A first job is an exciting step toward independence, offering a chance to earn money and learn foundational workplace skills. Finding employment at age 15, however, presents unique challenges because the law restricts the type of work and the number of hours a teen can work. The restaurant industry is a common first stop for many young workers, but their employment is heavily dependent on the employer’s strict adherence to federal and state labor regulations. Understanding these complex rules is the first step for a 15-year-old seeking to enter the workforce, particularly in food service.
Understanding Federal Youth Employment Laws
Federal law, specifically the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), establishes the baseline rules for employing 14- and 15-year-olds in non-agricultural jobs, including restaurants. This legislation ensures that work does not jeopardize a minor’s health, well-being, or educational opportunities. The primary restrictions govern when and how much a young person can work, particularly during the school year.
During any week when school is in session, a 15-year-old is limited to working a maximum of 18 total hours. On school days, including Fridays, the limit is three hours, and work must occur entirely outside of school hours. On non-school days, the minor may work up to eight hours, though the 18-hour weekly limit still applies.
The time of day is also strictly controlled throughout the year. From the day after Labor Day through May 31, a 15-year-old may only work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. This evening restriction is extended during the summer months (June 1 through Labor Day), when the minor may work until 9 p.m. During weeks when school is not in session, the weekly limit increases to 40 hours, but the daily hour and time of day restrictions still apply.
State-Specific Requirements for Teen Workers
While the federal FLSA sets a floor for youth employment standards, state laws often impose additional, more protective rules that employers must follow. When both federal and state laws apply, the rule providing the most protection to the young worker takes precedence, meaning stricter state provisions regarding curfews or daily hours must be observed.
Many states also mandate that 14- and 15-year-olds obtain a formal work permit, sometimes referred to as an employment certificate, before starting a job. The process for securing this permit typically requires documentation of age, a letter of intent from the prospective employer detailing the job and hours, and a signature from a parent or guardian. Some states also require a statement from a school official certifying satisfactory attendance and academic standing.
The specific requirements for work permits and hour restrictions vary widely by location. For example, some states may not require a permit, while others, like Maryland, require a new permit for every job change. Other states may set a maximum combined limit for school and work hours each day for minors, or mandate specific break times that go beyond the federal standard.
Major Restaurant Chains Known to Hire 15-Year-Olds
Restaurants frequently hire 15-year-olds due to the need for entry-level workers to handle basic tasks that do not involve hazardous equipment or late-night shifts. These establishments benefit from a workforce available for peak after-school and weekend hours, which aligns well with federal and state limitations. However, hiring policies can vary significantly between individual franchisee-owned locations of a national chain.
Fast Food and Quick Service Examples
National quick-service restaurants are the most common employers for 15-year-olds, as the work is generally structured around simple, repetitive tasks. Chains like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Burger King hire teens for roles such as crew member or cashier. These positions involve taking customer orders, serving food, and maintaining the cleanliness of the dining area.
Other national brands known to hire young teens include Arby’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), and Taco Bell. These companies often fill predictable, high-turnover positions that do not require extensive training. Applicants should check with their local store’s management to confirm the specific location’s age policy.
Casual Dining and Regional Examples
Beyond the major fast-food chains, other types of establishments also offer opportunities for 15-year-olds. Ice cream and dessert shops, such as Dairy Queen and Baskin-Robbins, are popular options because the work often involves simple food preparation like scooping and blending, which falls within legal limits. These settings often have flexible scheduling to accommodate student workers.
Grocery store delis and local ice cream parlors are also common employers for young teenagers. The nature of the work in these environments, which includes bagging groceries, stocking shelves, and simple cashier duties, aligns with youth labor laws. These regional and local businesses often have more direct and flexible hiring processes than large, full-service dining establishments.
Allowed Duties and Prohibited Tasks
Federal child labor laws clearly define the specific duties that 14- and 15-year-olds are permitted to perform in a restaurant setting. Allowed tasks generally involve customer service and light kitchen work. Permitted jobs include cashiering, waiting tables, busing, and general cleanup, such as using vacuum cleaners and floor waxers.
Minors in this age group may also perform certain food preparation tasks, such as washing dishes, blending milkshakes, and operating warming lamps and coffee grinders. They are allowed limited cooking duties, specifically those involving electric or gas grills that do not use an open flame. They can also use deep-fat fryers, but only if the fryer is equipped with a device that automatically raises and lowers the baskets into the hot oil.
However, 15-year-olds are strictly prohibited from performing tasks deemed hazardous by the Department of Labor. These prohibited tasks include:
- Operating power-driven machinery, such as meat slicers, commercial mixers, meat grinders, and patty-forming machines.
- Cleaning, setting up, or repairing power-driven equipment.
- Operating high-speed ovens, rotisseries, or pressure cookers.
- Working in any duties that require the use of ladders.
- Performing any work involving driving a motor vehicle on public roads.
Navigating the Application Process
A successful job search begins with thorough preparation, which is particularly important for a 15-year-old seeking their first position. Applicants should create a simple resume that focuses on transferable soft skills, such as reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic. School activities, volunteer experience, and responsibilities like babysitting or lawn mowing can serve as evidence of these qualities.
Parental consent is a fundamental part of the application process for minors, and applicants should prepare for this requirement from the outset. Many states require a parent or guardian’s signature on the work permit application. Employers often require parental contact information to confirm availability and acknowledge labor law restrictions. Demonstrating an understanding of the work permit process, including having the necessary forms ready, signals maturity and preparedness.
Interview preparation should focus on articulating commitment and availability within the legal working hours, especially the early evening time restrictions. A 15-year-old should be ready to discuss how they plan to balance schoolwork and employment, showing the interviewer that they have a plan for managing their responsibilities. Asking thoughtful questions about the daily duties and how the company supports its young employees can further demonstrate a serious and professional approach.