Working at age 15 offers valuable experience and financial independence. Entry into the workforce is governed by regulations designed to protect your education, health, and well-being. These rules vary depending on your location and the specific type of work you perform. Navigating the legal requirements and understanding the permissible scope of employment is the first step toward securing a job.
Understanding Federal and State Child Labor Laws
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) serves as the federal baseline for child labor laws across the United States. It establishes the minimum age for most non-agricultural employment at 14 years old. The FLSA sets nationwide standards for hours worked and the types of jobs permissible for 14- and 15-year-olds, ensuring work does not interfere with a minor’s schooling or health.
States retain the authority to enact their own child labor laws, which often impose stricter limitations than federal standards. If a state law offers greater protection, the employer must comply with the state’s more stringent rule. An employer must adhere to whichever regulation—federal or state—is the most protective for the young worker. Job seekers must check with their specific state’s Department of Labor to determine the exact requirements that apply where they plan to work.
Specific Rules Governing Working Hours
Federal law mandates limitations on when 14- and 15-year-olds may work, tying the hours directly to school attendance. During any week when school is in session, the maximum number of hours allowed is 18. No more than three hours are permitted on any school day, and work must be performed outside of scheduled school hours entirely.
When school is not in session, the hour limits expand to a maximum of 40 hours per week and up to eight hours per day. Time-of-day restrictions apply throughout the year, prohibiting work before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m.
The curfew is extended seasonally to allow work until 9:00 p.m. during the summer, from June 1 through Labor Day. State regulations often impose tighter restrictions, which may include required meal breaks or lower maximum daily or weekly hours. Employers must follow the time limits that provide the greatest protection to the minor employee.
Jobs That Are Strictly Prohibited
Federal and state child labor laws prohibit 15-year-olds from engaging in occupations deemed hazardous or detrimental to their safety. This includes nearly all work in manufacturing and mining industries. Operating or tending to any power-driven machinery other than office equipment is forbidden.
Work environments that pose a risk are off-limits, meaning jobs in construction, warehousing, and transportation are prohibited. Specific banned roles include operating power-driven meat slicers, bakery machines, or hoisting apparatuses. Additionally, 15-year-olds cannot work inside freezers or meat coolers, or perform jobs involving wrecking, demolition, or roofing operations.
Obtaining the Required Employment Certificate or Work Permit
To legally begin working, a 15-year-old in many states must obtain an official employment certificate or work permit. This permit verifies the minor’s age and ensures the proposed job and working hours comply with child labor laws. The process involves cooperation between the minor, the employer, the parent or guardian, and the school district or state Department of Labor.
The application for a work permit requires several documents, including proof of age, such as a birth certificate or state-issued identification. A parental consent form must be signed by the minor’s guardian, acknowledging the employment. The prospective employer also needs to provide a signed statement detailing the specific job duties and the intended work schedule.
Once requirements are met and documents are submitted, the local school district or state labor office issues the permit. This certificate must be kept on file by the employer for the duration of the minor’s employment. If a minor changes jobs, a new work permit must be secured for the new employer to remain in compliance.
Finding and Securing Suitable Jobs
The legal restrictions on hours and occupations still leave many job opportunities open for 15-year-olds. Formal employment is common in retail establishments, often in roles such as cashier, stock clerk, or price marker. The food service industry hires minors for positions like host, busser, or dishwasher, though they are prohibited from performing cooking or baking tasks.
Many seasonal opportunities exist, particularly in the summer, including positions as junior camp counselors or certified lifeguards. Clerical or office work, involving tasks like filing, operating office machines, and running errands, is permitted. For informal jobs, such as babysitting, lawn mowing, or pet sitting, labor laws do not apply, but these activities provide experience and income.
Job searching should focus on businesses known to hire minors, such as local grocery stores, movie theaters, and family-owned establishments. Utilizing online job boards and directly contacting local businesses helps identify available positions. When seeking a job, communicate your availability within the legal working hours to potential employers.
Essential Application and Interview Skills
As a first-time job seeker, your application materials should highlight transferable skills and reliability rather than prior work history. Prepare a basic resume focusing on academic achievements, volunteer experience, and extracurricular activities. These details demonstrate responsibility, teamwork, and commitment to completing tasks.
When contacting potential employers, professionalism is paramount, whether through email, phone, or in person. During the interview, be punctual and dress appropriately to show respect for the process and the employer’s time. Articulate your willingness to learn new tasks and emphasize your commitment to following directions.
Highlighting your understanding of the legal hour restrictions shows maturity and ensures the employer that you are aware of the compliance requirements. The interview is your chance to showcase soft skills like a positive attitude, clear communication, and enthusiasm.
Managing Your Earnings and Taxes
Compensation for your work is subject to the federal minimum wage, though some states have a higher rate that must be paid. Your paycheck shows the difference between your gross pay—the total amount earned—and your net pay, the amount you receive after withholdings. These withholdings include federal and state income taxes, as well as FICA taxes for Social Security and Medicare.
A 15-year-old will not earn enough to owe federal income tax due to the standard deduction, but employers are required to withhold it. If taxes are withheld from your wages, you must file a tax return to receive a refund. If you earn more than $400 from self-employment activities like babysitting, you are responsible for paying self-employment taxes, which covers FICA contributions.