They say that one of the keys to having a bright and exciting future is to know the importance of money and learn to work hard at a young age. However, some laws prohibit hiring 14 or 15-year-old employees.
These laws were created and observed to protect teenagers from the physical and mental distress that the corporate world could bring to them. But it is also practical to think of those who do not have the privilege of having families to support them, pushing them to the idea of applying for jobs to provide for themselves and embrace independence at a very young age.
List of Places That Hire 14 and 15-year-olds
There are many places that hire 14- and 15-year-olds. Some of these places include fast-food restaurants, grocery stores, and retail stores. Many of these places will require that the 14- or 15-year-old have a work permit. If you are currently looking for a job, get ready to start a career in the food and beverage, retail, and amusement industry with these jobs:
Restaurant Chains that Hire 14 and 15-year-olds
1. McDonald’s
Oh, the Good Old Ronald McDonald. McDonald’s is also one of the companies that hire 15 year-olds. There are lots of teenagers who manage to study while working as a service crew at McDonald’s. There are lots of available positions for working students, but many locations will hire for service jobs such as dining staff, kitchen crew, and drive-thru personnel.
While some of these jobs sound a bit exhausting for teenagers, the management gives special consideration to their young crew members through flexible shifts, competitive salary and benefits, and even crew scholarships.
If you are determined to learn and earn, working at McDonald’s could be a great start for personal and financial growth. You may also want to have your own inspiring story like Cherry Toledo, a service crew of McDonald’s who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Psychology back in 2019. Talk about learning and earning with flying colors? Truly impressive.
2. Burger King
With 580 locations in Texas alone and more than 7,000 locations in the United States; it would be impossible not to stumble upon two or more branches that will hire 15-year-olds. Although some branches are a little stricter with age requirements starting at 16, there are still many locations that hire teenagers for their dining and kitchen teams.
3. Baskin Robbins and Ben & Jerry’s
Yummy and exciting flavors, fun and colorful ads, a favorite of young people and even those who are young at hearts, ice cream truly makes the world a better place. Baskin Robbins and Ben & Jerry’s are just two of the top brands that we think of when we talk about good ice cream. But these two big brands of cold treats actually have one thing in common. Both companies hire 14 to 15-year-olds with duties such as serving customers, cleaning, restocking, and preparing orders. How enjoyable it is to be served by hardworking teenagers? It would be amazing, for sure.
4. Dairy Queen
Amazed by Dairy Queen’s “upside-down” routine every time you get your order of the famous Oreo Blizzard? You will be more amazed to know that they hire 14 to 15-year-olds with duties in cashiering, food preparation, cleaning, and customer service. So do not be surprised after seeing a fresh face in a DQ uniform, flipping your order like a pro. That is a DQ thing.
5. KFC
Colonel Sanders may have started his fried chicken empire a little older age-wise, but the legacy of his original recipe chicken continues to influence younger generations. KFC is one of many fast-food chains and places that hire at 15 with minimal responsibilities in customer service and cleaning. The purpose of limiting their duties is the danger that some cooking equipment might cause. Thus, teenagers will only be allowed to work in the kitchen at the age of 16 and above, which is actually a fantastic way to allow them to experience working from basic steps to more demanding departments and tasks.
6. Chick Fil-A
Hailed as Teens’ Favorite Restaurant Chain in 2019 by Piper Jaffray Taking Stock with Teens, Chick-Fil-A is not only famous for its teen-friendly chicken menu but for hiring actual teens to assist the restaurant in their daily operations. While their minimum hiring age is 16, some states do allow the employment of young applicants for service jobs with minimum working hours and a state-issued permit.
7. Boston Market
Boston Market’s typical hiring age is 16 but with more than 300 locations in the United States, some branches hire 15-year-olds to perform simple tasks like preparing food and basic customer services which include taking orders and serving customers at the dining area. The company also takes pride in its diversified working environment, promoting equality in gender, race, and age.
8. Rita’s Italian Ice
Rita’s Italian Ice is known for their sweet and cold treats such as ice cream and milkshakes. They have more than 500 branches in the United States and they usually hire ages 14 to 15 to work as cashiers or servers.
