McDonald's (Maccas) pays 15-year-olds based on the Fast Food Award, meaning wages vary by age, hours, and if you're part-time/casual, but generally start around $10.87-$12.83 per hour for juniors under 16, with potential for higher weekend/after-hours loadings and casual loading, aligning with government rates rather than flat high wages.
Ages 14-16: Teenagers often need more money for social activities, clothes, and tech. They may receive £10-£15 per week, or around £40-£60 monthly. Many parents start linking allowances to clear expectations, like helping at home or maintaining good school habits.
In Australia, a 15-year-old's minimum wage depends on whether they are covered by a Modern Award or not; if not, they receive a percentage of the national minimum wage (around $9.18/hour or 36.8% for <16s), but under specific awards like retail, they might earn more, such as $11.95/hour (45%) as of July 2025, with exact rates found via the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator.
What is the minimum age policy at McDonald's? We apply a minimum age policy of 14 years, except where State specific legislation applies (refer below). This ensures McDonald's restaurants provide a safe work environment, whilst supporting the academic commitments of young people.
Kmart pay for 15-year-olds in Australia varies by award, but it's generally a percentage of the adult rate, often around $12-$14 per hour during weekdays and more on weekends/evenings, with casual roles potentially paying slightly more, though it depends heavily on the specific Retail Award or Enterprise Agreement. For example, some reports mention rates like $12.04/hr in 2020, while others suggest newer rates around $14.70/hr for casual weekday shifts, with higher weekend/after-hours pay.
McDonald's pay for 15-year-olds varies by location (like Australia vs. US), but generally follows minimum wage or award rates, often a percentage of adult pay, with Australian rates around AUD $10.70-$15+ hourly depending on days/weekends, while in the US, it's closer to the minimum wage, but higher with experience or in specific states, often starting low for entry-level roles.
Big W pays 15-year-olds according to the Australian retail award rates, which are set by age and role, meaning they earn a percentage of the adult wage; in mid-2020, a 15-year-old casual retail worker earned around $12.04/hour, but rates increase with age, so expect it to be higher now, and you can check the official Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Calculator for the most current figure.
KFC is famous for its crispy chicken and offers loads of entry-level fast food jobs around Australia. Minimum age to work: Generally, you need to be 14 years old to start - but you'll need to be 15+ to work in the kitchen.
The minimum age to work at McDonald's varies by location, but generally, you can start at 14 or 15 years old, depending on local labor laws and franchise policies, with some places requiring a work permit, while certain roles or late hours (past 10 PM/midnight) often need you to be 18 or older. Always check with your specific local McDonald's for their exact age requirements and available positions, as rules differ between company-owned and franchised locations.
Under 15: $9.18 per hour. Age 15: Minimum wage Australia for 15 year old is $9.18 per hour. Age 16: Minimum wage Australia 16 year old earns $11.80 per hour. Age 17: $14.42 per hour.
In Australia, the minimum legal age to work is generally 14, so if you're 15, you're already good to go for most casual jobs. You just need to stick to your state's rules on hours and workplace types.
Minimum wage
However, not everyone is automatically entitled to get this. Workers under 18 are only guaranteed up to 70% of the national minimum wage, which is €9.91 per hour. Your employer can pay you more than the minimum wage if they want, but they are not required to do so by law.
TL;DR: how to make money as a teenager
Teens can cash in offline with classics like babysitting, dog walking, lawn mowing or tutoring. Online, they can turn hobbies into income through content creation, YouTube channels, gaming streams, virtual assistance and selling products.
A 15-year-old contributing $2,000 every year to retirement has the potential to accumulate about $1,220,000 by age 65. $50 monthly starting at age 16 becomes $376,000 by age 65. $50 monthly starting at age 25 becomes $176,000 by age 65.
Whether McDonald's hires 14-year-olds depends heavily on local labor laws and individual franchise policies, but many locations do hire 14-year-olds, especially with a work permit where required, focusing on after-school and weekend shifts, though some locations prefer 15+ due to rules or staffing needs. You'll need a work permit from school and availability outside school hours, with age restrictions often limiting shifts (e.g., no late nights or school-day work).
In Queensland, 13-year-olds can find jobs in paper/flyer delivery, retail (with restrictions), babysitting, pet care, gardening, and kitchen hand roles, though formal employment in places like cafes or stores often requires 14+; however, you can get hired for supervised roles like cleaning, assisting in kitchens, or general local odd jobs (dog walking, babysitting, helping parents), adhering strictly to school hours and daytime limits (6 am - 10 pm).
KFC pay for 14-year-olds varies by location and awards, but in Australia, it's typically based on junior rates under the Fast Food Industry Award, starting around $12.83 to $13.79 per hour for under 16s in entry-level roles, with higher rates for evenings or weekends, though specific rates depend on the state and exact award stage. In the US, it's closer to the federal or state minimum wage, but often around $10-$16/hour depending on local laws and franchise, as 14-year-olds can work limited hours.
Yes, Kmart generally hires 15-year-olds, though specific ages and roles depend on local child labor laws and Kmart's internal policies, with many starting around 14 and 9 months or 15, often in part-time roles like customer service or stock work. You must check your specific state/territory's laws and Kmart's application guidelines for precise details, as requirements vary.
15 Best High-Paying Jobs for Teens (and How to Get Started)
The rate can vary quite a bit - in June 2020 the award for a 15-year-old casual retail worker (retail level 1) was $12.04 per hour, while a 21 year old got $26.76.
Under 16, you should get 36.8%, or $9.18 an hour. Aged 16, you should get 47.3%, or $11.80 an hour. Aged 17, you should get 57.8%, or $14.42 an hour.
Depends on the age, 14 and 15 year olds get around 8.75 an hour but the pay increases every birthday after your 16th.
A 15-year-old at Hungry Jack's in Australia would typically earn a junior rate, often around $10.70 to $12.00+ per hour on weekdays, with higher weekend penalty rates, varying based on location, specific role (casual/part-time), and current Fast Food Award rates, but expect it to be significantly less than adult wages, reflecting a percentage of the full minimum wage.
You could make $1,000 by combining online jobs like freelancing, taking surveys, or selling clothes online with local gigs like babysitting, yard work, or flipping items. Promoting your services through social media or flyers may help you find more opportunities quickly.
To make $500 as a kid, combine service-based jobs like yard work, car washing, pet sitting, or tutoring with selling items like crafts, baked goods, or unwanted toys at garage sales or online (with parent help). Focus on tasks people pay for, get referrals, and consistently market your services to reach your goal, potentially starting with smaller gigs and scaling up to bigger jobs like painting or power washing.