I still remember the distinct smell of chlorine and stale popcorn that defined my summer of 2010. I was 15 years old,desperate for cash to buy a used Honda Civic, and I had applied to every single business within a five-mile radius of my house. I was rejected by the cool clothing stores, ignored by the coffee shops, and finally hired by a local community center as a "Recreation Assistant." In reality, my job was to drag heavy gym mats across a floor and wipe down tables.But when that first paper check hit my hand—$184.50—I felt like a millionaire.
Getting your first job is a rite of passage. It teaches you about taxes (the painful realization that you don't keep everything you earn), responsibility, and the value of a dollar. However, the landscape for teenage employment has shifted. In 2026,you aren't just limited to flipping burgers. From traditional retail to managing digital logistics as a Closo Hub, the opportunities are vast if you know where to look. But finding jobs that hire at 15 requires navigating a maze of labor laws, corporate policies, and local opportunities.
What Are Some Jobs That Hire at 15? (The National Chains)
When you start searching for what are jobs that hire at 15, the big national chains are the most obvious targets. They have established training programs and are used to dealing with the scheduling restrictions that come with being a student.However, a "Help Wanted" sign doesn't always mean "Help Wanted Under 16."
The Heavy Hitters:
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Publix: This grocery chain is famous for hiring at 14. They employ "Front Service Clerks" (baggers) who help customers to their cars. It is a rite of passage in the South.
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Kroger (and affiliates like Fry's, Smith's): Often hires courtesy clerks at 14 or 15.
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Chick-fil-A: Many locations hire team members at 15 (and sometimes 14), but because they are franchises, it varies by owner.
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Culver’s: A Midwest staple that frequently hires 14 and 15-year-olds.
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AMC Theatres: While many theaters require you to be 16, AMC has been known to hire 15-year-olds for usher and concession roles in certain states.
Here’s where it gets interesting... Just because a company can hire you doesn't mean they will. Managers often prefer 16-year-olds because they don't have as many strict hour limitations. To win at 15, you have to prove you are more mature than the average 16-year-old.
Honest Failure: When I was 15, I applied to a Starbucks inside a Target. I thought it was a slam dunk. I didn't realize that because it was inside a Target, I was technically applying to Target, which generally required employees to be 16 at that time. I waited two weeks for a call that never came.Lesson: Always clarify who the actual employer is when applying to kiosks or store-within-a-store concepts.
Jobs That Hire at 15 Near Me: The Local Advantage
While the big chains are visible, the best jobs that hire at 15 near me are often the ones without a website. Small business owners love hiring 15-year-olds. Why? Because you are cheaper (usually minimum wage), energetic, and they can train you from scratch without breaking bad habits from other jobs.
Where to look locally:
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Ice Cream Parlors: They are busiest in the summer and evenings—exactly when you aren't in school.
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Landscaping Companies: Not the big commercial ones, but the local guy with two trucks. He often needs a helper to haul bags of mulch.
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Local Diners: They need dishwashers and bussers. It is hard work, but the cash tips (if they tip out bussers) can be great.
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Swim Clubs: Lifeguarding requires certification (Red Cross), but you can typically get certified at 15.
Opinion Statement: I honestly believe that working for a small business is better for a 15-year-old than a corporation. At McDonald's, you are a number. At "Joe's Pizza," Joe knows your mom and will let you leave early if you have a big geometry test the next day.
How to Earn From Home by Managing E-commerce Returns as Closo Hub
This is a new category of work that didn't exist when I was a kid. The gig economy has opened up logistics roles that can be done from a garage (with parental supervision). If you are asking how to earn from home by managing e-commerce returns as Closo Hub, you are looking at becoming a micro-fulfillment center.
The Concept: Resellers and e-commerce sellers often buy "returns pallets" or source inventory that needs to be checked,photographed, and relisted. As a "Hub" (or acting as an assistant to a reseller parent), a 15-year-old can handle the physical processing.
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The Job: You receive the items, inspect them for damage, clean them, and prep them for resale.
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The Tech: You use tools to manage the flow.
Leveraging the Tech: You can use the Closo Hub features (if you are assisting a seller) to track what comes in and what goes out. It’s basically "Supply Chain Management 101." It beats flipping burgers because you learn about logistics,quality control, and digital commerce.
I use Closo to automate my inventory tracking – saves me about 3 hours weekly of manually writing down what items I have processed.
Does Chick-fil-A Hire at 14? (The Franchise Loophole)
This is one of the most specific questions teenagers ask: does chick fil a hire at 14? The answer is: It depends on the Operator. Chick-fil-A is unique because each location is individually owned and operated. Corporate doesn't set a strict national age limit; they leave it to the franchisee to follow state laws.
The Reality:
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State Laws: If your state allows 14-year-olds to work (with a permit), a Chick-fil-A operator can hire you.
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The Role: You will likely be limited to front-counter work, running food to tables, or spinning milkshakes. You generally cannot work the fryers or slicers due to safety regulations.
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The Competition: Because Chick-fil-A is known for being a good place to work (closed Sundays!), competition is high. You are competing against 17-year-olds with cars.
