Wanderlust World Wanderlust World In the U.S., the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets 14 as the minimum age for most non-agricultural work, but with strict limits on hours and job types for 14-15 year olds. State laws may be stricter. Always check your state labor department and obtain a work permit if required.
| Job Type | Typical Employers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Food Service | Fast food (McDonald's, Chick-fil-A), ice cream shops, bakeries, coffee shops | Cashier, prep, cleaning. No cooking on open flames/fryers (FLSA). |
| Retail | Grocery stores (bagging, stocking), mall shops, garden centers | No operating balers/compactors, no ladders >6 ft. |
| Recreation | Pools (lifeguard *with certification*), camps, amusement parks, golf courses (caddie) | Lifeguard requires Red Cross cert (age 15+). |
| Office/Admin | Family business, local offices, tutoring centers | Filing, phones, data entry. No hazardous equipment. |
| Outdoor Services | Lawn mowing, leaf raking, snow shoveling, pet sitting, car washing | Self-employed or for neighbors. No power tools (chainsaws, chippers). |
| Delivery | Newspaper routes, flyer distribution | Often exempt from hour limits. |
| Entertainment | Movie theaters (usher, concession), theater productions | Check state rules on late hours. |
Balance work with school, sleep, and activities. Your education is your primary "job" at 15.