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Are you looking for places that hire 15 years old? You are on the right page.
If you’re either 14 or 15 years old and eager to find work, some companies are open to hiring individuals within your age group. These companies offer job opportunities tailored specifically for 14 and 15-year-olds.
However, it’s important to note that employment laws differ from state to state. Consequently, while certain companies may provide employment options for 14-year-olds or 15-year-olds in certain states, they might not offer the same opportunities in other states.
Fortunately, we’ve gathered a list of companies specifically catering to teens like you, offering part-time, entry-level, online, and summer job opportunities. This compilation aims to ease your search and guide you toward potential employment options suitable for your age group.
As you review the list provided, consider these variations in state laws regarding employment for your age bracket.
Restaurant chains that hire at 15
Most of these restaurants will hire you if you are within the age group of 14, 15, and above.
1. Arby’s
Arby’s Restaurants started in the 1960s and has grown to more than 3400 locations across the United States. They often hire 14 and 15-year-olds for roles like cashier, food preparation, and cleaning positions at various Arby’s outlets.
2. Burger King
Working at Burger King was one of my initial jobs, beginning when I was 15. Burger King often hires individuals as young as 14 in certain locations among their extensive network of over 17,000 restaurants worldwide.
To know the specific age requirements and available positions at your local Burger King, it’s advisable to inquire directly at the respective outlets.
At Burger King, job opportunities for young workers may include roles in the cleanup crew, cashier positions, and various other positions within their fast-food establishments.
3. Baskin Robbins
Baskin Robbins is a popular ice cream chain known for its various flavors. They have stores in 46 states across the U.S., making it possible to discover job openings nearby. Generally, Baskin Robbins often hires individuals as young as 14 in many stores, offering job opportunities to younger applicants.
4. Kentucky Fried Chicken
Kentucky Fried Chicken, commonly known as KFC, is a popular fast-food chain that boasts more than 4,400 outlets across the United States and a whopping 22,000 locations globally. Its widespread popularity is due to the enduring love people have for its signature chicken dishes.
In certain regions, KFC restaurants hire 14 and 15-year-olds for roles such as customer service or cleanup crew positions. This employment opportunity allows young individuals to gain work experience and contribute to the functioning of the restaurant.
5. Ben and Jerry’s
Ben and Jerry’s is a well-known brand specializing in delicious and inventive ice cream flavors. Renowned for their unexpected and delightful combinations, Ben and Jerry’s is a go-to destination for ice cream enthusiasts. With numerous scoop shops scattered across the United States, they offer employment opportunities to individuals as young as 14 in many of their stores.
6. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is a popular chain with over 4,000 stores nationwide. They often hire individuals as young as 14 years old. The types of jobs available can differ depending on the specific store. Some roles might include working as a cashier, preparing food, cooking, or handling cleaning duties within the restaurant.
7. Culver’s
Culver’s is a restaurant chain that shares similarities with Dairy Queen Grill & Chill. With close to 700 locations spread across roughly half of the states in the United States, Culver’s offers employment opportunities to individuals aged 14 and above. Job availability may differ based on the specific location of the restaurant.
8. Rita’s Italian Ice
Rita’s Italian Ice is a chain of stores spread across roughly half of the states in the United States, boasting more than 600 locations. They offer a variety of frozen treats like Italian ice, ice cream, gelato, custard, and other similar options.
For those considering employment, most Rita’s Italian Ice locations set the minimum age requirement for employment at 14 years old.
9. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream is a popular chain with more than 160 stores spread across 20 states in the U.S. If you’re as young as 14 or 15, you can start working there as an ice cream scooper. However, they look for employees who embrace a “teamwork” mindset and bring a cheerful attitude to the job. After all, serving ice cream brings joy, making staying happy while working there easier.
10. Boston Market
Boston Market is a chain of restaurants found across 28 states, boasting roughly 450 stores in total. To work at Boston Market, individuals must be at least 15 years old. Typically, the company hires individuals of this age for positions such as dishwashers and servers within their establishments.
11. Chick-Fil-A
Chick-fil-A is a popular fast-food chain known for specializing in chicken-based menu items. With a presence in nearly all 50 states, the chain boasts over 2,000 restaurants across the United States.
Notably, Chick-fil-A is open to hiring teenagers as young as 14 years old at many of its locations. Additionally, one unique aspect of working at Chick-fil-A is their practice of closing all their restaurants on Sundays, allowing employees to have that day off.
12. McDonald’s
McDonald’s is a widely known fast-food chain that likely has a restaurant nearby for many people. In the United States alone, they have more than 14,000 store locations.
At McDonald’s, you can begin working from the age of 14 in most places. Jobs available for employees include tasks like serving customers, cooking food and maintaining the restaurant’s cleanliness and functionality.
13. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is a popular restaurant chain in the United States with more than 7,000 stores nationwide. Some Pizza Hut branches are open to hiring 15-year-olds, but typically with the consent of a parent or guardian. At this age, while you might not be considered for food preparation roles, opportunities may exist to work as a cashier or assist with store maintenance and cleaning tasks.
Grocery stores that hire at 15
Most of these grocery stores will hire you if you are within the age group of 14, 15, and above.
14. Giant Eagle
Giant Eagle is a widespread grocery store chain with more than 400 stores across five states in the US: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. This company offers job opportunities to individuals as young as 14, providing various positions for workers within their stores. If you reside in any of these states, you can explore job openings at Giant Eagle.
15. Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee is a chain of grocery stores found across the Midwestern United States, boasting a total of 240 locations. Notably, the hiring policy for younger employees, particularly those aged 14 and 15, varies among these stores.
While some Hy-Vee stores welcome applicants from this age group and offer diverse positions, others do not extend this hiring opportunity. This difference in hiring practices stems from the fact that each store operates independently, granting store management the discretion to determine the minimum age for hiring employees.
16. Giant Food
Giant Food operates more than 150 grocery stores across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. These stores offer job opportunities to individuals as young as 14 in various locations. To know specific details about employment, it’s advisable to contact your nearby Giant Food store directly.
17. Kroger
Kroger, a prominent grocery chain in the United States, operates more than 2,700 stores nationwide. Alongside its own name, it also manages stores under different banners like Fry’s, King Soopers, and Smith’s. Interestingly, certain stores under the Kroger umbrella consider hiring individuals as young as 14 and 15.
However, this hiring policy can vary based on specific state laws governing employment age. To confirm whether a particular store hires at age 15, it’s advisable to inquire directly at the local branch, as the hiring regulations might differ across states.
18. Publix
Publix is a popular chain of grocery stores that can be found across seven states in the United States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
They offer employment opportunities to individuals as young as 14 and 15 years old, specifically for roles such as cashiers, floral clerks, and service desk clerks. If you want to work at Publix, you should check with your nearby store for any available job openings.
19. Winn Dixie
Winn Dixie, a chain of grocery stores, operates almost 500 locations across Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. Some positions at Winn Dixie may be available for individuals as young as 14.
If you’re interested in job opportunities, you can visit your nearby Winn Dixie store to inquire about any positions they may have for individuals of this age.
20. Safeway
Safeway is a widely recognized grocery store chain with over 1300 stores across the United States. Some of these Safeway locations offer employment opportunities to young individuals aged 14 and 15. Jobs like grocery bagging and cart running are commonly available for individuals in this age group at select Safeway stores.
21. King Soopers
King Soopers is a chain of grocery stores mostly found in Colorado and Wyoming. Teens as young as 14 can be hired in select locations with the manager’s approval.
Jobs at King Soopers can include cashier roles and other positions within the grocery store. It’s worth noting that King Soopers is currently owned by Kroger. For available job opportunities, you can check their openings on their website.
22. Stop & Shop
Stop & Shop is a large grocery chain operating more than 400 stores along the East Coast. Specifically in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, they often hire individuals as young as 15. Positions available for young workers include cashier roles within departments like grocery, floral, and bakery, as well as various other positions throughout the store.
23. Fareway
Fareway operates stores across the Midwest region and typically begins hiring individuals as young as 14 and 15 years old for various positions in their grocery stores. Available roles for younger employees might include working as a cashier or assisting with stocking grocery items on shelves.
Entertainment venues that hire at 15
Many entertainment venues often employ teens. Look at this compiled list to find potential job opportunities for teenagers aged 14 or older near you.
24. AMC Theaters
AMC Theaters, a chain with more than 600 locations across the United States, offers job opportunities for individuals as young as 14 at certain theaters. However, it’s important to note that not all AMC locations hire workers at this age.
To determine if your local AMC theater is hiring and if they accept applicants as young as 14 and 15, it’s advisable to contact or inquire with that specific theater directly.
25. Six Flags
Six Flags is a popular chain of amusement and water parks spread across North America, totaling 26 locations. What’s unique is that these parks offer job opportunities for individuals as young as 14 and 15. The available positions can differ based on the specific park and the time of the year due to seasonal variations. To get more details about job openings, you should reach out directly to your local Six Flags park.
If there isn’t a Six Flags park nearby, don’t worry. Many other amusement parks or water parks, even those not under the Six Flags brand, also hire young individuals starting at the age of 14. It’s common for these establishments, especially in larger cities, to offer employment opportunities for teenagers. So, if you have an amusement park in your area, even if it’s not a Six Flags park, there’s a good chance they hire teenagers for various positions.
26. Check with local indoor entertainment venues
Exploring indoor entertainment venues in your area can be a viable option for employment opportunities. Many cities and towns boast a variety of indoor entertainment spots, such as rock climbing centers, trampoline parks, indoor water parks, bowling centers, arcades, laser tag venues, and more.
