Finding employment as a 15-year-old in Indiana requires navigating state and federal labor laws. These regulations ensure that work experience is gained safely and does not interfere with education. Understanding the specific requirements for age, hours, and permissible duties is the first step toward successfully finding a job.
Foundational Legal Requirements for Teen Workers in Indiana
Indiana no longer issues individual work permits or Employment Certificates for minors aged 14 to 17. Instead, the state uses an employer-focused system called the Indiana Youth Employment System (YES). Responsibility for compliance and tracking falls to the employer.
Employers with five or more employees under 18 must register and maintain an updated record for each minor worker in the YES database. This system monitors youth employment and ensures adherence to labor laws. Although a physical permit is not required, the minor must still provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate or driver’s license, to the employer.
Understanding Permissible Work Hours and Restrictions
Indiana law strictly limits the hours a 15-year-old may work, with separate rules for school weeks and non-school periods. During the school week, a 15-year-old is limited to working a maximum of three hours on any school day, not exceeding 18 hours total per week.
Work hours are restricted to a specific time window, generally between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. This ensures employment does not interfere with school responsibilities.
The rules are more flexible during non-school periods, such as summer vacation. A 15-year-old may work up to eight hours on a non-school day, with a weekly maximum of 40 hours. The evening curfew is extended during the summer season (June 1st through Labor Day), permitting work until 9:00 p.m. Work must always be scheduled outside of regular school hours.
Industries That Commonly Hire 15-Year-Olds
Jobs available to 15-year-olds generally involve light work and do not require the use of hazardous machinery or equipment. Businesses in the retail and service sectors are the most frequent employers, offering roles that align with legal restrictions. These positions allow for the development of fundamental workplace skills like customer service and time management.
Retail and Grocery Stores
Retail environments are a common entry point for young workers. In grocery stores, 15-year-olds often bag groceries or gather shopping carts. Other suitable duties include stocking shelves with non-heavy items, light cleaning, and general cashiering functions. The work must remain non-hazardous; teens are prohibited from operating any power-driven machinery, such as meat slicers or paper balers.
Restaurants and Food Service
The food service industry frequently hires 15-year-olds for specific front-of-house and dishwashing roles. Acceptable duties include waiting on tables, bussing dishes, washing dishes, and working the counter. Federal and state laws prohibit 15-year-olds from engaging in most cooking or baking activities. An exception is allowed for cooking on gas or electric grills that do not involve an open flame, and using deep fat fryers equipped with an automatic basket-lowering and raising device.
Recreation and Entertainment
Recreational businesses offer seasonal and after-school opportunities that fit well with a teen’s schedule. Examples include working at movie theaters in the box office or concession areas, or at amusement parks in ticket sales or general park maintenance. Caddying at a golf course is also a recognized exemption in Indiana labor law. These settings provide experience in customer interaction.
Office and Clerical Support
Some businesses offer part-time office work for teens with strong organizational skills. These roles are limited to light office duties such as filing, typing, running errands, and basic data entry. This work must be performed in an office area separate from any manufacturing or processing workrooms. The use of standard office machines is permitted, but operating heavy or power-driven equipment is not.
Non-Hazardous Farm Work
Agricultural employment is subject to specific federal exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). A minor can be employed in non-hazardous farm work. Non-hazardous tasks typically involve fieldwork, such as harvesting crops or working with livestock. The work must not involve operating heavy or dangerous farm machinery.
Jobs Specifically Prohibited for 15-Year-Olds
The law strictly prohibits 15-year-olds from working in occupations deemed hazardous, regardless of the employer or parental consent. These restrictions are primarily governed by federal law to ensure the physical safety of young workers. A 15-year-old cannot work in manufacturing, mining, or processing workrooms.
Specific prohibited activities include operating any power-driven machinery, such as paper balers, meat slicers, or woodworking equipment. Minors are also barred from working in or about boiler or engine rooms, or performing maintenance on building equipment. Furthermore, 15-year-olds are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle as part of their job, or working as an outside helper on a vehicle.
Tips for Finding and Securing Your First Job
Securing a first job requires a proactive approach, especially when seeking positions that comply with age restrictions. One effective strategy is to approach local businesses directly, as many independent retailers and restaurants may not advertise entry-level positions widely. When applying, create a basic resume that highlights school achievements, volunteer experience, or demonstrated reliability.
Preparing for an interview involves practicing how to articulate enthusiasm and commitment to punctuality and reliability. Since a 15-year-old has limited work history, employers prioritize traits like responsibility and a positive attitude. All earnings are subject to standard payroll deductions for federal, state, and local taxes, just like any other employee.