Finding a first job is basically a rite of passage. You're 15, you want your own money, and you're tired of asking for a twenty every time you want to hang out with friends. But honestly, the "hiring" sign in the window doesn't always apply to you. Federal and state laws are pretty strict about what a 15-year-old can actually do. You can't touch meat slicers. You can't work late on school nights. Some managers just don't want the paperwork.
But companies do hire at this age. Plenty of them. You just have to know which ones have a corporate culture—or a franchise model—that welcomes younger teens.
What Companies Hire 15 Year Olds Right Now?
It’s a mix of fast food, grocery stores, and "fun" venues like movie theaters or theme parks. Most of these places are huge brands you see every day. The trick is that many are franchises. This means a McDonald's in one town might hire at 14, while one three towns over says "16 only." Always call ahead.
The Fast Food Giants
Fast food is the classic starting line. It's fast, it's greasy, and it teaches you how to handle a rush without losing your mind.
- McDonald's: Probably the most famous for this. They've been hiring 14 and 15-year-olds for decades. You’ll mostly be in "Crew Member" roles. Think taking orders, cleaning tables, or prepping fries. You won't be flipping burgers on the big grill yet because of safety laws.
- Chick-fil-A: They are known for being super picky, but they do hire 15-year-olds. They focus heavily on "hospitality." If you can say "my pleasure" with a straight face and work hard, you've got a shot.
- Culver’s: This chain is huge in the Midwest and expanding fast. They frequently hire at 14 and 15. It’s a bit more "family-style" than a standard drive-thru, which some people prefer.
- Dairy Queen: If you don't mind the smell of vanilla mix all day, DQ is a solid bet. They often hire young teens to work the front counter or prep those Blizzards.
- Burger King: Much like McDonald's, it depends on the owner. Many independent BK owners will bring on 15-year-olds for front-of-house tasks.
Grocery Stores and Retail
If you'd rather stay away from the deep fryer, grocery stores are the way to go. The work is more predictable. You’re usually bagging, fetching carts, or stocking non-breakable items.
- Publix: If you live in the South, this is the gold standard. Publix starts hiring at 14 for "Front Service Clerks" (baggers). They have a reputation for being a great place to work, and they actually promote from within.
- Kroger: This includes their subsidiaries like Fry's, King Soopers, and Smith’s. Many locations hire at 15 with a work permit. You’ll likely be bagging groceries or doing "lot" duty (getting those carts from the parking lot).
- Fareway: Popular in the Midwest, they specifically hire 14 and 15-year-olds for their grocery departments.
- Giant Food: Another solid East Coast option that frequently opens doors for 15-year-olds.
Entertainment and Seasonal Gigs
These are often the "cool" jobs. They might be seasonal, which is perfect if you only want to work during the summer.
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- AMC Theatres: Most people think you have to be 16 to work at the movies. Not always. AMC often hires 14 and 15-year-olds as ushers or concession workers. You get to see movies for free, which is a massive perk.
- Six Flags & Local Water Parks: During the summer, these places are desperate for staff. You can work in games, food service, or as a "Junior Lifeguard" (though some states require you to be 15 or 16 for full lifeguard certification).
- American Pool: They are a major provider of lifeguarding services and explicitly list 15 as a hiring age in many regions, provided you get the right training.
The "Permit" Problem and Legal Stuff
You can't just walk in and start working 40 hours a week. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the boss here. It says 14 is the minimum age for most non-agricultural work. But there are rules. Big rules.
In 2026, many states have updated their child labor laws. Some have made it easier to work, while others have added more protections.
The Hour Limits (When School is in Session):
- Maximum 3 hours on a school day.
- Maximum 18 hours in a school week.
- You generally can’t work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
The Hour Limits (When School is Out):
- Maximum 8 hours a day.
- Maximum 40 hours a week.
- In the summer (usually June 1st through Labor Day), that 7 p.m. cutoff usually shifts to 9 p.m.
Honestly, the hardest part is the Work Permit. In states like Pennsylvania or New York, you have to go to your school guidance office, get a form, have your parents sign it, and then have the school "issue" the permit. Without that paper, a manager won't even talk to you. They don't want the fines.
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Why Some Companies Say No (Even if They Can)
You might see a list online saying "Subway hires at 15" and then your local Subway says "No." It’s frustrating.
Franchisees—the people who actually own that specific store—decide based on their insurance. Insurance for workers under 16 can be expensive. Or maybe they’ve had bad luck with younger teens in the past.
Also, certain jobs are strictly off-limits. You cannot operate "power-driven machinery." In a kitchen, that includes some big mixers and almost all meat slicers. If a restaurant is small and everyone needs to do every job, they won't hire you because you'd be a "liability" who can't help with half the tasks.
Getting the Job: It’s Not Just About the App
Apply online, sure. Everyone does that. But if you're 15, you have zero experience. Your resume is basically your name, your school, and maybe that one time you volunteered at a pet shelter.
To stand out, you need to show up.
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Go to the store between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM (the slow time). Ask to speak to a manager. Dress like you're going to a nice dinner with your grandparents—no hoodies, no ripped jeans. Tell them, "I’m 15, I’ve got my work permit ready, and I really want to work here."
Managers love that. It shows you’re responsible enough to handle the job. Most 15-year-olds are too scared to do that. If you do it, you're already at the top of the pile.
Actionable Next Steps for You
If you're ready to start earning, don't just wait around. Here is exactly what you should do:
- Check your state's labor website. Search for "Child labor laws [Your State] 2026." Know your hour limits before the manager asks.
- Get the paperwork. Visit your school's main office and ask for a work permit application. Even if you don't have a job yet, knowing how to get it saves time later.
- Identify 5 local spots. Pick five from the list above (like Publix, McDonald's, or a local theater) that are within biking or driving distance.
- Create a simple "Functional Resume." Focus on skills like "Punctual," "Fast Learner," and "Comfortable with Technology." Mention any clubs, sports, or volunteer work.
- The "Slow-Time" Visit. Walk into those 5 spots during a weekday afternoon. Introduce yourself to the manager.
The job market for teens is actually pretty good right now. Companies need workers, and if you're willing to show up on time and stay off your phone, you're a gold mine for them.
Pay will usually be around the state minimum wage. Some places like Chick-fil-A or Wegmans might pay a bit more, sometimes $13 to $15 an hour depending on where you live. It adds up fast. Just remember to save some for taxes; they’ll take a bite out of that first check, and it always hurts a little the first time you see it.
The most important thing is just getting that first "Yes." Once you have six months of experience at a McDonald's or a grocery store, getting the next job becomes ten times easier.