Opportunities for 15-year-olds in Indiana are governed by state and federal regulations designed to balance work experience with educational and safety needs. Understanding the specific legal framework and identifying which industries align with those rules can simplify the job search process. The state provides a clear structure that dictates when, where, and how a minor can be employed.
Understanding Indiana Child Labor Laws for 15-Year-Olds
The legal framework for employing minors in Indiana is defined under state statute, including IC 20-33-3, which outlines limitations on working hours and occupations. Since July 2021, the state transitioned away from the traditional minor work permit. Responsibility for tracking minor employees now falls on the employer through the online Youth Employment System (YES). Employers with five or more minor employees must register their young workers in this electronic system.
Working hours for 15-year-olds are strictly regulated to prevent interference with schooling. During any school week, a minor is limited to working a maximum of three hours on a school day and a total of 18 hours per week. On non-school days, the daily limit extends to eight hours, with a maximum of 40 hours allowed during a non-school week, such as summer break.
Time-of-day restrictions are also precise. Minors may not work before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. on most days, and they must always work outside of school hours. This evening limit is extended to 9:00 p.m. only during the summer period, specifically from June 1 through Labor Day.
Industries and Employers That Commonly Hire 15-Year-Olds
Fast Food and Quick Service Restaurants
The quick service restaurant sector is a common entry point for young workers across Indiana. Businesses like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen, and Culver’s frequently hire 15-year-olds for entry-level positions. These roles often involve customer-facing tasks such as operating the register, taking orders, and maintaining the cleanliness of public areas.
Laws prohibit 15-year-olds from operating most power-driven machinery, including deep-fat fryers without automatic lowering and lifting devices. Employees typically focus on food assembly, packaging orders, and hosting duties rather than extensive cooking or grill work. This emphasis on customer service and simple food preparation provides initial work experience.
Retail and Grocery Stores
Many large retail chains and grocery stores throughout Indiana provide opportunities for 15-year-olds. Stores such as Kroger hire minors for roles that involve bagging groceries, collecting shopping carts, stocking shelves, and assisting customers. These positions generally involve minimal risk and are well-supervised.
Entry-level retail jobs focus on foundational workplace skills, including inventory organization and public interaction. Working as a stocker or store clerk helps new employees develop reliability and attention to detail. These roles are structured to avoid the use of power-driven equipment like forklifts or balers, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Entertainment and Recreation Facilities
Seasonal and recreational businesses offer roles popular during the summer months. Amusement parks, local swimming pools, and community centers often hire 15-year-olds for positions such as pool attendants, camp counselors, or ride operators for non-hazardous attractions. These jobs align well with extended summer work hours.
Lifeguarding is an option, provided the minor completes the necessary training and certification, as federal law allows 15-year-olds to work as lifeguards at traditional swimming pools. Local park systems, such as Indy Parks, offer youth employment programs that place teens in structured roles focusing on recreation supervision and facility support.
Nonprofit and Community Organizations
Nonprofit organizations and community-based programs offer structured work environments for teens. Organizations like the YMCA and specialized programs such as TeenWorks often hire 15-year-olds for roles like day camp assistants or youth program aides. These jobs provide valuable experience in youth mentorship and community engagement.
Some nonprofits focus on community improvement projects, where teens may assist with tasks like park beautification, community gardening, or clerical support. The work is often project-based and supervised by adult staff, ensuring tasks are non-hazardous and contribute positively to the local community.
Navigating the Job Application and Hiring Process
The initial step in securing a job involves finding an employer willing to hire a 15-year-old. Once a position is offered, the minor and their guardian must complete an “Intent to Employ” form, which details the proposed work schedule and job duties. This form confirms parental consent and the employer’s commitment to adhering to all labor law restrictions.
The employer is responsible for registering the new minor employee in the Youth Employment System (YES) if they employ five or more minors. The minor must ensure all necessary personal and parental information is accurately provided to the employer for this registration. The employer must also maintain a record of the minor’s scheduled hours and post the state’s “Teen Work Hour Restrictions” notice at the worksite.
For a first job, a resume should emphasize academic achievements, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating punctuality, enthusiasm, and a clear understanding of the hours they can legally work.
Job Restrictions and Prohibited Occupations
While 15-year-olds can work in a variety of settings, state and federal laws prohibit them from performing certain duties or working in specific hazardous occupations. Any work that involves manufacturing, mining, or processing goods in a workroom is strictly off-limits. These prohibitions safeguard minors from dangerous machinery and environments.
Specific prohibited tasks include operating, cleaning, setting up, or repairing power-driven machinery, such as meat slicers, balers, or food processors. Minors are also prohibited from driving motor vehicles as part of their job duties or working in environments like freezers, meat coolers, or in connection with construction or excavation.