Summer Jobs For 15 Year Olds

It is almost a right of passage, getting that first real job on summer vacation.  When you've got three months to relax before school starts back up, but you also don't really get an allowance anymore and you've quickly discovered that anything fun to do involves some cash.  There may be other reasons, including getting a car, saving up for a trip, or any number of other reasons for seeking employment on your three months away from responsibility. 

Summer jobs for 15 year olds are fairly common to come by.  Most restaurants and stores are always looking for someone to take a part-time spot stocking shelves, busing tables, or running a cash register.  You will need to check with the local laws in the area, since some states require a work permit for anyone under the age of 18 to gain employment with a company legally.  The work permit tends to simply check that the 15 year old's grades are good enough to justify allowing them to get a job, and to also make sure they have everything in line before taking on the extra responsibility.  Most of this is only for protection, since it also prevents teenagers from getting jobs in hazardous careers, or from them taking on anything they can't really handle.  It is very rare for a 15 year old to get turned down for a work permit, except when poor school performance is taken into account.  Many summer jobs for 1 year olds will only allow you to work 18 hours a week.  These limit goes up after you hit 16, but when you're still 15, you shouldn't be working that much yet.  18 hours a week can still give you a pretty good paycheck when you don't have any bills.

You may not make much money by adult standards, but here are some jobs that most 15 year olds can get for a summer, and make at least a nice chunk of spending money.

Fast Food

It is far from the easiest or most fun jobs out there, but it is also the easiest to get.  The pay is mediocre and the work stinks, but it is money and you will most likely start in the same week you submit your application.  If nothing else, you can tell the stories later in life about how bad your first real job was.  Getting a job at a fast food joint when you're 15 is the reason most people say they won't ever work in fast food again.

Other Restaurants

Other types of restaurants are more enjoyable to work at.  While you may not be able to get a job working as a waiter due to alcohol laws, you shouldn't really have a problem gaining employment at a restaurant without a liquor license, as a hostess at any, or as a buser.  Many of these jobs don't rely as much on tips as being a server, but you still won't make much unless the servers tip you out.  Most of them will if you do a good job and help them out.

Grocery Store

There is nothing wrong with working a cash register or bagging at a local grocery store during the summer.  The pay isn't too bad, the work is simple and easy, and the hours normally aren't too bad.  You will probably have to work quite a few night, along with some weekend, but due to hour restrictions, it's really not all that bad.

Lifeguard or Babysitter

Both of these positions require you to watch after people, but one require certification.  To become a lifeguard, you have to pass a test and continue along with training, but what better job is there than to sit by the pool all summer and enjoy some sunshine.  This job has potential to go on well after you're 15 years old.

To be a babysitter, you just need to have neighbors or parents friends with children, and know how to take care of them.  If you like kids, this job is perfect.  You get to set your own hours and pay rate, and unlike other jobs for 15 year olds, you will get a little bit of entrepreneurial experience.  It is highly recommended that you take CPR and basic first aid courses.  With these, you can market yourself outside of people you know.

Work For Yourself

There are several jobs that a fifteen year old can get just by work for themselves.  Just mowing lawns in your neighborhood, or getting a paper route can make you a substantial amount of money.  If you are creative, you can come up with any number of ways to make some quick cash without having to worry about a paycheck.  If you can make something, sell it.  If you're good at something, like fixing cars or bikes, sell your services.  Remember though, you won't have someone helping you out along the way, so you should never over-exert yourself, or do something you can be injured doing.  You are only 15 years old, and there are several other things more important than money.