Anecdote: My neighbor’s son got hired at Chick-fil-A at 14. His interview strategy? He memorized the menu before he walked in. When the manager asked, "Why should I hire you over the older kid?" he said, "Because I already know the difference between a Cobb Salad and a Spicy Southwest Salad, so you save two hours of training." He got the job.
Understanding Work Permits and Restrictions
Before you look for a job that hire at 15, you need to understand the legal red tape. The government wants to ensure you are going to school and not working in a coal mine. This is regulated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state laws.
The General Rules for 14 and 15-year-olds:
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School Days: Usually max 3 hours per day.
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Non-School Days: Max 8 hours per day.
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School Weeks: Max 18 hours per week.
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Hours: usually cannot work before 7 AM or after 7 PM (extends to 9 PM in summer).
The "Blue Paper": In many states, you need a "Work Permit" or "Employment Certificate." Usually, you get the job offer first, then take a form to your school guidance counselor to sign, proving you have decent grades.
Now the tricky part... If your grades drop, the school can revoke your work permit. I saw this happen to a teammate on my high school soccer team. He was working late at a grocery store, failed two math tests, and the school pulled his permit. He lost the job and the income overnight.
What Are Some Jobs That Hire at 15 Near Me? (Non-Traditional)
If retail sounds miserable, consider what are some jobs that hire at 15 near me that involve skills rather than scanning barcodes. Freelancing isn't just for adults.
Skill-Based Gigs:
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Refereeing: Youth soccer, baseball, and basketball leagues are desperate for referees. You can often get certified at 14 or 15. The pay is usually $20-$30 per game (cash).
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Tutoring: Are you good at math? Tutor middle schoolers. Parents pay well for a relatable teen tutor.
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Tech Support for Seniors: Help older neighbors set up their iPads or Roku sticks.
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Pet Sitting/Walking: Use apps like Rover (usually 18+) to see what the market rates are, then market yourself locally on Nextdoor (with parent help).
Specific Product Name: When I was refereeing, I bought a Fox 40 Whistle. It’s the industry standard. Looking the part matters. If you show up with a cheap whistle and a messy uniform, parents will yell at you. If you show up looking professional, they respect the call.
Jobs That Hire at 15 in AZ (State Variations)
Labor laws vary by state, which affects jobs that hire at 15 in az (Arizona) differently than in New York. Arizona is generally "teen-friendly" regarding work.
Arizona Specifics:
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You generally do not need a work permit if you are 16, but at 15, you might need proof of age.
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Arizona allows 15-year-olds to work in amusement parks and refreshments, making places like Castles N' Coasters or Golfland Sunsplash prime targets.
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Fast food culture is huge in AZ. Chains like In-N-Out Burger typically require you to be 16, but local taco shops often hire at 15.
Why this matters: If you are reading this from a specific state, Google "[Your State] Youth Labor Laws." Don't assume the rules are the same everywhere.
A List of Jobs That Hire at 15 (Categorized)
To make your search easier, here is a list of jobs that hire at 15, broken down by industry.
Retail & Grocery:
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Publix
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Kroger / Fred Meyer / King Soopers
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Safeway / Albertsons (varies by union contract)
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Wegmans
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Giant Eagle
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Fareway
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Hy-Vee
Food Service:
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Chick-fil-A (Select locations)
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Culver’s
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Dairy Queen (Franchise dependent)
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Rita’s Italian Ice
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Baskin Robbins
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McDonald's (Franchise dependent)
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Taco Bell (Select locations)
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Burger King (Select locations)
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Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Entertainment:
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AMC Theatres (Select locations)
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Six Flags (Seasonal)
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Cedar Fair Parks (Kings Island, Cedar Point)
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YMCA (Lifeguards/Camp Counselors)
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Local Bowling Alleys
Comparison Table: 15 vs. 16 Year Old Opportunities
Leveraging Closo Sourcing for Teenage Resellers
If you can't find a traditional job, make one. Reselling is the ultimate teenage job in 2026. You have a phone. You know what's cool. Use Closo Sourcing techniques to find items.
The Strategy:
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Source: Go to Goodwill (or your own closet). Look for vintage tees, video games, or sneakers.
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Analyze: Use AI tools or sold listings to see what they are worth.
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List: Get it online.
Parenthetical Aside: (I started flipping video games when I was 14. I bought a bundle of N64 games at a yard sale for $20. I sold Mario Kart 64 alone for $35. I was hooked. I didn't have a "boss," but I made more money per hour than my friends bagging groceries.)
Where Can You Work at 14? (The Hard Mode)
Finding where can you work at 14 is significantly harder than at 15. At 14, you are truly limited. Most corporate insurance policies forbid hiring 14-year-olds.
The Best Options for 14-Year-Olds:
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Paper Routes: Yes, they still exist in some areas, or distributing weekly ad circulars.
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Family Business: If your parents or uncle own a business, you can legally work for them in many capacities that would otherwise be illegal.
