What Jobs Can You Get at 15 in 2026?

[ValeriaFitz]

If you’re 15 and looking for a job, you actually have more options than you might think. In many places, you can legally work in retail, food service, and various local businesses as long as you follow labor laws that limit hours and require a work permit. For example, grocery stores often hire teens to bag groceries, stock shelves, or help with customer service. Restaurants might take you on as a busser, host, or dishwasher. Beyond those, smaller gigs like dog walking, lawn mowing, babysitting, or tutoring are also popular and don’t always require formal paperwork. The key is to check your state or country’s rules—some allow 15-year-olds to work up to 18 hours per week during school time, and up to 40 hours in summer. A lot of employers value reliability, a positive attitude, and willingness to learn over experience. So even if you’ve never worked before, you can still land a great first job.

Here’s a quick look at common jobs for 15-year-olds based on typical U.S. data:

Job Type	Average Pay (per hour)	Typical Duties	Work Permit Required?
Grocery bagger / stocker	$12–$15	Bagging, organizing shelves, cleaning	Yes
Restaurant busser / host	$10–$14 + tips	Clearing tables, seating guests, basic cleaning	Yes
Retail clerk	$11–$14	Folding clothes, helping customers, tidying	Yes
Lawn care / landscaping	$15–$20 (self-employed)	Mowing, weed pulling, leaf blowing	Usually no
Babysitting	$15–$25	Supervising children, light meal prep	Usually no
Pet sitting / dog walking	$15–$20 per walk	Feeding, walking, playing with pets	Usually no
Tutoring (for younger kids)	$15–$25	Helping with homework, reading practice	Usually no

One thing I’d highlight: don’t underestimate the value of these jobs. They teach you responsibility, time management, and how to interact with customers—skills that matter a lot later in life. Also, if you’re aiming for a formal job, be prepared to get a work permit from your school or local labor department and share your school schedule with your employer to ensure you don’t work too late on school nights.

[SpencerDella]

I started working at 15 at a local ice cream shop, and honestly, it was the best decision. I learned how to handle money, deal with rush hour crowds, and even make a perfect sundae. The pay wasn’t huge—about $10 an hour—but the free ice cream and tips made up for it. If you’re looking for a fun first job, try places like movie theaters, small cafes, or neighborhood stores. They’re usually super flexible with school hours.

[LeJudah]

From my experience managing a small retail store, hiring 15-year-olds is totally doable if you plan ahead. We bring them in for weekend shifts and summer slots. They’re energetic and quick to learn, but we do have to watch their break times because of labor laws. I’d say the best roles for them are cashier helper, stock clerk, or greeter—nothing too heavy, but enough to build confidence.

[HaleyDella]

As someone who’s watched teens balance school and work, I’d say 15 is a great age to start a part-time job, but it has to be the right fit. I’ve seen students thrive in jobs like library assistant, camp counselor, or Sunday newspaper delivery because the hours are short and predictable. The trick is to set a schedule that doesn’t cut into homework or sleep. A job can teach time management, but only if it doesn’t overwhelm you.

[VanElijah]

Looking back at my first job at 15, I remember bagging groceries at a local supermarket. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me how to show up on time and work with all kinds of people. I’d recommend that or working as a cart attendant, a busser, or even a lifeguard if you can get certified. The pay was modest, but the experience of earning my own money was priceless. Just be sure to check your local labor laws first—some places have strict rules about what time you can work on school nights.