Starting a job at 15 is an exciting step toward independence. The employment landscape for this age group is strictly governed by state and federal regulations designed to protect the health, well-being, and education of young workers. These laws establish clear boundaries for where and when a minor can work. Understanding these legal frameworks is the first step for any teenager seeking employment and for any employer looking to hire them legally.
Legal Foundations for Working at 15
Federal child labor laws, primarily established under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), impose mandatory restrictions on the hours and times a 15-year-old may be employed. During the school year, work is limited to outside of school hours. A minor may work a maximum of three hours on any school day, including Friday, and no more than 18 hours per week when school is in session.
When school is not in session, such as during summer vacation, the daily and weekly hour limits are extended. During these non-school periods, a 15-year-old can work up to eight hours per day and a maximum of 40 hours per week.
Throughout the school year, a minor may only work between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. This evening curfew is extended to 9:00 p.m. between June 1st and Labor Day, providing flexibility for summer employment. Employers must always follow the law that offers the greatest protection to the minor, as state laws can be more restrictive than federal regulations.
Traditional Part-Time Employment Opportunities
Retail and Grocery Stores
Retail environments offer numerous entry-level positions focused on customer service and inventory management. In grocery stores, common roles include bagging groceries, gathering shopping carts, and carrying out customer orders. Fifteen-year-olds are also permitted to work as cashiers and stock shelves. They must not operate power-driven equipment such as balers or compactors.
Food Service and Restaurants
The food service industry frequently employs young workers, typically in front-of-house roles like busser or host/hostess. Kitchen work is permitted but is limited to avoid hazardous equipment. Minors can operate devices such as dishwashers, toasters, and milkshake blenders. They are allowed to perform limited cooking duties on electric or gas grills that do not involve an open flame, and deep fat fryers are permitted only if they have an automatic device that lowers and raises the baskets into the oil.
Recreation and Entertainment
Seasonal and recreational businesses provide varied opportunities, particularly during the summer. Amusement parks hire 15-year-olds for positions like ride attendants or game booth operators. Individuals who obtain the proper certification may also be hired as lifeguards at swimming pools. Movie theaters often employ minors as ushers or concession stand workers, assisting with ticket taking and cleaning auditoriums.
Non-Profit and Government Agencies
Public service and community organizations often have programs designed for young workers to gain professional exposure. Local parks and recreation departments frequently hire for roles such as camp counselor-in-training or youth recreation aides. Government-affiliated programs, such as the Youth Conservation Corps, offer summer employment involving environmental conservation work. Library assistant positions are also available, supporting staff with shelving books and organizing materials.
Jobs That Are Always Prohibited for Minors
Federal and state laws strictly prohibit minors from engaging in work deemed hazardous, regardless of the hours. These Hazardous Occupations Orders (HOs) prevent exposure to dangerous machinery and environments. Employment in manufacturing, mining, and most construction activities is forbidden for anyone under the age of 18.
Fifteen-year-olds are specifically barred from operating power-driven machinery, including meat slicers, commercial mixers, and woodworking equipment. Work that requires climbing or working on scaffolding or roofs is also prohibited. Furthermore, employment that involves driving a motor vehicle as part of the job, such as delivery work, is not permitted.
Untraditional and Self-Employed Opportunities
Many opportunities for 15-year-olds exist outside of the formal W-2 employment structure, often involving small-scale service work. Roles like babysitting, lawn care, or dog walking are generally considered non-regulated or casual employment. Since these activities are performed intermittently for different clients, they often do not require a formal work permit.
Other self-employed ventures include tutoring younger students or selling handmade crafts online. While these jobs offer greater flexibility, they still require the oversight and consent of a parent or guardian. The only exception to federal hours and time restrictions is when the work is performed for a non-hazardous business solely owned by the minor’s parent or guardian.
Navigating the Hiring and Permit Process
Securing a job in a traditional business typically requires obtaining an official work permit, frequently called an Employment Certificate. The process begins after a job offer is extended, as the employer must confirm the intention to hire. This document is usually issued through the minor’s school guidance office or the state’s department of labor.
The application requires cooperation between the minor, their parent, and the prospective employer. The minor must complete the application form and provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate or state-issued identification. A parent or guardian must sign a section to provide consent for the employment.
The employer must complete a section of the form, certifying the job duties and the intended work schedule, which confirms compliance with all child labor laws. Once the completed documents are submitted to the issuing authority, the employment certificate is granted, allowing the minor to legally begin working.