Places That Hire at 15: Key Takeaways
- Federal Limits: At age 15, you can only work outside school hours and for limited periods (e.g. up to 3 hours on a school day, 8 on a non-school day). You’re also barred from hazardous duties (no heavy machinery, no baking or cooking over open flames, etc.). Jobs are typically in safe, supervised environments like restaurants, shops, or parks.
- Work Permits: While the FLSA doesn’t mandate “working papers,” many states require a work permit for minors under 16. Check your state’s rules – you might need to get a permit from your school or labor department before starting work.
- Common Jobs for 15-Year-Olds: Fast-food chains and ice cream parlors often hire 15-year-olds as cashiers, dining room attendants, or kitchen helpers (with limited duties). These positions build basic customer service skills in a teen-friendly setting.
Finding a job at 15 can be challenging but not impossible. With federal labor laws placing limits on work hours and tasks for under-16 teens, many employers are cautious about hiring younger teens.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) restricts 14- and 15-year-olds to limited hours outside school (e.g. no more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week) and forbids hazardous duties.
Fast-food joints, ice cream shops, theaters, and theme parks often welcome 15-year-olds for entry-level roles like cashiers or crew members.
Below is a list of places that hire at 15, along with what jobs you can do, what pay to expect, requirements or perks to know, and tips on how to apply.
Popular Places That Hire at 15
Below is a list of popular fast-food places that hire at 15:
1. McDonald’s
McDonald’s is one of the world’s most iconic fast-food chains – chances are you have one nearby.
Many McDonald’s restaurants hire at 15 (in some locations even as young as 14) for crew member positions.
As a 15-year-old crew member, you might work at the cash register, take orders, assemble food orders, or keep the restaurant area clean.
You won’t be allowed to use dangerous kitchen equipment, but you’ll still get a taste of working in a busy kitchen and serving customers.
Pay typically starts around the minimum wage in your state, often landing in the $8–$11 per hour range for new workers.
McDonald’s offers some nice perks even to part-timers – you’ll get an employee meal discount, and the company’s Archways to Opportunity program can help with tuition or educational courses down the road.
Because each McDonald’s is usually operated by a local franchisee, hiring requirements (like whether you need a work permit or specific hours) can vary, but generally if you’re 15 you’ll need a parent’s permission and must stick to the limited hours allowed by law.
How to apply: Stop by your local McDonald’s and ask for a job application (and speak to the hiring manager if available), or apply through the McDonald’s careers website which lets you search for crew jobs by location.
McDonald’s is often a teen’s first job, so they are used to young applicants – a great place to start your working life.
2. Burger King
Burger King, home of the Whopper, has over 17,000 locations worldwide and plenty of entry-level openings.
Some Burger King restaurants will hire 15-year-olds (with a work permit if required) for roles on the team crew.
At 15, you could work as a dining room attendant, cashier, or do light food prep and cleaning tasks – basically helping keep the restaurant running and customers happy.
Like most fast-food jobs, the starting pay at BK is around $10 per hour on average (depending on your city’s minimum wage).
Benefits include employee meal discounts (hello, discounted Whoppers!) and flexible scheduling especially for students. The work environment is fast-paced, which can teach you how to multi-task and work on a team.
Note: Officially, Burger King’s typical minimum hiring age is 16, but many locations do make exceptions and hire at 15 (sometimes even 14) for non-cooking positions. You’ll likely need a work permit and to stick to work-hour limits (no late shifts on school nights, for example).
How to apply: You can walk into a Burger King and inquire about open positions – ask to speak with a manager and mention you’re interested and are 15 (and have or can get a work permit). They may give you a paper application or you can simply check out their career's page and apply online.
3. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is known for its chicken sandwiches, courteous service (“my pleasure!”), and being closed on Sundays.
Many Chick-fil-A restaurants consider hiring 15-year-olds, especially for front-of-house team member jobs.
That means as a younger teen you’d likely be a cashier, greeter, or dining room attendant, rather than working in the kitchen. (Minors at Chick-fil-A aren’t allowed to use the hot fryers or grills, so you’d stick to customer-facing roles and light food prep like assembling drinks or desserts.)
Chick-fil-A is often praised for its positive work environment and it tends to pay a bit higher than some competitors – the average starting wage for team members is around $12–$14 an hour in many areas.
They also offer cool benefits: you’ll get free or discounted meals, Sundays off guaranteed, and opportunities for scholarships (Chick-fil-A has a scholarship program for its employees).
Each franchisee sets their own hiring policies, so some locations might require you to be 16, but others gladly hire at 15 with a work permit.