9. California Pizza Kitchen
This California-made favorite of pizza connoisseurs has a fixed minimum age requirement for applicants who want to work in the kitchen: 16.
But you need not worry because the company is actually open to hiring 15 year olds to perform specific duties of monitoring seat availability and checking customers in queues. This policy may vary depending on the local laws of a particular branch or location so it is highly important to know this before sending applications.
10. Subway
Do you know a 15-year-old with a passion for food and art? Is it a weird combo? Not when you are a fan of Subway. This popular restaurant chain with submarine sandwiches or “subs” as specialty typically hires 16 year olds or older but for their sandwich artists, as long as you are capable of experimenting with flavors, mixing, and matching, you are in at 15.
11. Culver’s
This fast-food chain is no stranger when it comes to trusting and hiring young blood. With more than 600 locations across the United States, the company hires as young as 14 year olds to assist in serving customers and preparing food. Aside from good food and a friendly working environment, Culver’s is also known for giving service jobs to 14 and 15 year olds. They also promote a lovely workplace and give opportunities to people with special needs.
12. Starbucks Montana
Like many other companies, Starbucks complies with the legal working age set for a specific state. Only the company’s branches in the state of Montana accept applicants at 15. The duties include taking orders, food and beverage preparation, and cleaning. So if you get to visit Starbucks in Montana, let the young ones add the extra pump of deliciousness to your drinks.
13. Taco Bell
When you think of Mexican food, you think of Taco Bell. With their famed and flavorful Nachos and Burritos, it is impossible not to spot a Taco Bell restaurant nearby and not crave their sumptuous menu. But aside from their food offerings, do you know that some Taco Bell restaurants actually hire 15 year olds? Many states stick to start hiring applicants at the age of 16 but some stores do hire teens at 15 to do basic cashiering and order taking. Inquire at their official website and social media accounts or visit their stores nearby to check if their minimum hiring age is 15, there may be lots of jobs waiting for you.
Retail Stores that Hire Teens: Supermarket Chains, Clothing Stores, and Grocery Stores that hire 14 and 15 year olds
14. Giant Eagle
The grocery store chain has more than 200 stores in the United States, with the majority located in Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Indiana. They are also known for having young employees in charge of the deli area, shopping carts, bakery, and stacking of shelves.
15. Giant Food
Just like the wide range of products that they offer to their consumers, Giant Food also opens different job opportunities for 15 year olds. The retail company often hires teenagers as deli clerks, floral associates, cake decorators, cashiers, baggers, and shelf-stacker. Sounds exciting, do you agree?
16. Safeway
This supermarket chain is the opposite of young since it started its operation 107 years ago, but the company surely has its trust in the young ones. They have various positions open for 15 year olds such as grocery bagger, shelf-stacker, and cashier.
17. Publix
Just like the abovementioned companies, Publix is a multi-branch supermarket chain with more than 1,200 locations in the United States. They hire 15 year olds who work as cashiers, baggers, and service desk clerks.
18. Fareway
At 14 years old, one can actually apply for a grocery position at Fareway. The company’s stores are mainly located throughout the Midwest and if a teenager is lucky and determined enough to apply for an entry-level position, chances are high that he or she will be working as a cashier or stock clerk.
19. Harvey’s Supermarket
Founded in 1924, this supermarket chain has stores in Georgia, Florida, and is also known as one of the companies that hire 15 year olds. Teens that are hired by Harvey’s are responsible for jobs like cashiering, cleaning, basic customer service, and stocking.
20. HyVee
This Iowa-based supermarket chain currently has more than 280 locations in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and soon Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. While the age requirement for some states is typically 16 years old, many locations hire workers as young as 14 and 15. Check with your local store if you can be a part of their progressive teams.
21. Kroger
You will be surprised to know that this American retail company operating in numerous department stores throughout the United States accepts applicants as young as 14! There are lots of opportunities available but expect that they may hire for jobs in cashiering, production and manufacturing, and other customer-service-related jobs.
