What Are the 15 Best Jobs for 15-Year-Olds in 2026?

Understanding Your Options as a 15-Year-Old Job Seeker

Landing your first job at 15 is an exciting milestone that teaches responsibility, time management, and valuable workplace skills. But the opportunities available to you are different from what 16 or 17-year-olds can pursue.

Federal labor laws specifically protect 15-year-olds by limiting work hours and restricting certain job types. You can work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with a maximum of 18 hours per week when school is in session. During summer break, you can work up to 40 hours weekly, and your work hours extend until 9 p.m. instead of the usual 7 p.m. cutoff.

These restrictions might seem limiting, but they actually open doors to jobs that value quality over quantity. Many employers specifically seek 15-year-olds for part-time positions that complement school schedules. The key is knowing which opportunities are both legal and genuinely available in your area.

Before you start applying, check out our comprehensive guide on how to make a resume for your first job. Even without work experience, you can create a compelling resume that highlights your school achievements, volunteer work, and relevant skills.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s YouthRules website provides detailed information about what jobs are permitted for your age group. Understanding these rules protects you from unsafe working conditions and ensures your employer follows the law.

The 15 Best Jobs for 15-Year-Olds in 2026

1. Restaurant Team Member

Working at a fast-food restaurant or quick-service eatery is one of the most accessible jobs for 15-year-olds. Chains like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Subway regularly hire at this age for front-counter positions, food prep (no cooking over open flames), and cleaning duties.

You’ll learn customer service, cash handling, and teamwork while earning around $12 to $15 per hour depending on your location. The flexible scheduling works perfectly with school commitments, and many restaurants offer meal discounts as an extra perk.

Interview Guys Tip: When applying to restaurants, visit during off-peak hours (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) to speak directly with managers. Showing up in person demonstrates initiative and makes you memorable compared to online-only applicants.

2. Grocery Store Bagger or Cart Attendant

Grocery stores like Kroger, Publix, and Safeway hire 15-year-olds for bagging groceries, collecting shopping carts, and maintaining store cleanliness. These positions typically pay $11 to $14 per hour and require minimal training.

The work is straightforward and doesn’t involve operating dangerous equipment. You’ll develop customer service skills and learn the importance of attention to detail in a professional environment.

3. Movie Theater Crew Member

Movie theaters need enthusiastic team members to work concessions, take tickets, and clean theaters between showings. AMC and Regal Cinemas are known for hiring 15-year-olds at locations across the country.

You’ll typically earn minimum wage plus the major perk of free or discounted movie tickets. The evening and weekend hours align perfectly with school schedules, and the work environment is generally fun and social.

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4. Retail Sales Associate

Many retail stores hire 15-year-olds for customer service positions, though you’ll be limited to non-hazardous tasks. Stores like Target, Old Navy, and TJ Maxx often have openings for young workers who can help customers, organize merchandise, and maintain store appearance.

Retail positions teach valuable skills in communication, problem-solving, and sales basics. Starting pay ranges from $12 to $15 per hour, with potential for employee discounts that make your paycheck go further.

5. Lifeguard

If you’re a strong swimmer, lifeguarding offers excellent pay (typically $15 to $18 per hour) and teaches life-saving skills you’ll carry forever. You must be at least 15 years old to complete Red Cross lifeguard certification, which most employers provide or help you obtain.

Community pools, water parks, and beach facilities hire lifeguards seasonally, making this an ideal summer job. The certification process takes about 25 to 30 hours, but the investment pays off with higher wages and valuable credentials.

According to Indeed’s guide on jobs for teenagers, lifeguarding is consistently one of the highest-paying positions available to 15-year-olds. The responsibility is significant, but so are the rewards.

6. Camp Counselor or Junior Counselor

Summer camps hire 15-year-olds as junior counselors to assist with activities, supervise younger children, and help maintain camp facilities. Day camps, sports camps, and specialty camps all need energetic young staff.

This job combines fun with responsibility as you guide activities ranging from arts and crafts to outdoor adventures. Pay varies widely from $10 to $16 per hour, but the experience is invaluable if you’re interested in education, recreation, or working with children.

7. Library Assistant

Public libraries offer quiet, air-conditioned environments where 15-year-olds can shelve books, help patrons locate materials, and assist with basic computer questions. These positions typically pay $11 to $14 per hour and offer extremely flexible scheduling.

Library work is perfect if you enjoy reading and prefer a calm atmosphere. You’ll develop organizational skills and learn library systems that could benefit your own academic research.

8. Ice Cream Shop Server

Local ice cream shops and chains like Baskin-Robbins hire 15-year-olds to serve customers, prepare orders, and maintain cleanliness. The work is straightforward, the atmosphere is usually upbeat, and you’ll likely enjoy free or discounted treats.

Starting pay ranges from $10 to $13 per hour, and summer availability makes this an ideal seasonal job. Customer interaction teaches you how to handle various personality types with patience and professionalism.

9. Pet Care Assistant

Animal shelters, pet stores, and veterinary clinics sometimes hire 15-year-olds for non-medical tasks like cleaning kennels, feeding animals, and organizing supplies. If you love animals, this job lets you work with them while earning $10 to $13 per hour.

You’ll learn responsibility through caring for living creatures and might discover a passion for veterinary medicine or animal welfare. The work can be physically demanding but incredibly rewarding for animal lovers.

10. Landscaping Helper

Landscaping companies and lawn care services hire 15-year-olds for basic tasks like pulling weeds, spreading mulch, and general cleanup. You cannot operate power equipment, but you can assist experienced workers with manual labor.