How to apply: Check Chick-fil-A’s career page or, better yet, drop by the Chick-fil-A you want to work at and ask to speak to the hiring manager.
Many Chick-fil-A owners like when eager teens come in person – it shows initiative. Dress neatly and be polite (as they value hospitality); it could even lead to an on-the-spot interview for a 15-year-old looking for a job.
4. Wendy’s
Wendy’s, the famous burger chain known for its square patties and Frosty desserts, can be a friendly employer for 15-year-olds.
Local Wendy’s franchises may hire crew members as young as 14 or 15 to work as cashiers, lobby attendants (cleaning tables, stocking condiments), or helping with food preparation.
You won’t be manning the grill or fryer until you’re older, but you can take orders, fill drink cups, assemble salads, and learn the ropes of quick service.
Wendy’s is often flexible with scheduling – they know school comes first and many crew members are involved in sports or band, so managers try to accommodate extracurriculars.
Pay will usually start at your state’s minimum wage (roughly $8–$10/hour for many areas).
On the plus side, employees typically enjoy 50% meal discounts or similar, so you can grab burgers or Frosties on the cheap.
If you perform well, there’s room to grow into more responsibilities as you get older.
Keep in mind: because not every Wendy’s hires under 16, it’s smart to check with your specific local restaurant.
How to apply: Visit the Wendy’s career website or stop by the restaurant during off-peak hours (afternoon between lunch and dinner is good) to ask for an application.
By showing up in person and introducing yourself, you demonstrate maturity and motivation, which can help you land the job.
5. Taco Bell
Taco Bell, with over 7,000 locations nationwide, is another fast-food chain where 15-year-olds can find work.
Taco Bell’s entry-level position for youth is typically “Team Member,” which can include working the cash register, taking drive-thru orders, assembling food orders (like preparing tacos or wrapping burritos), and general cleaning.
Since Taco Bell’s cooking equipment includes fryers and griddles, under-16 employees will be assigned to safer tasks (you might be pouring drinks, prepping cold ingredients, or restocking, rather than operating the fryer).
The starting pay is usually at or slightly above minimum wage; expect roughly $8-$10 an hour to start (it can be higher in states with higher minimum wages).
Taco Bell offers perks like a free meal or discounts each shift, and the company has a reputation for a fun, fast-paced work vibe.
This is a great job to develop customer service skills and learn to work efficiently. Policies vary by franchise, but many Taco Bells do hire 15-year-olds with the proper permit and some even as young as 14 in certain states.
How to apply: Taco Bell’s official jobs site lets you search for openings by location and apply online.
You can also walk into your local Taco Bell during a slow time and ask if they have any positions for a 15-year-old. Managers might hand you an application or direct you to apply online.
6. Arby’s
Arby’s, famous for its slogan “We have the meats,” is a fast-food sandwich chain with over 3,400 locations across the country.
Arby’s restaurants often hire teens at 15 for crew member roles. In this job, you could be running the cash register, taking orders, preparing sandwiches (aside from operating dangerous slicers), and handling cleanup duties in the dining area.
It’s a bit of everything, which keeps the work interesting.
Hiring age and permitted tasks depend on state law and franchise owner, but Arby’s is generally open to hiring 15-year-olds for non-hazardous duties (e.g. you might assemble sandwiches and pour shakes, but you won’t be using the meat slicer until you’re older due to safety rules).
The average starting pay at Arby’s is around $10/hour for new team members. Along with wages, employees get meal discounts (roast beef sandwich for lunch, anyone?) and flexible scheduling.
Many Arby’s locations close earlier than some burger joints (since they don’t typically do late late-night), which can be a plus for a 15-year-old’s schedule.
How to apply: Arby’s has an online job portal where you can search by zip code and apply. But you can also ask in person at a local Arby’s – sometimes they’ll have a “Now Hiring” sign on the door. Dress neatly and pop in during a slow time to ask a manager about open positions for a younger worker.
7. Pizza Hut
With over 7,000 U.S. locations, some Pizza Huts hire 15-year-olds in entry-level roles.
Typically, 15-year-olds at Pizza Hut work as a cashier or restaurant support. If it’s a dine-in Pizza Hut, you might greet customers and seat them or bus tables.
At takeout/delivery-focused Pizza Huts, you could take orders at the counter or phone, prepare simple food items (like boxing up pizzas or adding toppings) under supervision, and handle cleaning tasks in the lobby or kitchen.
You won’t be a pizza chef at 15 since ovens can be dangerous (hot surfaces are a hazard), but you’ll be an important helper to the team.
