25 Jobs That Hire at 15 (No Experience Needed!)

Key Insights

Over 25 national employers currently hire at 15, including McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Publix.
Average starting pay is between $10–$14 per hour, depending on the job and location.
Most 15-year-olds need a work permit and parental consent to work legally in the United States.
Federal labor laws limit 15-year-olds to 3 hours on school days and 18 hours per week during the school year.
The easiest jobs to get at 15 are in fast food, grocery stores, and retail, but community jobs like babysitting or lawn care often pay more.
Online jobs for 15-year-olds, such as paid surveys, content creation, or freelance gigs, can be started with parental supervision.
Safety and flexibility matter most—look for employers with clear youth hiring policies, short shifts, and school-friendly schedules.
Jobs that hire at 15 help teens build early work experience, independence, and responsibility long before graduation.

Last updated: October 21, 2025 · Based on review of company hiring pages, labor law data, and verified teen employment listings.

Finding a job at 15 can be tricky. You’re old enough to want independence, but not quite old enough for every employer to say yes.

We reviewed dozens of company hiring policies, state labor laws, and teen employment programs to help you find real, safe opportunities that will actually hire 15-year-olds.

Whether you’re a teen ready to make your first paycheck or a parent checking what’s allowed, this guide will save you hours of Googling.

What You Should Know Before Applying

At 15, most teens can legally work in the U.S., but there are rules:

You’ll likely need a work permit from your school or state.
You can work limited hours (typically up to 3 hours on a school day, 8 on weekends).
Some jobs are restricted; anything dangerous, like construction or heavy machinery, is off-limits.

For most teens, retail, food service, and community jobs are the best starting points. They build confidence, teach responsibility, and can lead to better roles later on.

25 Companies That Hire 15-Year-Olds (Verified & Legit)

We reviewed over 100 company hiring pages and labor guidelines to find 25 national and regional employers that hire 15-year-olds. Each listing includes typical roles, pay, and why it’s a great starting point.

1. McDonald’s

McDonald’s frequently hires teens as young as 14 or 15 for crew member and cashier roles.

Typical jobs: Crew Member, Drive-Thru Assistant
Average pay: $10–$13/hour
Why it’s great: Flexible hours, free meals, and a strong first-job experience.

Check out job opportunities at McDonald’s.

2. Chick-fil-A

Known for its positive culture, Chick-fil-A often hires 15-year-olds in customer-facing roles.

Typical jobs: Front of House, Dining Room Attendant
Average pay: $11–$14/hour
Bonus: No work on Sundays and scholarship opportunities.

Browse available positions at Chick-fil-A.

3. Dairy Queen

A fun, fast-paced environment ideal for young workers.

Typical jobs: Team Member, Ice Cream Server
Average pay: $10–$13/hour
Perk: Short shifts and plenty of team interaction.

View Dairy Qeen job listings.

4. Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins hires at 15 for scooping and register duties.

Typical jobs: Ice Cream Scooper, Cashier
Average pay: $9–$12/hour
Perk: Great for shy teens learning customer service.

Check out job opportunities at Baskin-Robins.

5. Culver’s

This Midwestern favorite hires 15-year-olds for front-line positions.

Typical jobs: Crew Member, Dining Room Assistant
Average pay: $10–$13/hour
Why it’s great: Structured training and supportive management.

Browse available positions at Culver’s.

6. Publix

Publix is one of the few grocery chains hiring 14- and 15-year-olds.

Typical jobs: Bagger, Front Service Clerk
Average pay: $11–$14/hour
Perk: Clean, safe environment and scholarship opportunities.

View Publix job listings.

7. Kroger

Depending on your state, Kroger hires 15-year-olds for part-time work.

Typical jobs: Courtesy Clerk, Bagger
Average pay: $11–$13/hour
Bonus: Employee discounts and simple, steady work.

Check out available careers at Kroger.

8. Safeway / Albertsons

Both grocery chains hire 15-year-olds for basic customer service roles.

Typical jobs: Courtesy Clerk, Bagger
Average pay: $10–$13/hour
Why it’s great: Easy entry into retail with flexible hours.

Browse available positions at Safeway & Albertsons.

9. Wegmans

Family-owned and community-focused, Wegmans hires at 15 in select departments.

Typical jobs: Helping at bakery, produce, or front end
Average pay: $11–$15/hour
Bonus: Great first step for customer-focused teens.

