How to Make Money as a 15-Year-Old

Earning money as a 15-year-old offers valuable lessons, cultivates responsibility, and builds financial literacy. Understanding available avenues and employment regulations is a first step. This guide explores various ways a 15-year-old can make money, from traditional jobs to entrepreneurial pursuits.

Understanding Work Regulations for Minors

Minors working involves specific legal frameworks. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets federal guidelines for employment, including minimum age, working hours, and permissible occupations for those under 18. For 14 and 15-year-olds, employment is generally restricted to non-manufacturing, non-mining, and non-hazardous jobs. Hazardous occupations prohibited for minors under 18 include explosives, logging, sawmilling, power-driven machinery, and driving motor vehicles.

During school weeks, 14 and 15-year-olds cannot work more than 3 hours a day on school days, or 18 hours per week. Work hours are limited to between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., extending to 9:00 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day. When school is not in session, these limits expand to 8 hours a day and 40 hours per week. State child labor laws often impose stricter requirements than federal law, covering work permits and hour restrictions.

Many states require minors to obtain a work permit before starting employment. This permit outlines permissible working hours and is typically issued by school or state labor departments. The application involves the minor, a parent or guardian, and the prospective employer.

Community-Based and Informal Work

Earning money often involves less formal arrangements within one’s community. These roles leverage personal connections and offer flexibility, often providing direct services to neighbors or family friends.

Common examples include babysitting, where responsibilities range from supervising younger children to preparing snacks and engaging in play. Pet sitting and dog walking are also popular, requiring reliability and a comfort level with animals. For outdoor work, lawn care services such as mowing, raking leaves, or shoveling snow provide consistent income, particularly during specific seasons.

Tutoring younger students, assisting with household chores, or helping with technology setup for older adults are common avenues. These informal jobs are often found through word-of-mouth referrals or local community boards. Discussing payment rates, responsibilities, and schedules with clients helps establish expectations.

Formal Employment Opportunities

Beyond informal community work, 15-year-olds can find structured employment with established businesses, offering consistent schedules and professional development. Common sectors that hire young workers include retail, such as clothing stores or grocery stores, where tasks might involve stocking shelves, assisting customers, or operating cash registers.

Food service establishments, including restaurants and fast-food outlets, frequently employ 15-year-olds for roles like bussing tables, food preparation (excluding hazardous machinery), or customer service. Movie theaters and amusement parks also offer entry-level positions, especially during summer breaks. Some summer camps hire young assistants or counselors-in-training, while certified individuals may find lifeguard positions at pools or water parks.

Applying for these jobs typically involves creating a simple resume and preparing for an interview. When hired, formal employment requires specific documentation, including a Social Security number and a work permit. New employees will also complete tax forms, such as a Form W-4, to determine federal income tax withholding.

Online and Entrepreneurial Ventures

The digital age provides numerous opportunities for 15-year-olds to earn money, often with an entrepreneurial focus that leverages technology and creative skills. Selling handmade crafts online, for example, is possible on platforms like Etsy, though a parent or legal guardian must register and supervise the account. Online tutoring for younger students or in specific academic subjects offers a flexible way to utilize knowledge and teaching skills.

Content creation on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok can generate income, though age restrictions and parental consent are important. Monetization often requires creators to be 18. Simple freelance tasks, like data entry or virtual assistant work, can also be pursued, though many platforms require users to be 18, or at least 16 with parental permission.

Beyond online platforms, entrepreneurial ideas can translate into local small businesses. Baking and selling goods, creating custom artwork, or offering technology support to seniors are examples. For all online and entrepreneurial activities, ensuring online safety, obtaining parental involvement for financial transactions or account setup, and developing relevant skills are important.

Managing Your Earnings

Learning to manage earned money is a fundamental aspect of financial literacy. A practical first step involves opening a bank account, often a custodial account like a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) account. An adult custodian manages these funds until the minor reaches the age of majority.

Basic budgeting involves tracking income and expenses to understand where money comes from and where it goes. This practice helps in making informed spending decisions and identifying areas for saving. Setting financial goals, such as saving for a specific item, future education, or investments, provides a purpose for accumulating funds. Distinguishing between saving for long-term objectives and allocating money for immediate spending reinforces prudent financial habits.

Earned income may be subject to federal and state income taxes, plus FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare). A 15-year-old generally needs to file a federal tax return if earned income exceeds the standard deduction for dependents, or if self-employment income is over $400. Filing a return may be beneficial to receive a refund of any income tax withheld.