For any teenager having a side source of income is something they look forward to. There are certain expenses that you cannot explain to your parents. Also, can you go rushing to them for money each time your friends want a party? No, you can’t, and that is where a side hustle proves helpful. Teenagers thus often look for places that hire at 15 years and above.
Joining any such platform gives them the financial independence that they crave. But, it is not easy to trust just any place as there are always trust issues. To help you out, here we have compiled a list of top places that can hire a teenager. With this list at your disposal, you may quickly build up your skills and earn some pocket money.
Table of Contents
Benefits of finding places that hire at 15
Before we move ahead, we would like to guide you on why you need to start working at such a tender age. Having a career from age 15 has its own share of benefits.
- You are able to save money for college
- You can develop a sense of responsibility and understand the concept of teamwork
- All the learnings prove helpful when you actually start working later on
- You can build your professional skills and learn things like timekeeping, customer service, and prioritizing
- On the basis of this valuable work experience, you can get full-time employment later on
Labor laws for teenagers
At the outset, you would want to know what places hire at 15 and is working at this tender age is permissible or not. As per US labor laws, there is nothing wrong with that. Already many companies hire teenagers. Yet to protect the kids from being cheated, the US Department of Labor has implemented some labor laws.
Firstly children above 14 are allowed to work in places that are non-agricultural in nature. Kids are also entitled to participate in TV shows and act in movies and theatre irrespective of their age at that time. They can also do basic jobs like delivering newspapers, babysit, working in the family business, etc.
All the Federal laws for working teenagers are mentioned in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This act sets the expected wages, work hours, and other details. However, all these details vary from state to state. So, before you start looking for places that hire at 15, first read about the working laws in your state.
Working hours
Before we move ahead, you should know about the working hours as well. As per FLSA, you cannot work during school hours. Your working hours will primarily be:
- Non-school hours
- 8 hours on a non-school day
- Forty hours in a vacation week
- Three hours for a school day
- 18 hours for a school week
- Timings between 7 am -7 pm. On 1st June you can work between 7 am-9 pm.
However, once you attain age 16, some of the restrictions will be lifted
How much pay you can expect?
Next, we can come to the topic of how much pay is given to a teen. The standard wage that the government has set is $7.25 per hour, and all the states have to adhere to the same. Since your age is below 20, it is possible you will be paid $4.25 per hour for the first 90 days. Post that, you are liable to be paid $7.25 or the minimum wage.
List of places that hire at 15 years
We will now tell you about the most common companies that hire at 15. Have a look at the list below and start planning which one, to begin with.
Restaurant chains that hire at age of 15
Whether it is a fast-food joint or any regular café, there are plenty of jobs available. Moreover, restaurants operate on a shift basis. You can always choose which shift will suit you and start your career. Plus, there is no shortage of restaurants looking for help.
Your newspaper, as well as the local handouts, will have details of such openings. Remember, you must have a pleasing personality to succeed with any of them. Since restaurant jobs mean many customer dealings, you should know how to converse and take instructions. By far, restaurants are one of the top places that hire at 15. Check out some best restaurant chains that hire teenagers:
1. Baskin Robbins
Baskin Robbins, as you must know, is a famous ice cream brand. Their franchises are all over the USA. Most of them keep hiring regularly. You just have to see when the nearest one to you starts the hiring.
The best part is that you get to serve tasty ice-creams, yogurt, cakes, and frozen sherbet to customers. If you are good at maths, you might even get a chance to operate the cash register.
2. Chick-Fil-A
Chick-Fil-A is also a somewhat famous name in the list of places that hire at 15. This is because it has nearly 2500 outlets in the USA. It goes without saying that you can find one or two outlets close to your home too. They do hire people below the age of 15 years. You will have to check their outlet for more details. There are a vast variety of jobs like serving customers, dishwashing, cash register, and preparing the food.
3. Ben and Jerry’s
Another famous brand Ben and Jerry’s is a popular option for job seekers. They have nearly 4000 outlets in the USA. Naturally, you are bound to have one close to your home. You can choose your time of working and pick up a few customer service skills in the process. However, they hire kids of 14 and 15 years for some jobs only. You will have to figure out the jobs they are looking for before you apply.
4. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen also has nearly 4000 outlets for you to choose from. They have a variety of jobs, so there is no shortage of jobs here. You could start as a cleaner or cashier depending on your interests. The minimum age specified for each of the jobs is 14 years. So, the chances of getting selected are pretty high in this case. Moreover, since the job variety is more, the experience you get is also varied.
5. KFC
KFC or Kentucky Fried Chicken remains the second popular fast food joint in the USA after Mc Donald’s. Naturally then the number of stores is also more. At any known place, you can find 2-3 outlets quite close by. Therefore you can have a higher option of which outlet to choose from. With around 4200 outlets, KFC remains one of the most active places that hire at 15. You can work as a customer attendant, teller, or cook. It purely depends on the kind of interest you have.