View Wegmans job listings.

10. Giant Food

Some Giant Food locations hire teens 15+ as clerks or baggers.

Typical jobs: Courtesy Clerk, Grocery Helper
Average pay: $11–$14/hour
Why it’s great: Safe and professional environment.

Check out available careers at Giant Food.

11. AMC Theatres

AMC hires at 15 for concession, ticketing, and cleaning roles.

Typical jobs: Concessions Worker, Usher
Average pay: $10–$14/hour
Perk: Free or discounted movie tickets.

Browse available positions at AMC.

12. Six Flags

Theme parks like Six Flags hire 15-year-olds for seasonal roles.

Typical jobs: Ride Operator, Food Service
Average pay: $11–$15/hour
Bonus: Free park admission and guest passes.

View Six Flags job listings.

13. Hershey Park

A well-known amusement park that welcomes 15-year-old workers.

Typical jobs: Retail Attendant, Food Stand Worker
Average pay: $12–$16/hour
Why it’s great: Seasonal hours and great perks.

Check out available careers at Hershey Park.

14. Giant Eagle

Giant Eagle grocery stores hire 15-year-olds for front-end and bagging roles in select states.

Typical jobs: Bagger, Cart Attendant, Bakery Helper
Average pay: $11–$14/hour
Why it’s great: Safe retail environment with opportunities to grow once you turn 16.

Browse available positions at Giant Eagle.

15. YMCA

Nationwide, many YMCAs hire 15-year-olds for youth programs.

Typical jobs: Junior Lifeguard, Camp Helper
Average pay: $11–$16/hour
Bonus: Access to free gym facilities in many locations.

View YMCA job listings.

16. Local Parks & Recreation Departments

City-run parks often hire 15-year-olds seasonally.

Typical jobs: Grounds Assistant, Activity Helper, etc.
Average pay: $11–$14/hour
Why it’s great: Outdoor, community-oriented work.

17. Local Pools

Many community pools hire teens 15+ for certified lifeguard or concession roles.

Typical jobs: Lifeguard, Snack Bar Attendant
Average pay: $12–$18/hour
Tip: Red Cross certification may be required.

18. Chick-fil-A Competitors (such as Zaxby’s)

Both fast-casual chains occasionally hire at 15, depending on state laws.

Typical jobs: Crew Member, Host
Average pay: $10–$13/hour

Check out available careers at Zaxby’s.

19. Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops hire 15-year-olds for entry-level counter jobs.

Typical jobs: Server, Cashier
Average pay: $10–$13/hour
Perk: Friendly work culture and community events.

Browse available positions at Ben & Jerry’s.

20. Local Ice Rinks

Ice rinks hire 15-year-olds for cleanup, concessions, or skate rental assistance.

Average pay: $10–$13/hour
Why it’s great: Fun winter work environment.

21. Rita’s Italian Ice

Seasonal shop that hires 15-year-olds in many states.

Typical jobs: Treat Team Member, Cashier
Average pay: $10–$13/hour
Perk: Short shifts, sweet perks.

View Rita’s Italian Ice.

22. Burger King

Some Burger King locations hire 15-year-olds for cashier and prep work.

Typical jobs: Crew Member, Cashier
Average pay: $10–$12/hour
Why it’s great: Easy application and training.

Check out available careers at Burger King.

23. Arby’s

Select franchises hire 15-year-olds for back-of-house or prep roles.

Typical jobs: Prep Cook, Cleaner
Average pay: $10–$13/hour

Browse available positions at Arby’s.

24. Boston Market

Family-style restaurants like Boston Market occasionally hire 15-year-olds.

Typical jobs: Dining Room Attendant, Busser
Average pay: $10–$13/hour

View Boston Market careers.

25. Local Family-Owned Businesses

Don’t overlook small shops, bakeries, or farm stands. Many hire 15-year-olds informally.

Typical jobs: Cashier, Helper, Cleaner
Average pay: varies ($10–$15/hour)
Why it’s great: Flexible hours and personal references for the future.

Other Work Opportunities for 15-Year-Olds

Not every teen job comes from a big company; sometimes the best opportunities are right in your neighborhood or online. These options let you earn money while learning valuable skills you can use later in life.

1. Babysitting

One of the most flexible and trusted jobs for teens. Parents are always looking for responsible sitters who can handle short evening or weekend shifts.

