Thinking about getting your first job at 15 in Ireland? You’re not alone — thousands of teens take on part-time work every year. But before you start handing out CVs, there’s a legal framework you need to know. From maximum hours to prohibited industries, this guide walks through everything a 15‑year‑old needs to land a job that fits both your schedule and the law.

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Minimum working age in Ireland: 14 (light work) / 15 (regular part‑time) ·
Maximum weekly hours for 15‑year‑olds: 35 hours during school term ·
Common job sectors: Retail, Hospitality, Childcare, Tutoring ·
Average hourly wage: €8–€12 per hour ·
Part‑time jobs on Indeed.ie: 12,025 listings

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of 15‑year‑olds currently employed in Ireland is not published
  • Whether certain employers (e.g., JD Gyms) offer jobs to 15‑year‑olds is not confirmed by official sources
  • Some job listings may not specify minimum age clearly
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Prepare a simple CV and practice interview answers
  • Know your rights: minimum wage (€7.14 for under‑18s), rest breaks, pay slip
  • Balance work and school — prioritize education

Five key facts that every 15‑year‑old and their parents should know about working in Ireland, drawn from official sources.

Fact Details
Minimum age for work 14 for light duties, 15 for regular part‑time
Maximum weekly hours (15‑year‑old) 35 hours (term‑time), 40 hours (approved work experience)
Curfew Cannot work after 8pm or before 6am
Minimum wage (under‑18) €7.14 per hour (2025 rate)
Job listings on Indeed.ie 12,025 part‑time jobs for 15‑year‑olds
Legal definition of child Person under 16 (or school‑leaving age, whichever higher) (Workplace Relations Commission)
Rest break requirement 12‑hour rest period between shifts (Citizens Information)
Prohibited work Industrial work, manufacturing, construction (Workplace Relations Commission)
Bottom line: The pattern: the law is strict on hours and safety, but leaves room for light work that doesn’t interfere with school.

Can I get a job at 15 in Ireland?

Yes, you can — but only under specific conditions set out by the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996. This is the primary legislation that governs child employment in Ireland (Workplace Relations Commission).

What are the minimum age requirements for work in Ireland?

The Act generally prohibits employing anyone under 16, with limited exceptions. At 14, you can do light work during school holidays (max 7 hours/day, 35 hours/week) provided it doesn’t harm your safety, health, or development (Alastair Purdy LLP – Irish employment law specialists). At 15, you can also do light work during school term — up to 8 hours per week. During school holidays, 14–15 year olds can work up to 35 hours per week (Citizens Information).

“Children aged 14 and 15 can work a maximum of 35 hours a week (or up to 40 hours if they are on approved work experience).” — Citizens Information

Tip: The 35-hour cap during term-time is strict. Even if an employer offers extra hours, the law forbids it. Prioritise schoolwork first.

What jobs hire at 15 in Ireland?

Popular part-time jobs for 15-year-olds

Common roles include retail assistant, hospitality worker (café server, dishwasher), babysitter, tutor, and dog walker. These jobs are considered “light work” under the Act (Alastair Purdy LLP).

Where to find teen job listings in Ireland

  • Indeed.ie – Over 12,000 part-time listings for under-18s.
  • StudentJob.ie – Platform specialised for student jobs (StudentJob.ie).
  • Local noticeboards – Shops, libraries, community centres.
  • Word of mouth – Ask family, neighbours, teachers.

Top employers hiring 15-year-olds in Dublin and other cities

Major retail chains (SuperValu, Tesco, Dunnes Stores) and hospitality brands (McDonald’s, Subway, local cafés) frequently hire teens. Always confirm with the individual store — policies vary.

The implication: the job market for teens is active but competitive. Applying early (4–6 weeks before summer) gives you an edge.

TL;DR: 15-year-olds in Ireland can legally work light retail or hospitality jobs. The law caps hours at 35/week during term and bans night work. Check Indeed or StudentJob for listings.

What job is best for a 15 year old?

Factors to consider when choosing a first job

  • Schedule flexibility around school
  • Physical demands and safety
  • Pay rate vs. minimum wage (€7.14 under-18)
  • Skill-building for future career

Comparing pay, flexibility, and skill building

Job type Pay range Flexibility Skills
Retail assistant €8–€11/hr Medium – often shift based Customer service, cash handling
Café/hospitality €8–€12/hr Low – evenings/weekends Teamwork, time management
Babysitting €10–€15/hr High – set your hours Responsibility, basic childcare
Tutoring €15–€25/hr High – after school/weekend Subject mastery, communication

Best first job for social skills vs. best for saving money

If you want to build confidence and communication, retail or hospitality are strong choices. If your priority is saving quickly, tutoring or babysitting typically pay more per hour (StudentJob.ie).

“The ‘best’ job depends on personal goals: flexibility for school, pay rate, or experience. High-demand roles for teens include retail and hospitality.” — Industry observer, StudentJob.ie

Upsides

  • Earn your own money
  • Learn responsibility and time management
  • Build CV for future roles

Downsides

  • Limited hours can mean small pay
  • Some jobs can be physically tiring
  • Balancing school and work is hard

The pattern: higher-paying jobs (tutoring) demand more skill upfront, while retail/café roles are easier to enter but pay less.

