Keen to start earning your own money but not sure you’re old enough to work? Think again…
While it might feel like most jobs are for people aged 16 and over, there are actually plenty of job opportunities for 15-year-olds (and even 14-year-olds). You just need to know where to look and what the rules are.
To help you guide you in the right direction, here’s everything you need to know about employment for 15-year-olds, from working hours and pay to the types of jobs you can do:
What hours can a 15-year-old work?
Before you start your job search, it’s important to understand your rights as a young worker.
The government has specific rules about when and how much a 15-year-old can work. These regulations are in place to make sure your job doesn’t get in the way of your education.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the hours you can work, according to the official guidelines on child employment:
During term time
During term time, you can work a maximum of 12 hours a week. This is broken down as:
- Up to two hours on school days and Sundays.
- Up to eight hours on Saturdays.
You can’t work:
- During school hours.
- For more than one hour before school starts.
- Before 7am or after 7pm.
During school holidays
During the school holidays, you’re allowed to work more hours. You can work a maximum of 35 hours a week. This is broken down as:
- Up to eight hours on weekdays and Saturdays.
- Up to two hours on Sundays.
Whether it’s term time or the holidays, you must have a break of at least one hour if you work for four hours or more in a day. You also need to have at least a two-week break from any work during the year.
How much will I get paid?
There’s no official minimum wage for people under 16. This means your pay will depend on your employer and the type of work you do.
When you apply for jobs, you might be asked about your salary expectations. A good starting point is to ask for the current minimum wage for under-18s, which is £6.40 per hour (as of April 2024). This helps ensure you’re being paid fairly for your work.
If you feel an employer isn’t offering you enough for the job, don’t be afraid to say so.
7 ways to get paid what you deserve
What are the most common jobs for 15-year-olds?
Although some jobs have age restrictions, there are still many options available for a 15-year-old. Here are a few careers for 15-year-olds you could consider:
Part-time jobs for 15-year-olds
When it comes to jobs for 15-year-olds, finding consistent work that fits around your school schedule is key. These part-time roles are perfect for 15-year-olds who want to start gaining experience (and earning money) without it taking over their life.
- Retail assistant: Many local and independent shops are happy to hire 15-year-olds for general duties like stocking shelves, helping customers, and working the till. It’s a brilliant way to build those customer service skills that’ll serve you well no matter where you go.
- Waiter/Waitress: If you’re looking for work that’s a bit more fast-paced, cafes and restaurants often need young people to help with serving customers, clearing tables, and taking orders. Certain tasks might be off-limits for health and safety, but it’s an excellent first job for fifteen year olds.
- Kitchen porter: Since many front-of-house roles require staff to be 16 or over, working in the kitchen is a great alternative for jobs for 15-year-olds. As a kitchen porter, you’d help with cleaning, washing dishes, and basic food preparation.
- Paper round: The classic entry in jobs for 15-year-olds. Delivering newspapers is a great way to earn money before or after school—plus, you’ll get serious step count bragging rights. Just pop into your local newsagents and ask if they have any rounds available.
Summer jobs for 15-year-olds
If you’re looking to earn some extra cash during the school holidays, summer jobs are a perfect choice. These could include things like:
- Dog walking: If you love animals, why not get paid to walk them? Ask around your neighbourhood or contact a local dog walking business to see if they need an extra pair of hands. Many jobs that hire at 15 involve helping out your community.
- Babysitting: Starting with family friends or relatives is a good way to get into babysitting. It shows responsibility and is a great way to earn money in the evenings or on weekends, and lots of families look for jobs for fifteen year olds they can trust.
- Car washing: Set up your own little business washing cars in your neighbourhood. All you need is a bucket, a sponge, and some elbow grease. This is one of those jobs that hire at 15 where you can work whenever you have free time, and you might even pick up some regular clients.
Online jobs for 15-year-olds
Prefer working in your pyjamas? Here are some online jobs for 15-year-olds:
- Blogging or Vlogging: Got a passion for gaming, fashion, or ranting about your favourite books? Start a blog or YouTube channel. If it takes off, these are jobs 15-year-olds can get paid for through adverts, product reviews, or sponsorships. Plus, it gives you a chance to show off your writing or creative skills online.