Average pay: $12–$18/hour
Why it’s great: You set your hours and can build repeat clients quickly.

2. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking is a fun way to earn cash after school.

Average pay: $10–$20/hour
Pro tip: Start with neighbors, then expand by word of mouth or community apps like Nextdoor.

3. Yard Work and Lawn Care

Offer to mow lawns, rake leaves, or water plants in your area.

Average pay: $10–$25/hour
Why it’s great: No experience needed, and you get to work outdoors.

4. Tutoring

If you’re strong in subjects like math, reading, or science, help younger kids with homework.

Average pay: $12–$20/hour
Tip: Ask your school counselor or teachers if they know families looking for help.

5. House Sitting

When neighbors go on vacation, they need someone to water plants, collect mail, and keep an eye on things.

Average pay: $10–$15/hour
Why it’s great: Quiet, easy, and trustworthy work.

6. Refereeing or Scorekeeping

Local youth sports leagues often hire 15-year-olds to help with scorekeeping or refereeing.

Average pay: $12–$18/hour
Perk: You get paid to stay active and involved in your community.

7. Car Wash or Detailing

Whether it’s a local fundraiser or a neighborhood service, washing cars is a quick way to earn cash.

Average pay: $10–$15/hour + tips
Bonus: Low start-up cost and instant payment.

8. Camp Counselor Assistant

Summer camps often hire 15-year-olds to help lead games, crafts, and activities.

Average pay: $11–$16/hour
Why it’s great: Perfect seasonal job that builds leadership skills.

9. Freelance or Online Gigs

With a parent’s approval, teens can do small freelance jobs online, from art commissions to content creation.

Earning potential: varies widely
Examples: Graphic design, social media content, or writing short articles for youth blogs.

>> More: 35 Online Jobs for Teens Worth Trying in 2025

10. Selling Crafts or Digital Products

Creative teens can sell homemade items, art, or designs on Etsy (via a parent account) or at local markets.

Earning potential: $50–$500+/month
Why it’s great: Turns a hobby into income and builds early business skills.

>> More: How to Start an Etsy Shop in 2025: 8 Easy Steps

5 Tips to Land Your First Job at 15

Even with limited experience, here’s what you can do to stand out:

Ask in person. Many managers hire on the spot when you show initiative.
Create a mini resume. Include volunteer work, school clubs, or babysitting experience.
Get your work permit early. It shows responsibility and speeds up onboarding.
Check your state’s rules. Each state has unique age and hour limits for minors.
Follow up after applying. A short “Just checking on my application!” call can make a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

Finding your first job at 15 doesn’t have to be intimidating! Take it as a chance to learn, earn, and grow.

Start with companies that have proven teen hiring programs like McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A, or explore local opportunities in your community. Every small step helps you build independence and confidence, and that’s priceless experience for the future.

Also, don’t ignore local opportunities. Go ask your neighbors if they have any work for you. You would be surprised by the amount of money and clients you can rack up in a short period of time.

Curious About How We Built This List?

To create this guide, we:

Reviewed company hiring pages and age requirements.
Checked 2025 teen labor laws in all 50 states.
Verified listings across Indeed, Glassdoor, and Snagajob.
Cross-referenced user reports on Reddit’s r/jobs and r/teenagers threads.

FAQs About Jobs That Hire at 15

1. What jobs can I get at 15?

At 15, you can work in most entry-level or part-time jobs that don’t require hazardous duties. Common options include fast food crew member, grocery store clerk, babysitter, dog walker, or camp counselor assistant. Many national chains, like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Publix, hire at this age, as long as you have a work permit and parental consent.

2. Does Chick-fil-A hire at 15?

Yes, many Chick-fil-A locations hire at 15, though it depends on state labor laws and the franchise owner’s policies. Teens usually start as front-of-house associates or dining room attendants. Chick-fil-A is known for flexible hours, strong training, and Sundays off, making it a great first job for responsible teens.

3. How many hours can a 15 year old work?

Federal labor laws limit 15-year-olds to 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours per week during school sessions. On non-school weeks, you can work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours per week. Work must be done between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. during summer). Always check your state’s specific rules, since some states are stricter.

4. What is the youngest age to get a job?

In most states, the minimum working age is 14, under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). However, 13-year-olds and younger can still earn money through informal jobs like babysitting, lawn care, or working in a family business. Formal employment under 14 is usually restricted to acting, modeling, or agricultural work.

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