6. California Pizza Kitchen
With its 250 outlets, California Pizza Kitchen has its roots rather well spread. Some of these outlets hire kids aged 15, provided the state laws permit it. You can quickly grab the post of a host or hostess. Your job will entitle you to serve the guests. Apart from that, they do have teller jobs as well. However, they might have an age restriction on that position. It is better that you clarify all this at the time of applying,
7. Boston Market
There are around 450 outlets of Boston Market, and they are continuously recruiting. Boston market needs both Kitchen crew and counter age, and their minimum age specification is 15 years. You will get to prepare food, take orders and serve the customers. You can check their website to find if there are any vacancies. Also, you could visit the local store and apply there and then.
8. McDonald’s
When we are talking about restaurants, how can we forget about McDonald’s? It has around 14000+ restaurants all over the USA. Naturally, this means that there is a continuous requirement for staff. There is a McDonald’s at every corner, so probably not finding a vacancy is out of the question. Each of the franchises has its own rule about hiring teens. You will be hired to accomplish basic jobs like cleaning, cooking, or serving around.
9. Pizza hut
Who does not love Pizza? Pizza Hut’s authentic Italian-American Cuisine includes pizza, pasta, and other side dishes. The load and the kind of work are tremendous. So if you join you should be open to working quite a few hours. If you have a worker’s permit, there is no chance you will not get accepted. Get ready to become the smiling face that curbs the hunger pangs of the customers.
10. Starbucks
You must have noticed more than one Starbucks store in your neighborhood itself. That is because they have around 8000 company-operated and 6000 licensed stores in the US. Though it is said that the minimum hiring age in Starbucks is 16 years, some states like Montana allow kids of 15 years as well. Just find out the exact requirement from your local outlet.
Grocery Stores that hire at age of 15
Next up the list of businesses that hire at 15 are Grocery stores that are always hiring. In fact, when you visit your closest store, you will find boards mentioning the posts vacant and contact details. But the Grocery stores can have extended hours. If you want to work there, it might mess up your school schedule. You can pick up a Grocery store job during your vacations.
Working at a Grocery store makes you a multi-tasker. You are supposed to accomplish a lot of tasks. This makes you proficient in working as a cashier, cleaner, grocery bagger, etc. Prepare yourself for the extra load as a Grocery store job tends to be tough.
1. Giant Eagle
Giant Eagle has its branches spread over five states, i.e., West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Indiana. This restricts the number of options you have. But, there are around 400 stores in these five states themselves. The stores employ 14+ kids for regular jobs like bakery clerks, shopping cart attendants, etc. You might even land a job as a teller, which is a good experience. To know more just visit their local store.
2. Safeway
If you live in an urban area, there must be a Safeway near you. In the USA, Safeway has around 894 locations and is thus a great option to join. Plus, the variety of jobs offered is comprehensive. You can dabble in all kinds of aspects and emerge wiser. If you love greeting people, can do cart runs, and bagging items, you can apply for a job here. They may have a shift basis job. Therefore you may work here without your studies getting affected.
3. Winn Dixie
Winn Dixie again operates in four states only. This includes Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. If you are residing elsewhere, this may not be an option for you. However, even in these four states, the number of outlets is more than 500. It is self-evident that you would have at least one or two outlets close to your home. The minimum hiring age is 15. Just check the local outlet to know if they have any new job openings.
4. Publix
Publix has 1100+ branches. But these branches are restricted in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina only. They publicize vacancies for 14 + kids at their outlets themselves. You can work as a clerk, bagger, cashier, and service desk clerk.
5. Kroger
Kroger is relatively widespread, having 2700 outlets all over the USA. It also has many other stores like Fry’s, King Scoopers, and Smith’s. The outlet hires 14 years old for bagger and clerk jobs. You will still have to confirm with the local outlet. They may have a hiring policy different from the others. Whatever it is, if you get through the experience you get will be very fruitful.
Some other offline places that hire at 15
Grocery stores/ restaurants are self-explanatory choices when we talk of working at a young age. Apart from these, many other places happily accommodate teenagers. You can even make money online without paying anything if you have the proper knowledge. Let us have a look at some places other than mainstream workplaces.
1. AMC Theatres
Working in a movie theatre is like a dream come true for anyone. AMC theatres have around 600 outlets all over the USA. They maintain a hiring age of approximately 14 or 15 years.
The options are varied like cashier, usher, or concessionist. Just walk to their local office and ask them if they have any vacancies.
2. Six Flags
A famous amusement park brand Six flags job offer means fun and earning together. Plus, since the amusement parks are so huge, the variety of jobs is also more. You could be a game attendant, host/hostess, lifeguard, or food service employee. However, here, the job offers differ as per the season. If you do not have a local six flags park, you can try at any of the regular amusement parks near your home.
3. Hershey’s Chocolate world
Again Hershey’s chocolate world gives a chance to young learners. It is operated by The Hershey Company, and the minimum age requirement set is 15 years. Apart from the earnings, you get multiple perks with the jobs. This includes 50% off on the food items, discounted candy, free entry to relatives and family, free drinks, and one free meal on a shift.
