Best Jobs for 15-Year-Olds in 2026: Top Picks, Legal Rules, and How to Land One
Looking for the best way for a 15-year-old to earn money in 2026? Whether you're a high school freshman juggling classes, a parent ensuring safe options, or scouting summer gigs, this guide has you covered. We'll break down the highest-paying, flexible, and fully legal jobs under US labor laws--including babysitting rates from UrbanSitter, lifeguard certifications, gig apps, and teen entrepreneur ideas. Get the quick answer to "what's the single best job," plus pay comparisons, state tips, and actionable steps to start earning fast.
Quick Answer: The Best Job for a 15-Year-Old in 2026
Babysitting stands out as the #1 best job for 15-year-olds. Why? It offers the highest pay potential ($15-30/hour, or $145-240 for an 8-hour day per UrbanSitter's 2026 data), ultimate flexibility around school, low barriers to entry (no work permit often required for informal gigs), and full legality under federal FLSA rules for non-hazardous work. Unlike retail or fast food, you set your schedule, build repeat clients via apps like UrbanSitter, and gain responsibility skills colleges love.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High earnings (up to 4.9% rate increase in 2026, outpacing inflation) | Variable hours (but that's the flexibility perk) |
| No boss micromanaging; work evenings/weekends | Requires trustworthiness (references help) |
| DOL-approved for 14-15yos; easy local start | Potential last-minute cancellations |
Cross-referenced with DOL Fact Sheet #2A, babysitting avoids prohibited hazards like machinery. Teens report earning $13-20/hour on average (Heartland data), scaling to $500+/week in summer.
Key Takeaways: Best Jobs for 15-Year-Olds at a Glance
Here's a scannable table of the top 10 jobs, with 2026 pay estimates from sources like UrbanSitter, BeamJobs, and DOL-compliant data. Focus on flexible, entry-level roles for students.
| Job | Avg Pay (2026) | Requirements | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babysitting | $15-30/hr ($145-240/day) | References, CPR optional | UrbanSitter, local parents, Nextdoor |
| Lifeguard | $20/hr | Age 15+, CPR/water rescue cert (DOL #60) | Community pools, water parks (YMCA) |
| Dog Walking | $15-25/hr | Reliable, love pets | Rover app (parent account), neighborhood flyers |
| Tutoring | $12-30/hr | Strong in math/English | School bulletin, Wyzant (parent-supervised) |
| Retail (Publix/Kroger) | $12-15/hr | Work permit in some states | Publix (14+ bagger), Kroger courtesy clerk |
| Fast Food (legal states) | $12-16/hr | 15+ in 15 states; limited hours | Taco Bell franchises, per state rules |
| Grocery Bagging | $12/hr | Age 14-15 OK with permit | Kroger, Wegmans (15+) |
| Movie Theater | $12-14/hr | Flexible shifts | Local theaters hiring teens |
| Online Gigs (UserTesting) | $10/20-min review | Computer access | UserTesting, parent consent |
| Teen Entrepreneur (Dropshipping) | $100-1000+/mo | Online setup | Shopify, Etsy (parent help) |
Sources: UrbanSitter, Heartland, BeamJobs, 10news.com.
US Labor Laws for 15-Year-Olds in 2026: What’s Legal?
Federal FLSA (via DOL Fact Sheets #2A and #60) governs 14-15-year-olds: limited to non-hazardous jobs outside school hours. Key rules:
- Hours Limits: 3 hours/day on school days; 8 hours non-school; 18/week during school, 40/week in summer (DOL Age Requirements).
- Min Age by State: 14 in TX and 15 states (e.g., GA, SC); 15+ elsewhere. Agriculture exceptions for under-14 (Connecteam/Clockify).
- No Hazardous Work: No machinery, driving, or pool maintenance for 14-15yos--even certified lifeguards (DOL #60).
States vary: 15 allow 14yos during school hours with certification. Always check DOL.gov or state labor dept.
Work Permits and Hazardous Jobs to Avoid
Checklist for Compliance:
- [ ] Verify state min age/permit (e.g., school-issued in CA).
- [ ] Get parent consent for gigs.
- [ ] Avoid: Operating fryers (Fact Sheet #2A), pool chemicals, construction (17 Hazardous Orders).
- [ ] Post DOL Minimum Wage Poster if employer.