According to Monster’s list of teen jobs, landscaping pays well for physical work, typically $12 to $16 per hour. The outdoor environment appeals to teens who prefer active jobs over indoor customer service roles.

11. Babysitter

Babysitting remains one of the most flexible jobs for 15-year-olds, allowing you to set your own rates and schedule. You can work for neighbors, family friends, or sign up with babysitting platforms that connect sitters with families.

Rates vary significantly by location and number of children, but experienced babysitters can earn $15 to $20 per hour. Consider obtaining CPR certification through the Red Cross to increase your credibility and earning potential.

12. Car Wash Attendant

Car wash facilities hire 15-year-olds to greet customers, process payments, and perform basic cleaning tasks. You’ll work primarily outdoors, which can be enjoyable during pleasant weather and challenging during extreme conditions.

Pay typically starts around $11 to $13 per hour, and many locations offer tips for quality service. The work teaches efficiency and customer service in a fast-paced environment.

13. Farm or Orchard Worker

Agricultural work has different rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act, allowing 15-year-olds to work in certain farm positions during non-school hours. Local farms and orchards hire for picking produce, helping with farm stands, and general farm tasks.

Pay varies widely but often includes the perk of fresh produce to take home. This work connects you with nature and teaches the value of physical labor while supporting local agriculture.

The Youth.gov employment rules page provides specific details about agricultural employment for young workers.

14. Online Tutor

If you excel in specific subjects, online tutoring allows you to help younger students while earning $15 to $25 per hour. Platforms like Tutor.com and local tutoring services hire 15-year-olds with strong academic records.

You’ll need parental involvement to set up accounts and handle payments, but the flexibility is unmatched. You can work from home, set your own schedule, and help others succeed academically while building your resume.

15. Content Creator or Social Media Assistant

Small businesses increasingly need help managing social media accounts, creating content, and engaging with online audiences. While not a traditional job listing, many local businesses will hire tech-savvy 15-year-olds for 5 to 10 hours weekly.

You’ll need to demonstrate your understanding of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook through your own content or portfolios. Pay varies but often reaches $12 to $18 per hour for legitimate social media work.

How to Land Your First Job at 15

Start by creating a simple resume that highlights your school achievements, volunteer work, and any relevant skills. Our guide on making a resume for your first job walks you through exactly what to include when you have limited work experience.

Apply to multiple positions across different categories to increase your chances of getting hired. Don’t limit yourself to just one type of job. Cast a wide net and be open to opportunities that might surprise you.

The Boys & Girls Clubs interview tips guide offers excellent advice on preparing for your first interview, including practicing common questions and understanding what employers look for in young workers.

Interview Guys Tip: When you’re 15, employers are hiring you for your attitude and potential, not your experience. Emphasize your reliability, willingness to learn, and flexibility with scheduling. These qualities matter more than anything else at this career stage.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

Before accepting any job offer, make sure you understand your rights as a young worker. The Department of Labor enforces strict rules about the hours you can work and the tasks you can perform.

You need a work permit in most states before starting employment. Your school guidance office can help you obtain this document, which requires your parent’s signature and your employer’s information.

Never accept a job that asks you to operate dangerous machinery, work with hazardous chemicals, or perform tasks that seem unsafe. These restrictions exist to protect you, and legitimate employers will always respect them.

If you’re interested in exploring additional opportunities, check out our list of the 25 best jobs for teens which includes options for slightly older workers. You can also explore our guide on best entry-level jobs to see what might be available once you turn 16.

Managing Work and School Successfully

Balancing your first job with school responsibilities requires careful planning. Your education should always be your top priority, and any job that interferes with your grades or wellbeing isn’t worth keeping.

Create a weekly schedule that includes school hours, homework time, extracurricular activities, and work shifts. Be honest with employers about your availability and don’t be afraid to say no to extra shifts during exam weeks or busy school periods.

Many employers who regularly hire 15-year-olds understand these priorities and will work with your schedule. If an employer pressures you to choose work over school or ignores your availability, that’s a red flag.

Interview Guys Tip: Track your work hours carefully using a simple notebook or smartphone app. This habit ensures you’re paid correctly and helps you understand how your time translates into earnings. The DOL even offers a free timesheet app specifically for young workers.

What to Do With Your First Paycheck

Landing a job at 15 gives you financial independence, but it also requires learning money management. Consider saving at least 50% of each paycheck for future goals like college, a car, or larger purchases.

Open a savings account if you don’t already have one, and set up a simple budget that includes savings, spending money, and any expenses related to work like transportation or work clothes. Learning these habits now will benefit you for decades.

For more information about developing strong financial habits early, many resources are available through your school’s guidance office or local credit unions that offer teen banking programs.

Taking Your Next Steps

Your first job at 15 is more than just earning money. It’s about developing skills, building confidence, and starting to understand how the professional world works. Every shift you work teaches you something valuable about responsibility, communication, and work ethic.

Don’t get discouraged if the first few applications don’t result in job offers. Many 15-year-olds apply to 10 or more positions before landing their first role. Persistence is part of the process, and each application improves your skills.

Start your job search by identifying 5 to 10 positions from this list that genuinely interest you and match your schedule. Apply to all of them, follow up after a week, and be ready to interview on short notice. Your perfect first job is out there waiting for you to find it.

Looking for more guidance on succeeding in your job search? Explore our article on the 15 highest-paying jobs for teens to understand which positions offer the best earning potential as you gain experience and turn 16.

The reality is that most resume templates weren’t built with ATS systems or AI screening in mind, which means they might be getting filtered out before a human ever sees them. That’s why we created these free ATS and AI proof resume templates:

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