How Many Hours Can You Work at 15? State-by-State Guide to Teen Work Limits in the U.S.

Teen work laws set limits on hours for 14- and 15-year-olds, varying by state and job type. Find out work restrictions, permitted jobs, and tips for landing your first position at 14 or 15 in the U.S.

By Brad Nakase, Attorney

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. The maximum hours that 14 & 15-year-olds are allowed to work

3. Types of jobs a 14 & 15-year-old can do

4. Do 14-15-year-old individuals get real jobs?

5. Which businesses employ adolescents aged fourteen and fifteen?

6. Jobs for 14- and 15-year-olds over the summer

7. Common wages/salaries for 14 & 15-year-olds

8. How to land your first job when you’re 14 or 15 years old

9. Important learnings

Introduction

In addition to being a nice source of income, your first job may prove to be a fantastic learning opportunity. Everything you must know about finding employment at the ages of 14 or 15 will be covered in this blog.

Even though you are just 15 years old, you want to make some extra cash. Maybe you want to save money for a major purchase, like a used car, or to support your friends/family. You will soon be able to obtain a driver’s license, after all. Setting objectives is fantastic!

“How many hours can you work at 15?” is a common question among adolescents. The good news is that, regardless of your motivation, there are many employment opportunities available for 15-year-olds. However, you must also understand that there are restrictions. “How many hours can you work at 15?” may be limited by child labor rules that were created especially to protect teenagers between the ages of 14 and 15.

Fortunately, this blog will explain it. What we’ll discuss is as follows:

How many hours are 14 and 15-year-olds permitted to work
The ideal careers for teenagers
Types of businesses that offer work to 14 & 15-year-olds
Advice on landing your first job

The maximum hours that 14 & 15-year-olds are allowed to work

The Fair Labor Standards Act in the United States differentiates between tasks that are agricultural vs nonagricultural, and they have different regulations. This law puts in place a limit on the amount of work that 14- and 15-year-olds may perform.

The following are the job restrictions for 14 and 15-year-old minors:

No mining, manufacturing, or dangerous labor
Three hours on an official school day, 8 hours on a non-school day, eighteen hours during a school week, or forty hours during a non-school week
Except during the summer (June 1 to Labor Day), when teenagers in your age bracket may work until 9 pm, you are not allowed to work before 7 am or after 7 pm.
Students participating in Work Experience & Career Exploration Programs (WECEPs) are permitted to work three hours during school days and up to 23 hours during school weeks.
In a work-study arrangement, students work while they are in class.

State laws may differ. Visit the website of the United States Department of Labor and select your state to view the full details.

Types of jobs a 14 & 15-year-old can do

Theater, film, television, and radio can all feature performers of any age. You may find the following to be either excellent or bad: As long as it doesn’t come under one of the previously prohibited categories, your parents are allowed to have you work for them in their small business.

Additionally, you are in luck if you are looking for work right now! Companies are starting to stir the pot to entice job seekers as a result of the large number of open entry-level positions. This might lead to better working conditions and more opportunities for you.

Do 14-15-year-old individuals get real jobs?

To make it in one word, yes! The era of being young enough to ride your bike and deliver a package of newspapers on your way is long past, but this does not mean that there are no other alternatives that could be used.

1. What are some of the jobs that a 14 and 15-year-old can get in my area?

As long as the employment is safe, teenagers your age can find employment in agriculture after school. This might be for you if you enjoy the great outdoors and are okay with a little effort. There are a lot of different environments, though.

It’s good for you if you’re a dramatist! One can perform on TV, radio, in movies, or in theaters at any age.

The following passage may be nice or bad, depending on your perspective: Working for your parents’ small business is allowed as long as it doesn’t fall under any of the previously mentioned legally prohibited categories.

Additionally, you have a good chance if you are currently seeking employment in any of the many different fields! Companies are starting to entice job seekers as a result of the large number of open entry-level positions. For teenagers, that might mean improved working conditions and more options than before.

Some occupations don’t even require you to get out of your room! But first, let us begin with jobs that require punctuality and the ability to work in a professional setting.

2. Jobs that 14- and 15-year-olds can do in person

The vintage—non-official jobs like shoveling snow, mowing lawns, pet sitting, pet walking, and babysitting are surely familiar to you. However, you might not consider this employment to be “regular,” thus these might not be the ideal options if you need or want to make a certain amount of money. These small-time jobs can provide more chances in the future.

A lot of individuals begin their jobs/careers in dining establishments or other types of businesses like coffee shops, movie theaters, or supermarkets. The objective is to gain experience working in a regulated work setting or with a team.

3. 14- and 15-year-olds working remotely

You will have little issue obtaining work if you are an expert programmer, 3D modeler, or possess other sophisticated computer talents. Perhaps you already mix the music for your buddies’ band or sell applications online. These abilities can bring in money. A more comprehensive list of computer-based employment may be found by searching on freelancer job portals.

Would you mind expressing your thoughts? Did you realize that reviewing songs online can earn you money or complete surveys (some websites need users to be at least 15 years old)? How about viewing advertisements?

Teens can also engage in freelance writing, vlogging, and blogging. However, keep in mind that these positions include a great deal of marketing in addition to a big dose of good fortune.