22. Stop and Shop
Now famous for its “Store on Wheels”, this East Coast-based supermarket chain has over 400 locations and is also known as one of the grocery stores that hire younger workers. Jobs for 15 year olds include service jobs such as flower shop and grocery attendant and bakery staff. With many branches, expect a store near you where you could work and earn at a young age. Take note that jobs may vary by location and other locations may hire 16 years old or older.
Entertainment Venues that Hire 15 Year Olds
23. AMC Theatres
If you happen to know someone who is fascinated with movies and wants to be updated with the latest releases, consider AMC as fun and ideal workplace for them. The company has more than 380 theaters in the United States and is definitely one of the top go-to theaters that movie enthusiasts love. Teenagers may also find jobs like the following:
- Ticket Booth Attendant
- Theater Usher
- Snack Bar Attendant
- Cleaning Attendant
- Ticket Collector
24. Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark
Who does not want up to a 50% discount on food, candies, free admission to most attractions, discounted rates for families and friends, free meal and drink every shift, and a sweet birthday treat? These surely sound like a dream come true for some but these are actual benefits given to employees of Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark. The iconic chocolate company hires workers as young as 15 and even though some positions require older employees, some jobs including retail, food and beverage-related positions, and even lifeguard jobs are open for applicants who want to start earning at 15.
25. Six Flags
For sure, a job exposed to the loud and thrilling noises of guests and tourists enjoying the adrenaline rush brought by daring rides is a growing teenager’s fancy. Working at the amusement park is especially fun as you get to experience dealing with people from different nations and of different age groups. Six Flags is the world’s largest regional theme park company and is well celebrated by people of the United States and other visiting nationalities for having 26 parks across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. While they have fixed rules and age requirements for employees in the park itself, their doors are open for 15 year olds who want to work as game or food service attendants. How fun it is to see people enjoying their time inside Six Flags with a paycheck waiting?
26. U-Haul
Do not feel frustrated if there are no available jobs for you at 15. If you are looking for places that hire at 14 or 15-year-old but cannot find one at a fast food restaurant, supermarket chain, or clothing store, then prepare your resume and head to U-HAUL. U-Haul is an American moving and storage service company that hire teens as young as 14! They hire kids to work as online customer service staff members. Because of the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, it is very important to create non-hazardous jobs under certain conditions and make these jobs available for teens 14 years and older. Browse their website and find out whether or not they hire for the said position at the moment.
Looking for a job at 15? Try these side hustles
It is never too early or too late to take the first steps to learning and earning. It is a great thing to know that there are several companies that trust the capabilities of young people and their willingness to work and make money at a tender age. Note that these companies and their policies may vary in each state and if there are no jobs available jobs in your area, one must take his or her resourcefulness and creativity to the next level and put up a plan or a small business to earn modestly. Here are some examples:
27. Go Freelance
Things that you will need: A laptop or desktop computer, stable internet connection, a nice portfolio, and SKILLS.
For 15 year-olds who are confident with skills in freelance writing, graphic design, systems troubleshooting, and clerical and administrative tasks but cannot apply for corporate positions due to a “very young age”, going freelance is the key. Some companies do require certain years of experience but it is worth trying. Most of the time, a clean and well-organized portfolio showcasing designs, artworks, and content does the trick.
28. Make or Bake
Things that you will need: Oven and other baking equipment, ingredients, baking skills.
For kids who have a secret cookie and pastry recipes given by their moms, aunts, and other family members, making money is easy through baked goodies. Name that cookie or brownie, promote it online, distribute little samples for a free taste and start selling them. Who says no to the comforting smell of newly baked cookies anyway?
29. Closet Cleanup + Garage Sale
Things that you will need: Used clothing items or toys, a place where you can put them on display, cute banners to attract customers.
Teenagers usually outgrow their favorite clothes and shoes too soon due to changing trends in fashion and once in a while, a closet cleanup is needed to make way for new stuff. Aside from a cleaner closet look, used clothes, shoes, and toys can be sold at reasonable prices. This is very practical for teens who want to save money.
30. Vlogging
Things that you will need: A camera or smartphone with a decent camera and video, free editing apps, stable internet connection, PR skills, and confidence.