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Farming/Agriculture: Labor laws are very different for farm work. You can often work on farms at 14 (detasseling corn is a classic Midwest summer job).
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Caddying: Golf courses often hire caddies at 14. It is physically demanding (carrying heavy bags for 4 hours), but the tips are lucrative.
Creating a Resume When You Have No Experience
When applying for jobs near me that hire at 15, the application asks for "Previous Experience." You have none. What do you put?
Translate Life to Work:
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Babysitting = "Child Care Provider" (Responsibility, Safety).
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Lawn Mowing = "Landscaping Assistant" (Reliability, Physical Labor).
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Sports Team Captain = "Team Leadership" (Communication, Discipline).
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Clubs/Scouts = "Community Service."
The "Closo" Resume Boost: If you have helped your parents with their reselling or used tools like the Closo 100% Free Crosslister to sell your old clothes, put that down! "E-commerce Assistant: Managed inventory and cross-listed products across multiple platforms." That sounds incredible to a hiring manager.
I use Closo to automate my sales listings – saves me about 3 hours weekly – and listing that efficiency on a resume shows you are tech-savvy.
Interview Tips for Teenagers
You landed the interview. Now you have to talk to an adult you don't know. This is terrifying for most 15-year-olds.
How to Stand Out:
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Eye Contact: Put the phone away. Look them in the eye.
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Dress: You don't need a suit. But wear a collared shirt or a nice blouse. No ripped jeans.
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Bring a Pen: It sounds stupid, but bringing a pen shows you are prepared.
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Ask a Question: At the end, ask, "What is the most important thing for someone in this role to do well?"
Opinion Statement: The bar is low. Most teenagers show up to interviews in hoodies, mumbling one-word answers. If you show up dressed neatly, shake hands, and speak in full sentences, you are already in the top 10% of candidates.
What Jobs Can I Get at 14? (Creative Income)
If you are asking what jobs can i get at 14 and the answer is "none in my town," get creative.
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Content Creation: You probably edit videos for TikTok or Reels for fun. Local businesses need that. Offer to make 3 Reels for a local bakery for $50.
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Digital Art: If you are good at drawing, sell commissions on Fiverr or to friends.
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Cleaning: Car detailing. You need a bucket, soap, a vacuum, and a driveway. Charge $40 to clean a neighbor's car inside and out.
Where Can I Work at 14 Near Me? (Checking the Map)
When you type where can i work at 14 near me into Google Maps, ignore the "offices." Look for "places with uniforms."
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Movie Theaters.
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Bowling Alleys.
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Golf Courses.
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Garden Centers.
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Kennels (cleaning cages is gross, but they hire young).
The "Walk-In" Strategy: At 14 or 15, online applications often get auto-rejected by age filters. Print a resume (even a simple one). Walk into the local garden center. Ask to speak to the owner. Hand it to them. "I'm 14, I'm a hard worker, and I live down the street so I'm never late." Face-to-face interaction overrides algorithms.
Leveraging Closo AI Agents for Reselling Research
If you decide to go the entrepreneurial route, you need an edge. You don't have capital to waste on bad inventory. I use Closo AI Agents to analyze potential buys. If you are at a garage sale and see a box of old electronics, the Agent can tell you if it's junk or gold. It’s like having an expert in your pocket. This allows a 15-year-old to compete with adult resellers.
Common Questions I See
People always ask me... Do I have to pay taxes if I'm 15?
Common question I see... Yes, potentially. If you are an employee (W-2), taxes will be withheld from your paycheck automatically. If you earn less than the standard deduction (which is around $13,850), you will likely get all that federal tax back when you file a tax return in the spring. However, Social Security and Medicare taxes are gone forever. Welcome to adulthood.
Can 15-year-olds work at Starbucks?
People always ask me... Generally, no. In most states, Starbucks requires baristas to be 16. However, licensed locations (like those inside a grocery store or airport) follow the hiring age of the host store. So, a Starbucks inside a Kroger might hire you at 15 because you are technically a Kroger employee.
How many hours can I work?
Common question I see... During the school year, you are usually limited to 18 hours a week and no more than 3 hours on a school day. In the summer (June 1 - Labor Day), these restrictions loosen, and you can often work up to 40 hours a week and 8 hours a day. Always check your specific state's labor department website.
Conclusion
Finding jobs that hire at 15 is the first step toward financial independence. It requires patience, a bit of bravery to walk into stores, and the willingness to do the unglamorous work of wiping tables or bagging groceries. But whether you choose the traditional route at Publix or Chick-fil-A, or decide to build your own income stream using Closo Sourcingtools, the skills you learn now will compound.
My honest assessment is that you should apply to 10 places. Expect 9 rejections. That one "Yes" changes everything.Don't be too proud to scrub dishes. The best entrepreneurs I know started as dishwashers.
If you are ready to explore the world of reselling as your first job, use the Closo Seller Hub to get started with the right tools.
For more on how to manage your inventory if you choose the entrepreneurial path, read our Pages Similar to eBay Guide
And if you want to know what items to flip for cash, check out Trending Products Forecast 2026