These places are often independently owned rather than part of larger chains. It’s advisable to contact these local entertainment venues directly to inquire about their minimum hiring age.
In my personal experience, when I inquired about entertainment businesses in my locality, I discovered that several were open to hiring individuals as young as 14. These venues typically cater to a family-friendly audience, making them more inclined to consider hiring younger teenagers.
However, if traditional employment isn’t the route you prefer, another potential avenue for 14- and 15-year-olds is starting your own business. This entrepreneurial option can open doors to various opportunities and allow you to explore your interests while generating income.
Local jobs
Local jobs are employment opportunities within a specific area or community. These jobs are offered by businesses or organizations situated within your vicinity and cater to the needs of the local population. They encompass a wide range of roles across various industries, such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, and more.
Seeking local jobs can be advantageous as they often offer convenience in terms of commuting, contribute to the local economy, and may provide a sense of community involvement. These opportunities are frequently available and can serve as a valuable source of employment for 14, 15, and 16-year-olds seeking work within their immediate area.
27. Summer lifeguards
In numerous neighborhoods featuring community pools, there’s a desire to hire young individuals from the area. If you reside in a neighborhood that boasts a pool, you might meet the requirements for such positions. To explore these opportunities, it’s a good idea to ask your parents to look into the neighborhood’s Facebook posts or check out any neighborhood flyers.
During the spring, many neighborhoods advertise job openings for lifeguards. This is a common practice, so keep an eye out for these postings.
Additionally, it’s worth checking with local pool swim clubs. Swim clubs are becoming increasingly prevalent and often provide swimming lessons and opportunities for competitive swimming. These clubs frequently seek lifeguards and assistance for programs like tots swim clubs.
28. Car washes
Car washes have seen a rise in full-service establishments sprouting up across various locations. These places require individuals capable of performing tasks like wiping down cars, vacuuming, and other related duties.
For teens who enjoy working outdoors, this job might suit you well. Car wash companies specifically seek reliable workers to assist with fundamental car cleaning tasks. Moreover, it’s a role where receiving tips is quite common, making it an appealing opportunity for many.
29. Mother’s helpers
Being a mother’s helper involves assisting moms who work from home when their kids return from preschool or school. This role offers an opportunity to earn extra money quickly, gain valuable experience working with children, and enjoy flexible working hours.
As a mother’s helper, tasks may include supervising kids, engaging them in activities, and providing support to make the transition between school and home smoother for both the children and the working mother.
30. Tutor
Becoming a tutor during your teenage years is a fantastic method to improve your school abilities while earning money swiftly. It’s a chance to enhance your own skills in subjects like math, reading, and writing while helping other kids improve their grades. Parents often pay more than minimum wage to ensure their children do better in school.
For instance, my friend’s daughter, who is exceptionally skilled in math and excelled in geometry, now tutors other kids in geometry and earns cash doing so.
If you’re strong in fundamental subjects like reading, writing, and math, consider asking your neighbors if their children could benefit from your tutoring services. It’s a great way to earn money while helping others improve their studies.
31. Landscaping
Many neighbors struggle with maintaining their front yards to satisfy the Homeowners Association (HOA) guidelines, specifically in controlling weeds. If you’re looking for a simple way to earn some fast money, offering to assist with basic landscaping tasks like weed pulling can be a valuable help to your neighbors.
To offer your landscaping services, you can collaborate with your parents to spread the word through the neighborhood Facebook group or by posting a notice at the community mailbox.
Another effective approach is to personally visit nearby houses and inquire about assisting with their landscaping needs. Make sure to have your gloves and a bucket ready for immediate help.
32. Dog pooper scooper
A friend’s 13-year-old son initiated Cooper’s Pooper Scooper business. Cooper launched his service by distributing flyers to neighbors, offering a straightforward deal of $10 per house for a weekly cleaning. The demand for his service quickly increased, prompting Cooper to expand and employ other kids to assist him.
The job involves simple scooping of dog waste, making it easy if one can overlook dealing with the poop. Many neighbors appreciate this service, particularly those with busy schedules lacking the time for cleanup. Charging $10 for each visit makes it an effortless way to earn quick cash.
33. Power washer
A power washer is a high-pressure cleaning device that helps homeowners efficiently clean surfaces like driveways, houses, and fences. Many neighborhoods have rules mandating clean driveways and mold-free homes, making a power washer a valuable tool for this task.
It connects easily to a standard hose and uses powerful sprays to remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. The cost of a power washer typically ranges from $80 to $350. By investing in one, homeowners can recoup their investment within a few cleaning sessions, after which the earnings become pure profit.
34. Dishwasher
Being a dishwasher is an excellent entry point into the restaurant industry, especially for 15-year-olds looking for job opportunities. While many restaurants might have specific age requirements, local eateries often welcome younger individuals to join as dishwashers. This role allows you to gain initial experience in the restaurant business.