- Online surveys: Yes, sharing your opinion can actually earn you money. Many sites offer online jobs for 15-year-olds to fill out surveys. Sure, you won’t get rich, but it’s one of the easiest jobs to get at 15.
- Modelling: Interested in striking a pose? There’s no age limit to start, so modelling is another job to get at 15. Just make sure you have a great portfolio and a reputable agency. Under 16s will also need a performance licence.
How to find jobs for 15-year-olds
So, you’re ready to kick off your job search – but where do you actually find work for 15-year-olds? Here’s our advice:
- Ask around: Let friends, family, and neighbours know you’re in the market – sometimes the best careers for 15-year-olds start with a friendly recommendation.
- Look locally: Stroll through your town centre and keep your eyes peeled for ‘staff wanted’ signs in shops, cafes, or even local attractions. Many places that hire at 15 prefer someone who pops in to say hello.
- Online job boards: Sites like Reed.co.uk list thousands of job opportunities for 15-year-olds. Use the filters to find part-time jobs, summer jobs, or flexible roles in your area.
- Social media: Join Facebook community groups in your neighborhood – people often post quick gigs and odd jobs there.
Remember: when you’re searching for jobs that hire at 15, persistence and enthusiasm is key.
How to prepare for an interview
How to stand out from the crowd in your job search
Landing a job when you have little to no experience can be tricky. Here are our top tips to help you stand out.
- Create a great CV: Your CV is your first chance to impress an employer. Even if you don’t have work experience, you can include volunteer work, school achievements, and hobbies and interests. Use our free CV template to get started.
- Write a great cover letter: A cover letter is your chance to show your personality and enthusiasm. Tailor it to each job and explain why you’d be a great fit for the company.
- Nail the interview: Preparing for an interview is key. Think about some common questions and how you’d answer them. Remember to dress smartly and be yourself.
- Consider volunteering: If you’re struggling to find paid work, volunteering is a fantastic way to build your skills and boost your CV. It shows employers that you’re proactive and motivated.
Eight ways to make your CV stand out
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions about finding a job at 15? We’ve got you covered.
What are some places that hire at 15?
Some common places that hire at 15 include local shops, independent retailers, small cafes, restaurants, and businesses like garden centres or community pools. Larger chains with more flexible policies, such as supermarkets or fast food outlets, sometimes offer jobs for 15-year-olds, but you’ll need to check their age requirements online or in-store. Always look for part-time roles, summer jobs, or weekend work specifically marked for your age group.
How can I find out who’s hiring for 15-year-olds near me?
Start with a job search for 15-year-olds online, or visit local businesses in person. You can also ask friends, family, and neighbours if they know of any job opportunities for 15-year-olds, and check community noticeboards, social media groups, or the careers section of company websites.
Do I need a National Insurance number to work at 15?
No, you don’t need a National Insurance number until you turn 16. You’ll automatically be sent one just before your 16th birthday.
Do 15-year-olds pay tax?
Most 15-year-olds working part-time won’t earn enough to pay income tax. For the 2024/25 tax year, you can earn up to £12,570 before you have to pay any tax. Find out more by using our tax calculator.
Can I leave school at 15?
In England, you can leave school on the last Friday in June if you’ll be 16 by the end of the summer holidays. You must then stay in some form of education or training until you’re 18.
Where can I get more career advice?
We’ve got a whole library of career advice to help you get hired, from CV tips to common interview questions.
Final thoughts
Job hunting isn’t always easy – especially if you don’t have much practical work experience.
But that doesn’t mean you should be discouraged if you don’t get the role you want straight away. Instead of letting rejection stall your job search, use what you’ve learnt to improve your CV, cover letter, and interview technique.
Remember to place an emphasis on your skills, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn – and thoroughly research the company, role, and duties, and you’ll make a positive impression.
Finally, if you think a lack of experience might be holding you back, consider doing an unpaid work placement or a volunteering position to boost your CV and help you stand out to recruiters.
Work experience letter template
*All information was correct at time of writing. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/child-employment for more details.
Turning 16 soon? Here’s everything you need to know about jobs for 16-year-olds.
Ready to start your job search? View all available jobs on Reed.co.uk now.