Do you sound professional on the phone? Some businesses, such as U-Haul, will employ 14-year-olds to work in customer service. Attention to detail? You might want to start with data entry.

Think of all your skills. Do you excel in algebra? Other pupils can be tutored by you. Do you make presents by hand for your loved ones? Etsy might be the answer. Are you well-known for your clever quotes or your ability to create graphics? Take a look at CafePress. Using your creativity as a 14-year-old will open up other professional opportunities that will capitalize on your interests and skills.

When applying for remote jobs, always verify “How many hours can you work at 15?” under both federal and local regulations, especially when working unconventional hours.

Which businesses employ adolescents aged fourteen and fifteen?

It should be quite obvious that the top employers who hire 14- and 15-year-olds are those that depend on untrained workers and a brief on-the-job training program. These employers are aware that you are probably only searching for after-school employment and not a career. However, many also provide prospects for growth if you decide to continue with them through high school.

Many big organizations will give you an opportunity if you wish to leave the house. To get more detailed information, you must check the laws in your state and the nearby places. For instance, Starbucks provides employment to fourteen-year-olds in Montana (but just in Montana).

If you are still in doubt about: “How many hours can you work at 15?” in your town, talk to a labor lawyer or the office of the labor department of your state.

1. Fast-food chains & restaurants

Arby’s
Ben and Jerry’s
Baskin-Robbins
Boston Market
Culver’s
Burger King
Dairy Queen
Chick-Fil-A
KFC
IHOP
Pizza Hut
McDonald’s
Taco Bell
Rita’s Italian Ice

2. Grocery Stores

Giant Eagle
Fareway
Giant Food
King Soopers
Hy-Vee
Publix
Safeway
Kroger
Wegmans (15 is the minimum age)
Stop & Shop
Winn-Dixie

One of the simplest ways to enter the workforce and earn some additional cash is to work at a supermarket, regardless of your background—student, recent graduate, or simply seeking some extra money. Having a cover letter for a supermarket is essential if you lack professional experience. As an attachment to your CV, it provides further detail about your qualifications for the specific supermarket job you are looking for, as well as your motivations.

3. Entertainment

Teens under 16 are welcome to work at AMC Theaters, but you might also want to look into other local entertainment venues. Here are a few suggestions:

Arcades
Indoor skydiving
Bowling alleys
Laser tag
Indoor water parks
Rock climbing

Jobs for 14- and 15-year-olds over the summer

Amusement centers are a fantastic choice if you want to make additional money in the summer, but school is your top focus. Young teens are employed at Six Flags. Other seasonal employers that depend on teenagers for a range of vocations include camp counselors, maintenance workers, receptionists, concession workers, and your neighborhood YMCA or park department. Look for day camps in your area as well.

If you are 15 years of age or older at the conclusion of your training, you may get your American Red Cross lifeguard certification.

Do you have no desire to work with young campers? How about these concepts?

At a golf course, caddying
Landscaping
Maintaining a nursery’s plants
Keeping pools clean
Work in the zoo
Car wash

Common wages/salaries for 14 & 15-year-olds

Teens who are employed by businesses must be paid the minimum wage. Many states and localities have a minimum wage greater than the $7.25 federal minimum wage. For the first ninety days of your employment, however, you can receive only as much as $4.25 from your employer.

There are exceptions for trainees, full-time students, pupil learners, and employees with impairments, so make sure to verify with your community.

How to land your first job when you’re 14 or 15 years old

What about employment for an inexperienced 14-year-old? You must provide a description of yourself and your work experience when applying online or even when you approach firms and ask about a job. Having a resume will make you appear much more impressive. But how can a person who has never had a job achieve that?

Resume writing without any work experience is a scary prospect, but it can be done. It is the most common problem faced by beginners trying to get jobs. Utilize your extracurricular activities, relevant coursework, and relevant achievements to demonstrate your potential.

When you have to build a resume without any work experience, you have to emphasize your potential. Showcase the skills, qualities, and experiences that you can bring to a new job prior to starting.

The format of a resume for the first job should be the same as any other resume, with less focus on employment history. When preparing your CV, adopt a business format and style.

Also, when you physically go to apply for a job, ensure that you look professional and act in a professional manner because a first impression matters.

Important learnings

The working hours of 14 and 15-year-olds are limited by state and federal regulations, but still, numerous job opportunities are open to them.
Some businesses have a reputation for employing young teenagers and are willing to train you through hands-on experience.
Remember to take into account your personal interests and abilities; there is a career for everyone.

A common question teenagers often ask is: “How many hours can you work at 15?” Hope this article has answered that well.

Have a quick question? We answered nearly 2000 FAQs.

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How Many Hours Can You Work at 15? State-by-State Guide to Teen Work Limits in the U.S.

Introduction

The maximum hours that 14 & 15-year-olds are allowed to work

Types of jobs a 14 & 15-year-old can do

Do 14-15-year-old individuals get real jobs?

Which businesses employ adolescents aged fourteen and fifteen?

Jobs for 14- and 15-year-olds over the summer

Common wages/salaries for 14 & 15-year-olds

How to land your first job when you’re 14 or 15 years old

Important learnings

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