Moreover, some restaurants follow a practice where tips are shared among staff, potentially resulting in higher earnings than anticipated for a dishwasher, based on the restaurant’s tip-sharing policy. It’s advisable to inquire directly with nearby restaurants about their current hiring status to explore potential job openings.
35. Dog boarding helper
Dog boarding facilities, often locally owned, frequently seek dedicated individuals for employment. If you are fond of dogs, this job might be an excellent match for you.
Working as a dog boarding helper typically involves tasks such as taking the dogs outside, maintaining cleanliness, providing meals, and other related duties.
To locate opportunities in your area, a simple search for nearby dog boarding facilities can be done. Then, visit these places and inquire about job openings directly with the owner or manager.
For instance, a friend’s 15-year-old daughter had a positive experience working a few days a week during the past summer, from 6 am to 1 pm, at a dog boarding establishment and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
36. Dog walker
Becoming a dog walker is a great opportunity if you live near people who work in the city and have pets. It’s a straightforward job, especially if you enjoy being around dogs.
First, you can use social media platforms like Facebook to check if your neighbors require a dog walker. Additionally, you can create and put up flyers in your community’s mailbox to advertise your services.
Becoming a dog walker involves spreading the word about your services, deciding on your pricing, taking the dogs for walks, and receiving payment. It’s a simple way to earn money if you love spending time with dogs and are willing to provide this service to pet owners in your area.
Benefits of working at age 14 or 15
Working at the ages of 14 or 15 can bring several advantages. As teenagers enter high school, expenses often increase, and they may want to reduce reliance on parental allowances. This push to work at a younger age is motivated by various factors.
Firstly, it allows teens to save money for college, providing a head start on future expenses. Additionally, employment fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages a positive attitude toward teamwork. It also aids in gaining independence and honing money management skills, which are essential for personal finances.
Furthermore, these early work experiences help in learning valuable professional skills such as time management, customer service, and prioritizing tasks. This exposure prepares teenagers for full-time employment by providing practical work experience.
Concerns often arise about the availability of jobs for 15-year-olds or the confusion surrounding suitable job choices. However, this article aims to ease those worries by providing valuable information about job opportunities for teenagers. It assists in navigating the job application process to find a suitable position aligned with individual interests and preferences.
Labor law information
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the labor laws for individuals under 16 years old in the United States, according to the Fair Labor Standards Act:
- Minimum Employment Age: The primary rule is that the minimum age for employment is 14 years old.
- Exceptions to Minimum Age Rule: However, there are specific situations where this minimum age requirement doesn’t apply. These exceptions include:
- Babysitting: If you’re providing childcare services.
- Newspaper Delivery: Engaging in delivering newspapers.
- Working in a Family Business: You can work in a business owned by your parents, granted the job is non-manufacturing/non-hazardous.
- Theatrical Employment: This involves activities like acting in commercials or movies.
- Working Under 14: If you’re engaged in any of these exempt activities, you can work even if you are under 14 years old.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is designed to safeguard workers, especially minors, from unfair treatment by employers. These rules outline the minimum age for employment and the exceptions for specific types of work, ensuring a level of protection and safety for young workers.
Number of hours you can work as a 15 year old
For 14- and 15-year-olds who want to work, there are specific rules about how many hours they can work and when. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act:
- On school days, they can work a maximum of 3 hours per day.
- During a school week, they’re allowed to work for up to 18 hours in total.
- On days when there’s no school, they can work for up to 8 hours per day.
- In non-school weeks, the maximum work hours are capped at 40 hours per week.
Moreover, 14- and 15-year-olds can only work between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. However, this time extends to 9:00 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.
If you want more details about these rules and regulations for working at this age, you can visit the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) government webpage.
How much should you get paid?
This data presents various hourly wages for 15-year-olds working in specific companies around North Houston.
The rates range from $7.25 to $10 per hour. As per federal law, all workers, regardless of age, should receive at least the federal minimum wage, which currently stands at $7.25 per hour. However, for individuals under 20, employers can pay a reduced rate of $4.25 per hour for the initial 90 calendar days of employment. Following this period, they must be paid the standard minimum wage.
It’s important to note that while the federal minimum wage is $7.25, some states have higher minimum wage laws, such as California at $15.50 per hour and Washington D.C. at $15.20 per hour.
Additionally, some states, like Georgia and Wyoming, have lower minimum wages, but employers governed by federal rules must adhere to the $7.25 per hour standard. It’s advisable to check with local retailers for specific rates and to remain aware of labor laws pertinent to your area.
The bottom line
At 15 years old, there are various work options available, but it’s essential to ensure both you and your employer comply with state and federal rules for young workers. These guidelines are in place to protect your well-being and ensure a safe work environment.