In the same complex, you will find Hershey park, and they have a variety of jobs to offer. Again the perks are just too exciting to forego. However, both these options are location-specific.
4. Newspaper distribution
Even now, newspapers are distributed the traditional way. The job is slightly hectic as you have to be up in the wee hours of the morning. Apart from getting regular payments, you may even receive some tips. However, this is not a very lucrative and in-demand job at present.
Online survey sites that hire at age of 15
If you do not wish to leave the confines of your home, then you can use survey sites to earn money. However, the earnings in this case fluctuate. However, the flexibility of working from home at any time is an added bonus.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a famous reward site where kids above 13 years can earn pocket money. Plus, the minimum amount to withdraw is $1. There is not much that you have to do to make the moolah. Simple tasks like watching videos, online shopping, checking and reviewing websites, etc., will do the trick. Swagbucks offers multiple payment modes, so your money is easy to take out.
2. InstaGC
InstaGC is similar to Swagbucks in its pattern of operation. Again you get paid for watching videos and surveys. However, do not fabricate information while performing these surveys. If you are caught, you can be blacklisted. Apart from PayPal, you can even earn gift cards from e-commerce sites. The payment threshold is $1-$5; hence you can start low and then move ahead.
3. Pinecone research
Pinecone is a survey site. They basically want to know your opinion. For every survey you complete, you are paid $3. The plus point is that this money is transferred to your account as soon as the survey is over. They have a variety of payment options like checks, PayPal, and gift cards. You can even withdraw your earnings in multiples of $3.
Service Jobs that you can do at age of 15
You can also try and do some service jobs. This is in case you do not want to be time-bound and need some flexibility. Sometimes kids are so good at these beginning jobs that they tend to pursue it as a career.
1. Referee/ Umpire for Youth league
If you are rather passionate about sports, you may use it to make some money. In this case, your job would comprise of the following duties:
- Observing the rules of the game
- Imposing penalties on breaking of rules
- Awarding the points
- Announcing the winners
- Verifying the scores
- Seeing that safety regulations are strictly enforced
2. Babysitting
You will need a lot of patience and tact to set yourself for this job. If you have a younger sibling, then it is an added advantage. Working parents are open to paying a decent amount if they see you can handle their kids. Start by advertising your services to your parent’s acquaintances. You can then spread the word around.
3. Editing/creating videos for businesses
A beginning business does not have the time to advertise itself. If you can create videos, then help them out. Create or edit videos that they can use to market themselves. All you need is a fast computer, video editing software and some creative skills. What is more, this job sets your base for a successful career in the future too.
4. Cleaning and organizing homes
Many kids are pretty good at cleaning and organizing homes. What’s more here the earning potential is much higher than any other job. Always start with people who love close to you and are working. You could advertise your services through local flyers or put your services on Facebook. Here word of mouth is very important. If you are able to provide an effective service, you will get more work.
5. Dog Walker
There is no dearth of pet owners, and you can be a help to them. Dog walking is a respectable profession, especially if you are an animal lover yourself. The scope of earning in this is higher. There is not much hard effort required.
Just follow the walking schedule and be careful about the needs of the pet. You can walk dogs for more than one family at a time. Hence this means decent pocket money coming your way.
6. Online tutoring
Maybe you are rather passionate about a subject and want to help other students. How about using this as a chance to earn spare money. Start with informing the people near you. If need be, you can even share the news with your school classmates. They may know people who need help for their kids. Apart from tutoring, you could also prepare projects or complete holiday assignments for other students.
7. Basic landscaping jobs
Lawn care is something that most working individuals are unable to manage. If you have the time, you can do landscaping tasks for them. This includes jobs like yard cleaning, watering plants, pulling out the weeds, maintaining the fences, etc. For this job, you will personally have to contact people and inform them. If your parents know of people who need such assistance, your effort would be reduced.
8. Errand services
Some people remain pretty busy. When they get free time, they spend it mostly on finishing their more significant commitments. For such people, you can act as an errand guy/girl. This will include jobs like dropping and picking stuff from the dry cleaner, getting medicines, grocery shopping, etc. However, you have to be quite meticulous in taking instructions. If you make even one error in calculations or purchasing items, it may leave a wrong impression.
9. Blogging
Blogging is for those who love penning their thoughts down. If you pursue a hobby rather passionately, you can blog about it. But here, you might have to invest some money in creating and maintaining the website. Plus, any blog takes some time to succeed. If you are looking for quick cash, then you should not take up blogging. Also, you will have to post content on a regular basis for your blog to leave a mark.
Conclusion
There is no harm in looking for places that hire at 15 during your free time. However, you must be careful when applying and finalizing one place. Sometimes inexperience makes us take up opportunities that are not worth the time and effort. The above list of businesses that hire at age 15 will give you leverage in your search. At any point, if you are confused, you can confide in your parents. Their guidance should help you in making the right decision.