leading programs, teaching classes, or supervising activities.
Grocery Store Jobs
Grocery stores often hire 15-year-olds as baggers, cart attendants, or stockroom assistants. Some popular grocery stores that hire at 15 include:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Albertsons
As a grocery store worker, you'll be responsible for assisting customers, restocking shelves, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
Newspaper Delivery Jobs
While not as common as they used to be, newspaper delivery jobs are still available in some areas. As a newspaper delivery person, you'll be responsible for delivering newspapers to customers on a daily or weekly basis.
Farm or Ranch Jobs
If you live in a rural area, you might consider working on a farm or ranch. You can help with animal care, crop maintenance, or harvesting.
As a farm or ranch worker, you'll be responsible for caring for animals, maintaining equipment, and assisting with daily tasks.
Tutoring Jobs
If you excel in a particular subject, you might consider offering tutoring services to younger students. You can advertise your services on social media or use a tutoring platform like TutorMe.
As a tutor, you'll be responsible for helping students with homework, studying, and test preparation.
Amusement Park Jobs
Many amusement parks hire 15-year-olds as ride operators, game attendants, or food service workers. Some popular amusement parks that hire at 15 include:
- Six Flags
- Disneyland
- Universal Studios
- Cedar Point
As an amusement park worker, you'll be responsible for operating rides, assisting customers, and maintaining a safe and clean work environment.
Movie Theater Jobs
Movie theaters often hire 15-year-olds as ticket takers, concession stand workers, or ushers. Some popular movie theater chains that hire at 15 include:
- AMC Theatres
- Regal Cinemas
- Cinemark Theatres
- Marcus Theatres
As a movie theater worker, you'll be responsible for taking tickets, serving concessions, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
Golf Course Jobs
Golf courses often hire 15-year-olds as caddies, cart attendants, or groundskeepers. Some popular golf courses that hire at 15 include:
- Country clubs
- Public golf courses
- Golf resorts
As a golf course worker, you'll be responsible for assisting golfers, maintaining equipment, and keeping the course clean and safe.
Tips for Getting Hired
While these jobs are available to 15-year-olds, it's still important to be prepared and professional when applying. Here are some tips for getting hired:
- Create a resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experience.
- Practice your interview skills to feel confident and prepared.
- Be flexible and willing to work varied shifts and schedules.
- Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude during the application process.

Benefits of Working at 15
Working at 15 can have numerous benefits, including:
- Gaining work experience and building a resume
- Developing important life skills, such as time management and communication
- Earning money and learning how to budget and save
- Meeting new people and making friends
- Building confidence and independence
Challenges of Working at 15
While working at 15 can be beneficial, it's also important to consider the challenges. These may include:
- Balancing work and school responsibilities
- Managing time and prioritizing tasks
- Dealing with difficult customers or coworkers
- Maintaining a healthy work-life balance
- Coping with stress and pressure

Conclusion
Working at 15 can be a great way to gain experience, build skills, and earn money. While there are challenges to consider, the benefits of working at 15 can be significant. By being prepared, professional, and flexible, you can find a job that suits your needs and helps you achieve your goals.
FAQs
What is the minimum age to work in the United States?
+The minimum age to work in the United States is 14 years old, but some states have different age restrictions. It's best to check with your state's labor department for specific information.
What are the most popular jobs for 15-year-olds?
+Some of the most popular jobs for 15-year-olds include retail sales associates, food service workers, babysitters, and lawn care workers.
How many hours can a 15-year-old work per week?
+The number of hours a 15-year-old can work per week varies by state, but most states restrict minors to working no more than 20 hours per week during the school year.
Do I need a work permit to work at 15?
+Yes, in most states, minors under the age of 18 need a work permit to work. You can obtain a work permit from your school or state labor department.
What are the benefits of working at 15?
+Working at 15 can have numerous benefits, including gaining work experience, developing important life skills, earning money, meeting new people, and building confidence and independence.