Yes, technology and its many uses. For 15 year olds who love spending their time checking their phones, taking photos and videos, and browsing the internet to be updated with the world, vlogging is a sure way to earn subscribers and cash. Just make sure that the content will be unique since the cyber world is already saturated with video blogs of similar content. Make it interesting by keeping up with trends and following popular vloggers to carve an outstanding mark in the vlogging community.
31. DIY Crafts
Things that you will need: Old items for scrapbooking, a Pinterest account for inspiration, lots and lots of creativity.
If the freelance plan did not work, this is the answer. Teenagers who love everything artsy and aesthetic enjoy making Do It Yourself projects such as birthday cards, wedding invitations, souvenirs, etc. DIY pieces are usually sold higher due to genuine effort added to create them. Conduct research about the most profitable crafts to sell. Watch some tutorials on YouTube to learn basic Photoshop techniques, calligraphy styles, and other useful strategies to become a DIY master.
Benefits of Working at age 14 or 15
There are many benefits to working at a young age, including:
- It can help teenagers learn responsibility and time management skills. Motivating 15-year-olds to work enhances their personal values such as punctuality and a sense of responsibility.
- Working can help teenagers save money for future goals, such as college or a car.
- Early work experience can provide valuable experience and references for future jobs.
- Teens who start working at a young age often have a head start in terms of workplace knowledge, which can make them more productive and efficient.
- Working during adolescence can help teens form strong work habits and develop positive self-identity.
- You get the chance to experience different jobs and work in various industries.
If you’re looking for jobs that hire kids as young as 15 years old, there are many options available. You can search online for jobs that hire at 15, or look for local businesses that may be hiring. Many businesses are willing to hire 14 or 15 year olds for part-time or seasonal positions. Jobs that hire at 14 usually give light duties to help kids maintain work-life balance. The minimum hiring age may depend on the state rules so it is also possible that they won’t hire at 15 years old, nonetheless, every fun and exciting job is worth trying.
How many hours can a 14- and 15-year-old work legally?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum age for employment in the United States at 14 years old. However, there are restrictions on the type of work that 14- and 15-year-olds can do. For example, they cannot work in hazardous occupations or in jobs that require them to operate machinery. They also cannot work more than three hours on a school day, or more than 18 hours in a week when school is in session. During summer vacation or non-school days, they can work up to eight hours a day and 40 hours a week.
What is the average salary for 14- and 15-year-olds?
At 14 or 15, you’re likely still in high school and just starting to think about your future career. You might not have a lot of work experience, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have skills or value. You may be surprised to discover that there are high-paying jobs available for teenagers with minimal experience. So how much should you expect to be paid?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, entry-level workers aged 14 to 17 should be paid at least $7.25 per hour when working 30 hours per week (or $11.19 per hour when working 40 hours per week), which is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. These rates may increase depending on experience level and location; however, they are still lower than the average pay rates for adult workers in these industries.
This number can vary depending on experience and qualifications, so it is important to ask about pay when interviewing for a job. Additionally, many employers may offer reduced hours or wages for young employees if they are still in school or have graduated from high school.
However, many employers are willing to pay more than the minimum wage to attract and retain good employees. So if you’re a hard worker with a good attitude, you could earn $9.00 or even $10.00 per hour.
Final thoughts on places that hire at 15
Many places hire at 15, even 14, and it can be a great way to get your first job. If you are 13 years old, gain some experience and hone your skills before stepping up for financial independence. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you are aware of the hours you are able to work. Second, jobs vary by location and some places that are known to hire teenagers may require a work permit, so be sure to check with your local laws. It is very important to take note of companies that hire responsible employees without legal implications. Finally, be prepared to picture yourself working in jobs and earning by yourself!
When it comes to opportunities, there are ranges of career options that teenagers can venture into if they want to learn and earn at the same time. It takes a generous amount of patience, perseverance, and willingness to try new things to reach any goal. Always remember to look for a job that will truly match your passion and you will never feel the need to jump from one job to another. Working should feed not just our tummies or our bank accounts. It should also feed our souls.
When bills are already paid, the ultimate goal which will be left undone is happiness.
Always choose to be happy.