Pay tends to start near minimum wage, often around $11 per hour on average for a new hire.
One perk: you’ll probably earn employee discounts on pizza, which can make you popular with friends and family on pizza night. Because Pizza Hut is usually part of the Yum! Brands family, there may be an online training component you’ll go through (great for learning customer service basics).
How to apply: Many Pizza Hut locations encourage online applications via the Pizza Hut careers site, where you search for your local store and submit an application. If you don’t hear back, follow up by calling or visiting the store and politely inquiring about your application.
Let them know you’re 15 and excited to work – enthusiasm and a willingness to do any task (no matter how small) can set you apart.
What Types of Jobs Can a 15-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry?
Even at 15, there are plenty of entry-level opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality world.
While you won’t be running the grill or handling hazardous equipment, you can start with customer-facing or support roles that build experience and set you up for better-paying jobs later.
Here are some common positions available for 15-year-olds:
Cashier
One of the most common starting points for 15-year-olds is the Cashier position. You’ll take orders, handle payments, and interact with customers. It’s a great way to learn communication and money-handling skills.
Server Assistant / Food Runner
At sit-down restaurants, you may be able to work as a Food Runner or server assistant. These roles involve bringing food to tables, refilling drinks, and helping servers with their sections.
Host/Hostess
As a Host or Hostess, you’ll greet customers, manage seating charts, and keep the dining room flowing smoothly. It’s a customer service-heavy role that develops confidence.
Fast Food Crew Member
Chains like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Wendy’s often hire 15-year-olds as crew members. Duties might include preparing drinks, assembling food orders, stocking supplies, or maintaining the lobby.
Busser
Bussing tables—clearing plates, wiping down surfaces, and resetting tables—is a classic first job for teens. It’s a fast-paced role that builds work ethic and teamwork skills.
Dishwasher
While you may not be on the front line with customers, working as a Dishwasher keeps the kitchen running. It’s an entry job that can lead to line cook or prep cook opportunities as you get older.
How Many Hours Can a 15-Year-Old Work?
In the United States, the number of hours a 15-year-old can work is tightly regulated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). These rules exist to ensure teens can gain work experience without disrupting their education, health, or safety.
Here’s a general overview of the restrictions for 15-year-old workers:
- School days: You can work up to 3 hours per day and no more than 18 hours per week when school is in session.
- Non-school days: On weekends, holidays, or vacation periods when school isn’t in session, you can work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.
- Late hours: By law, 15-year-olds cannot work before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. on any day. The one exception is during summer (June 1 through Labor Day), when evening hours extend to 9:00 p.m.
- Job restrictions: You cannot perform hazardous work such as operating heavy machinery, using fryers or grills with open flames, or working in jobs deemed unsafe for minors. Most roles are limited to cashiering, food prep with no dangerous equipment, cleanup, and customer service.
It’s also important to note that many states require a work permit for minors under 16, usually issued by your school or state labor department. Always check your state’s rules, since they may add restrictions beyond the federal guidelines.
Before applying, talk with your parents and school counselor about how a job fits into your schedule. Remember: school comes first—your job should complement your education, not compete with it.
How To Find Places That Hire at 15 Near You
Landing your first job at 15 is a big milestone—it gives you real-world experience, a chance to earn your own money, and helps you start building responsibility. But where should you look?
Here are some practical tips to find places that hire 15-year-olds in your area:
- Visit local businesses: Walk into restaurants, ice cream shops, or theaters nearby and politely ask if they’re hiring. Even if they don’t have an opening right now, introducing yourself and showing interest can make them remember you when they do.
- Leverage your network: Talk to parents, relatives, teachers, or family friends. Many jobs for teens aren’t even advertised—someone in your circle may know of a local business looking for extra help.
- Look for seasonal opportunities: Amusement parks, pools, and ice cream shops often hire younger teens during summer. Check their websites or stop by in spring to ask about seasonal roles.
- Check community boards and job fairs: Libraries, community centers, and schools sometimes post openings for teens. Local job fairs can also connect you directly with employers that welcome younger workers.
- Sign up for job alerts on OysterLink: One of the easiest ways to find opportunities is by creating a profile on OysterLink. You can set your preferences and receive instant alerts whenever a business that hires 15-year-olds posts new openings near you. That way, you’ll always be among the first to apply.
Getting a job at 15 may take persistence, but employers value motivated teens who show initiative. Start local, use your network, and keep checking regularly—you’ll land that first paycheck sooner than you think.
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