Finding a first job offers valuable early experience and is an exciting step toward financial independence. Securing legal employment at age 15 in Texas requires understanding specific legal guidelines. These rules ensure employment is safe and does not interfere with education, requiring navigation of both federal and state laws.
The Legal Requirements for Working at 15
The employment of 15-year-olds is governed by both the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Texas Child Labor Law. If federal and state laws differ, the stricter rule must be followed. Texas does not require a minor to obtain a state-issued employment certificate or “work permit.” However, employers must verify the age of every minor they hire and maintain accurate records demonstrating compliance with all applicable labor laws. The minimum wage is the federal rate of $7.25 per hour, though employers can utilize a youth sub-minimum wage of $4.25 per hour for the first 90 calendar days of employment.
Restrictions on Working Hours and Scheduling
The law places strict limitations on the number of hours and the times of day a 15-year-old may work, depending on whether school is in session. During the school year, minors are limited to a maximum of 18 total hours per week, including a daily maximum of three hours on school days. Work must generally be performed between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. When school is not in session, maximum hours increase to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. The evening restriction is extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day to accommodate summer schedules.
Common Industries That Hire 15-Year-Olds
Industries with high turnover and non-hazardous work environments frequently hire 15-year-olds because the available roles align well with legal restrictions. These positions typically involve customer service, light manual tasks, and clerical work.
Retail and Grocery Stores
Retail and grocery stores offer various entry-level positions involving direct customer interaction and routine stocking tasks. Roles include bagging groceries, retrieving shopping carts, and shelving or marking prices on merchandise. Minors may also work as cashiers, operating the register and processing transactions, or assisting with general store cleanup.
Restaurants and Food Service
Many food service roles are permitted, focusing on front-of-house and non-cooking duties that do not involve operating power-driven kitchen machinery. Permitted tasks include serving food and beverages, bussing tables, washing dishes, and operating equipment like dishwashers, toasters, and blenders. Minors can also work as hosts or hostesses, managing reservations and seating customers.
Amusement Parks and Entertainment
During non-school periods, amusement parks, bowling alleys, and movie theaters are common employers for minors. Available jobs often involve operating concession stands, selling tickets, and assisting with facility cleanup. These roles frequently utilize the extended evening hours permitted during summer months.
Non-Profit Organizations and Camps
Non-profits, community centers, and summer camps offer roles focusing on administrative support or assisting with supervised recreational activities. Minors can work as camp counselors in training or as office aides. Tasks include performing light clerical work, organizing supplies, or assisting with setup for community events.
Office and Clerical Work
Many businesses require administrative support that can be legally performed by a 15-year-old within the office environment. Tasks include operating standard office machines, filing, shredding documents, and performing data entry. This type of employment is often found in small businesses, professional offices, or the administrative departments of larger retail and food service companies.
Yard Work and Home Services
Employment in home services is permitted, provided it avoids the use of power-driven machinery, which is strictly prohibited for minors. Permissible roles include raking leaves, weeding flower beds, sweeping walkways, and carrying out orders for small, locally-owned landscaping businesses. Errand running and delivery work by foot or bicycle is also permitted.
Occupations Strictly Prohibited by Law
Texas has adopted Federal Hazardous Occupations (HOs) regulations, which prohibit 15-year-olds from performing jobs deemed too dangerous. Minors are forbidden from operating most power-driven machinery, including meat slicers, paper-product machines, and woodworking machines. Work in manufacturing, mining, or processing occupations is also prohibited, meaning 15-year-olds cannot perform duties in workrooms where goods are produced. Construction work, including roofing, excavation, and on-site repair, is generally off-limits, except for sales or clerical work performed away from the actual construction site. Furthermore, 15-year-olds cannot operate or serve as a helper on any motor vehicle or engage in any public messenger service.
Practical Steps for Getting Hired
Securing a job involves preparation and a proactive approach toward local businesses known to hire minors. Creating a basic resume is a beneficial first step, even with limited professional experience, listing school activities, volunteer work, and neighborhood jobs like babysitting or lawn care. Approach local establishments in person to inquire about openings and submit your resume, as many smaller businesses hire based on personal interaction. Preparing for an interview means practicing answers to common questions about availability, reliability, and academic performance. Once an offer is made, be ready to provide necessary documentation, such as a Social Security card and a birth certificate or driver’s license, to allow the employer to legally verify your age.