What are The Best Jobs for 15-Year-Olds in The United States?
While most people bring home a nice pay check well into their 20s, some start off as early as 15 and climb their way up the career ladder. Working part-time while still attending school is a common scenario for teens looking to make extra pocket money, teens with an economically unstable background, or even teens who are ambitious and want to utilize their time. Finding (and keeping!) a job in teenage years seems like a challenge but it teaches great lessons that can be carried into later years. Just walking your neighbour’s dog in the evenings as a side hustle can teach you financial independence, money management, responsibility, civic conduct, and several other important life skills.
Wondering what are the best jobs for 15-year-olds in the US? Read on to find out about high-paying prospects, laws on employment, and experience from these jobs in this article.
What are the Benefits of Starting a Job at 15-years-old in the United States?
1. Financial independence
Maybe you want to save up for college, or perhaps you have had your eye on a gadget for a while now. Unless you’ve started making some money on your own, the likelihood is that your parents will have to foot the bill for your needs and demands. Now, since they’re in the driver’s seat, they get to pick and choose what you can and cannot have. Having your own savings allows you to hold the reins and decide what you spend your savings on. You could put it on a fixed deposit, or you could buy something shiny with it. The choice is yours alone.
2. Financial responsibility
While having an income allows you a certain level of independence, it also teaches you how to be financially responsible. Many teens learn the value of money, how to plan for future expenses, how to spend wisely, and how to differentiate between needs and wants. One may also learn banking procedures with the help of an adult and get a sneak peek into adulthood.
3. Important life skills
Teen employment prepares youngsters for adulthood. It teaches them responsibility, time management, money management, patience, cooperation, and dependability, and helps build confidence. Early employment may also help.
4. Teens build valuable work experience
Nowadays, people with more experience are preferred over those with a degree. A college degree is still valuable but it is even more valuable if paired with an extensive resume. Students who can work in high school and college can build valuable resume entries and demonstrate their ability to work. They also demonstrate that they can successfully balance education and work.
5. Working is a constructive way to use free time
Otherwise bored children find something to do after school. Teen workers can get some adult supervision from employers, which gives them something to do beyond schoolwork. It is possible to keep teens engaged and not idle during the afternoons and evenings.
What are the regulations for working as a 15-year-old in the United States?
According to the regulations set by the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA), one must be a minimum of 14 years of age to enter the workforce and can expect to earn a minimum of $7.25 an hour. However, certain jobs such as operating power-driven machinery, driving, jobs in mining and excavation, and others considered hazardous are prohibited.
15-year-olds are prohibited from working between 7 am and 7 pm, except on June 1, Labor Day. In that case, they may work between 7 and 9 pm. FLSA guidelines prohibit 15 years old from working:
- Over 3 hours a day on school days
- Over 18 hours per week in school weeks
- Over 8 hours a day on non-school days
- Over 40 hours per week when school is not in session.
You may need a work permit or proof-of-age certificate depending on where your family lives in the United States to be legally employed.
For state-wise guidelines on labor laws for 15 year-year-olds in the United States, refer to State Labor Offices | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov).
What are the highest paying jobs for 15-year-olds in the United States?
Teenagers can still get lucrative jobs even if they don’t have any previous experience. Here are the top 5 highest paying jobs for 15-year-olds in the United States.
Dog walking is a great job for a 15-year-old, as working adults sometimes need someone to take their dog for a walk in their absence. If you like dogs and have experience handling them, think about it as a great for get some extra cash as it pays an average of $40. Clients usually request 30-min walks.
A local country club may offer a job as a caddy, which can make it one of the most lucrative jobs for teens. Junior caddies can begin as young as 14 and carry one bag while learning the skill. A teenage golf caddy earns $100 to $120 for carrying 2 bags for 18 holes. This would amount to 4 hours of work with the hourly rate going at $20-30 per hour.
Pet sitting is a great job for teens who love animals. Cat or dog sitters are responsible for providing in-home care, such as feeding and cleaning the cats’ litter boxes. The job can pay you an average of $15 an hour.