Permits prove age/education status--essential for retail/fast food.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs for 15-Year-Olds: Pay, Requirements, and Where to Apply
Dive deeper into options blending part-time, summer, and gigs:
- Babysitting: $15-30/hr. UrbanSitter tracks 4.9% rise; charge +$2-5/kid.
- Lifeguard: $20/hr (Heartland). 15yos OK with cert; no prohibited pool tasks (DOL #60). Apply YMCA.
- Dog Walking: $15-25/hr via Rover.
- Tutoring: $12-30/hr (KidVestors). Freshmen tutor middle schoolers.
- Publix Retail: 14+ as bagger (10news).
- Kroger Bagger: 14-15 with permit.
- Fast Food: Legal in states like TX/FL; Taco Bell franchises hire 15.
- Wegmans Grocery: 15+ cashier.
- Movie Theater: Usher roles, flexible.
- Summer Labor: Non-hazardous construction helper ($15/hr).
Mini Case: A 15yo Publix bagger earned $12/hr part-time, landing it via in-person app + permit (10news).
Gig Economy and Online Jobs for Teens
Gig apps hit $455B globally (AppsThunder). Top for 15yos (parent accounts):
- TaskRabbit/Wag: $15-30/hr tasks.
- UserTesting: $10/20-min (LATimes).
- Online: Tutoring (Wyzant), reselling (eBay; $50-500/mo KidVestors).
Teen Entrepreneur Ideas: Profitable Side Hustles
Skip employers--scale your own:
- Dropshipping/Shopify: $100-1000+/mo (1752vc).
- Etsy handmade: Jewelry/art.
- Case: Adam Hildreth built eCommerce stores at 15 (Informi).
Babysitting vs Lifeguarding vs Retail: Comparison of Top Jobs
| Job | Pay | Flexibility | Effort/Reqs | Legality Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babysitting | $15-30/hr | Highest (set own hours) | Trust-building | DOL-safe |
| Lifeguard | $20/hr | Summer-focused | Cert + physical | DOL #60 limits |
| Retail | $12/hr | After-school shifts | Uniform/permit | Publix 14+ OK |
Babysitting wins for pay/flex; lifeguard for prestige.
Pros & Cons of Traditional Jobs vs Gigs/Entrepreneurship for 15-Year-Olds
| Type | Pros | Cons | Pay Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional (Retail/Fast Food) | Steady pay, resume boost | Fixed shifts, DOL hours | Predictable |
| Gigs (Dog Walk/Babysit) | Flexible, high potential ($15-30/hr) | Irregular (AppsThunder) | Variable |
| Entrepreneurship | Unlimited upside ($1000+/mo) | Startup effort | High-risk/high-reward |
Gigs build independence; traditional offers structure.
How to Get Hired: Step-by-Step Guide and Checklist for 15-Year-Olds
Actionable Checklist:
- [ ] Research state laws/permit (DOL.gov).
- [ ] Build resume: List school clubs, volunteer work.
- [ ] Apply: "Jobs hiring 15 year olds near me" on Indeed; walk-ins at Publix.
- [ ] Interview prep: "Why reliable?" Practice.
- [ ] Gig setup: Parent UrbanSitter profile.
Mini Case: 15yo got Kroger bagger job with permit + enthusiasm.
Summer Jobs and First Jobs Checklist: Maximize Earnings in 2026
Summer Focus:
- [ ] Lifeguard cert by May.
- [ ] Publix/Kroger apps open early.
- [ ] After-school: Tutoring/dog walking.
High school freshmen: Start with neighborhood gigs for experience.
FAQ
Do I need a work permit for jobs at 15 in the US?
Yes in most states for formal jobs (retail/fast food); not for babysitting/dog walking. Check DOL/state site.
What are the highest paying part-time jobs for 15-year-olds in 2026?
Babysitting ($15-30/hr), lifeguard ($20/hr), tutoring ($12-30/hr).
Which states allow fast food jobs for 15-year-olds?
15 states (e.g., TX, FL, GA); limited duties per FLSA #2A.
What are babysitting rates for 15-year-olds in 2026 USA?
$8.50-17/hr avg; $145-240/day (UrbanSitter). +$2-5 per extra kid.
Can 15-year-olds be lifeguards? What are the requirements?
Yes, with CPR/water rescue cert; no hazardous pool work (DOL #60).
What are the best gig economy apps for 15-year-olds in 2026?
UrbanSitter, Rover (parent account), TaskRabbit; $15-30/hr potential (AppsThunder).