What is the easiest job for a 15 year old?

What makes a job ‘easy’ for a teenager?

Low stress, simple tasks, and flexible scheduling. No heavy lifting, no late nights, and minimal training.

Examples of low-stress jobs for 15-year-olds

  • Shelf stacking in a supermarket
  • Dog walking
  • Babysitting (with basic training)
  • Newspaper delivery
  • Car washing

Tips for handling your first work experience

  1. Arrive on time and communicate any schedule conflicts.
  2. Ask questions — employers expect you to learn.
  3. Keep a simple notebook for tasks and hours worked.
  4. Know your rights: ask for a pay slip, take rest breaks.

Warning: “Easy” doesn’t mean “no rules.” Even shelf stacking must comply with child labour laws. If an employer asks you to work after 8pm, say no.

The catch: “easy” jobs often pay less, but they let you gain experience without overwhelming your schedule.

What is the highest paying job for 15?

High-paying jobs for teens in Ireland

  • Tutoring – €15–€25/hr for subjects you excel in.
  • Babysitting – €10–€20/hr depending on experience and number of children.
  • Freelance graphic design/creative work – €15–€30/hr for digital skills (social media graphics, logos).
  • Gardening/lawn care – €10–€15/hr for neighbourhood work.

How to earn above minimum wage at 15

Target roles that value your specific skills. If you’re good at maths, tutoring pays triple the minimum wage. If you have design software experience, offer flyer creation to local businesses. Average teen wage is €8–12/hr (Indeed.ie).

Is €20 per hour realistic for a 15-year-old?

Yes, but only in niche roles. Babysitting for multiple children or specialised tutoring can reach €20/hr. Most part-time jobs will pay €8–€12 (Workplace Relations Commission).

What this means: if you have a skill that solves a problem (e.g., teaching piano, coding), you can earn significantly more than minimum wage.

What can I legally do at 15 in Ireland?

Rights and protections for young workers

  • You are entitled to a written pay slip each pay period.
  • You must receive at least the national minimum wage for your age (€7.14/hr for under-18s in 2025).
  • Your employer must keep records of your hours, breaks, and pay (Workplace Relations Commission).

Hours of work and rest breaks

  • Term-time maximum: 8 hours per week for 15-year-olds (Citizens Information).
  • Holiday maximum: 7 hours per day, 35 hours per week.
  • 12-hour rest period between shifts — you cannot be scheduled back-to-back with less than 12 hours off.
  • Curfew: no work after 8pm or before 6am.

Rights regarding pay and contracts

Even at 15, you have a contract – written or verbal. You must receive the under-18 minimum wage (€7.14/hr) at minimum. Many employers pay more to retain young staff (Citizens Information).

“A child over 15 years old may be employed to perform light work during school term time, up to a maximum of 8 hours per week.” — Workplace Relations Commission

Note: You are also protected from discrimination and dismissal just like any other employee. If you feel your rights are being violated, contact the Workplace Relations Commission for free advice.

The implication: the law isn’t just a restriction – it’s a shield. Know your limits so you can push back if an employer asks too much.

TL;DR: The Protection of Young Persons Act 1996 caps your hours and sets curfews, but also guarantees minimum wage, rest breaks, and a safe workplace. Use that knowledge to protect yourself.

Additional sources

ie.indeed.com, ie.indeed.com, brightcontracts.ie, ie.indeed.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a work permit at 15?

No. The Act does not require a work permit for 15-year-olds doing light work. However, your employer must get a licence from the Minister for Enterprise if you are employed in cultural, artistic, sports, or advertising activities (Alastair Purdy LLP).

Can I work during school hours?

No. The Act prohibits any work during school hours. All work must be outside your normal school timetable (Workplace Relations Commission).

How many hours can I work on a school night?

You cannot work after 8pm, so a school-night shift must end by 8pm. The daily maximum on a school night is effectively the hours between 6am and 8pm, but the total weekly cap remains 8 hours for term time (Citizens Information).

What is the minimum wage for under-18s?

As of 2025, the national minimum wage for employees under 18 is €7.14 per hour. Many employers pay above this rate (Citizens Information).

Can I work in a pub at 15?

Yes, but only in roles that do not involve serving alcohol directly (e.g., washing glasses, clearing tables) and only during permitted hours (before 8pm). The pub must be a licensed premises that complies with child employment rules (Workplace Relations Commission).

How do I get a job at 15 with no experience?

Start with a simple CV listing your school achievements, any volunteer work, hobbies, and skills. Practice a short introduction about yourself. Apply to local shops, cafés, or families for babysitting. Use job sites like StudentJob.ie and Indeed.ie (StudentJob.ie).

For more on earning potential, see our guide on Highest Paying Jobs in NZ (comparative context) and Easy to Get Credit Cards: Easiest Approvals in Ireland for when you turn 18.