This one has been one of the top jobs for teenagers for generations. You could provide services to your neighbors and go freelance, or go through a placement agency for young employees. As long as you know your way around a lawn mower and can do a decent job with it, you can expect to make $20 an hour on average.
If you are accomplished in certain subjects and can help a fellow classmate or junior with school work, on average you can make $20 an hour. Teachers at school can help you connect with students struggling or you could join local Facebook groups to connect with potential clients.
What jobs will get you the most experience for 15-year-olds in the United States?
Your summer job may only feel like a way to save up some money, but the skills learned on the job will go a long way when you apply to jobs in the future. Paired with the right certification or degree, your experience will help your job application stand out.
Busser jobs are a great choice for young people who want to work in the restaurant business. Although it is easy, this job requires a lot of lifting. Bussing can allow you to get in touch with the kitchen and learn more about the restaurant business. If your future goals revolve around the hospitality industry, this can be a great stepping stone. You can develop problem-solving skills, and improve communication skills, time management, and organization skills.
Coffee shops typically hire baristas to make and serve coffee or tea, answer customers’ questions, help them choose menu items, and use cash registers and other point-of-sale technology. The role offers a great opportunity to learn and/or further develop interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and communication skills, which are largely useful in several other industries.
Camp counselors lead hikes, games, sing-alongs, and other activities at camps. They also learn basic counselor duties that prepare them for senior counselor positions once they reach the age of 16-18. There is an opportunity to develop and further improve leadership skills, organization skills, problem-solving skills, and patience. Such skills come in handy for future job applications.
There are many perks to working at a movie theatre. Employees often have access to discounted or free tickets. This makes it a great option for teens who love movies. But the job is also known to help its staff build communication skills, patience, food service, attention to detail, and multitasking.
Do you have a talent or skill that stands out? Maybe you are great at dancing, or maybe your DIY earrings and bracelets are praised by all. If your craft has the potential to succeed as a business, that’s a job that will teach you many valuable skills. Financial literacy, marketing skills, communication and negotiation skills, leadership skills… the list is endless. All of these are universal skills that will open many doors for you in the future.
How to Apply to The Best Jobs for 15-Years-Old in the USA?
1. Job hunting portals
The internet is flooded with websites, portals, and groups posting job adverts. Look into some popular job portals and create an account. Keep an eye out for the position you’re looking for and apply every chance you get. Start your job hunt with GrabJobs! The hiring platform is free, easy to use, and allows you to keep a track of your jobs and interviews!
2. Build a resume
A resume is the first thing an employer sees when hiring. If making a resume is fairly new to you, look up a simple resume template online to take inspiration from. You may not have a lot of experience working yet, but your educational qualifications and extra-curricular involvement are just as important. Maybe you’re a part of the debate, sports, or performing arts team, or maybe you’ve done a language course. Mention your experiences and accomplishments.
3. Cover letter
Some companies may ask for a cover letter while hiring. Again, if the format is confusing for you, take help from a ready template online. Make sure you include key points from the job advert such as experience or educational qualifications to argue why you’re a suitable candidate for the position. Don’t write one letter use it for different offers. Edit your letter to suit the requirements of different companies.
4. Interview
When you land an interview (we’re rooting for you here!) remember to be punctual, well dressed, and confident. Practice commonly asked interview questions for the job you’ve applied for. When you go in prepared, you automatically feel more in control and composed.
Find The Best Jobs in the USA Today
Whether you’re seeking a job to save some money, or to get industry experience, stepping into the workforce at 15 years of age is going to be a rewarding experience. Gaining a valuable skillset early on will prepare you for a successful future. Visit Grabjobs to find the most suitable job for you!
GrabJobs lets you filter your search by all kinds of criteria and connects you with the best matches before you know it. It’s totally free, too, so you’ve got nothing to lose by trying it out.
Give GrabJobs a shot today and see for yourself why millions of job seekers rely on it!
Photo by Ferdinand Stöhr on Unsplash
