At 15, your job options expand significantly. We identified 35+ companies actively hiring 15-year-olds in 2026, complete with pay rates, positions, and application tips.
Summary: What You'll Learn
- Top employers: Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, Kroger, Publix, Wegmans
- Expected pay: $10-$15/hour
- School year hours: Max 18 hours/week
- Summer hours: Max 40 hours/week
- Best paying: Chick-fil-A, Publix, Wegmans
Related pages: Chick-fil-A Hiring Process | McDonald's Hiring Process | Kroger Jobs
Fast Food Chains Hiring 15 Year Olds
These fast food chains hire at 15 with competitive pay:
| Company | Positions | Starting Pay | Hiring at 15? |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald's | Crew Member | $11-$14/hr | Most locations |
| Chick-fil-A | Team Member | $12-$15/hr | Many locations |
| Burger King | Team Member | $10-$13/hr | Yes |
| Wendy's | Crew Member | $10-$13/hr | Select locations |
| Dairy Queen | Crew, Cashier | $10-$12/hr | Yes |
| Subway | Sandwich Artist | $10-$13/hr | State-dependent |
| Taco Bell | Team Member | $10-$13/hr | Select locations |
| Pizza Hut | Cashier, Crew | $10-$12/hr | With parent permission |
Grocery Stores Hiring 15 Year Olds
Grocery stores offer some of the best pay and training for teen workers:
| Company | Positions | Starting Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kroger | Bagger, Cashier, Cart Attendant | $11-$13/hr | Includes Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Harris Teeter. Hiring process |
| Publix | Cashier, Bagger, Floral | $12-$14/hr | Southeast US. Hiring process |
| Wegmans | Cashier, Customer Service | $12-$15/hr | East Coast, top employer |
| Giant Eagle | Bagger, Cashier | $10-$12/hr | Midwest/East |
| Hy-Vee | Courtesy Clerk | $10-$12/hr | Midwest |
Retail Stores Hiring 15 Year Olds
| Company | Positions | Starting Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoe Carnival | Sales Associate | $10-$12/hr | Select locations |
| Zumiez | Sales Associate | $10-$13/hr | Some locations |
| Local Boutiques | Sales, Stock | $9-$12/hr | Check locally |
Entertainment & Recreation
| Company | Positions | Starting Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMC Theatres | Usher, Concessions | $11-$13/hr | Free movies |
| Regal Cinemas | Crew Member | $10-$12/hr | Movie perks |
| Six Flags | Games, Merchandise, Food | $12-$14/hr | Seasonal |
| Cedar Fair Parks | Ride Attendant, Games | $11-$14/hr | Summer |
| Topgolf | Bay Host (some locations) | $10-$12/hr + tips | Check locally |
Ice Cream & Dessert Shops
| Company | Positions | Starting Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baskin-Robbins | Crew Member | $10-$12/hr | Year-round |
| Cold Stone Creamery | Crew Member | $10-$12/hr | Tips possible |
| Rita's Italian Ice | Treat Team | $9-$11/hr | Seasonal |
| Bruster's | Crew Member | $10-$12/hr | Tips possible |
| Dairy Queen | Crew Member | $10-$12/hr | Year-round |
Work Hour Limits for 15 Year Olds
Federal law restricts working hours for 14 and 15-year-olds equally:
During School Year
- School Day: Maximum 3 hours
- Non-School Day: Maximum 8 hours
- School Week: Maximum 18 hours total
- Work Times: 7 AM - 7 PM only
During Summer (June 1 - Labor Day)
- Any Day: Maximum 8 hours
- Per Week: Maximum 40 hours
- Work Times: 7 AM - 9 PM
How Much Do 15 Year Olds Make?
Pay comparison by industry in 2026:
| Industry | Average Pay | Best Payers |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Food | $10-$14/hr | Chick-fil-A, Panera |
| Grocery | $11-$14/hr | Wegmans, Publix |
| Entertainment | $11-$14/hr | Six Flags, Cedar Fair |
| Ice Cream | $9-$12/hr + tips | Cold Stone |
| Retail | $10-$13/hr | Varies by location |
Best Jobs for 15 Year Olds (Ranked)
- Chick-fil-A Team Member - Highest pay, great training, scholarship opportunities
- Publix Cashier/Bagger - Above-average pay, promotion opportunities
- Wegmans Customer Service - Best grocery pay ($12-$15/hr)
- Six Flags Games Attendant - Fun environment, summer scheduling
- AMC Theatre Crew - Free movies, social atmosphere
- Kroger Bagger - Widespread availability, flexible hours
- Cold Stone Crew - Tips can boost earnings
- McDonald's Crew - Most locations, consistent scheduling
How to Get a Job at 15
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
- Birth certificate or passport (proof of age)
- Social Security card
- Work permit from school (most states)
- Parent/guardian consent form
Step 2: Apply Strategically
- March-April: Summer hiring begins
- August-September: Back-to-school openings
- October-November: Holiday seasonal hiring
FAQ: Jobs for 15 Year Olds
Does Chick-fil-A hire at 15?
Yes. Many Chick-fil-A locations hire at 15, though some require 16. Each restaurant is independently owned, so call your local store to confirm. Chick-fil-A is known for above-average pay and scholarship programs. Learn about the hiring process and dress code.
Does McDonald's hire 15 year olds?
Yes. Most McDonald's locations hire at 15 (some at 14). Positions include crew member, cashier, and lobby maintenance. See McDonald's pay rates and hiring process.
Does Starbucks hire at 15?
No. Starbucks minimum hiring age is 16 for barista positions. Consider Dunkin' as an alternative—many locations hire at 15.
Does Target hire 15 year olds?
No. Target's minimum age is 16 for most positions. Try Kroger, Publix, or Wegmans instead.
Does Walmart hire at 15?
No. Walmart requires applicants to be 16 or older. Kroger and its affiliate stores hire at 15.
How many hours can a 15 year old work per week?
Maximum 18 hours during school weeks, 40 hours during summer. School days limited to 3 hours; non-school days up to 8 hours.
What is the best job for a 15 year old?
Based on pay, training, and flexibility, Chick-fil-A and Publix are top choices. Both offer above-average pay, structured training, and potential for scholarships or advancement.
Methodology
This article was compiled using the following research methods:
- Company Career Page Review: We analyzed hiring policies from 100+ national chains.
- Federal Law Verification: Work hour limits sourced from U.S. Department of Labor FLSA guidelines.
- Pay Rate Research: Wage data from Employers.io salary data and company career pages as of February 2026.
Data Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Company career websites
- Employers.io salary data
- Employers.io job listings
Last Verified: February 11, 2026
Summary
Best companies to apply:
- Fast food: Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, Panera, Wendy's
- Grocery: Publix, Wegmans, Kroger
- Entertainment: AMC Theatres, Six Flags (summer)
Expected pay: $10-$14/hour depending on employer and location
Hours you can work: Up to 18 hours/week during school, 40 hours/week in summer
What you'll need: Work permit, parental consent, and proof of age
Apply to multiple locations, prepare a simple resume highlighting your reliability, and target hiring seasons (spring for summer, fall for holidays) for the best results.