There are so many job restrictions when you are under 16 years old. Where you can work and how many hours you can work are just two of the main questions that come to mind. However, it is for a good reason to protect teens from exploitation in the workplace.
However, it can make it difficult to know which jobs you are and are not allowed to do! Most towns have a local gas station, so it may seem like a good place to start your job search.
But can a 15 year old work at a gas station? Why don’t we take a look and find out!
Jobs Available At Gas Stations
There are many different job roles at a gas station; what position you are suitable for will depend on your skillset, age, and experience:
- Attendants’ main role is to fill up the customer’s car with petrol or diesel, but they can also perform duties such as cleaning windshields or filling up tires. Notably, this role is entirely outside, rain or shine!
- Cashiers are responsible for processing customer payments. They tend to work in the shop; therefore, they must also maintain inventory and keep the store tidy.
- The supervisor is in charge of all the employees and facilities at the gas station. You will have to impress them during the hiring process! They are also responsible for your training and keeping the gas station running efficiently.
Hurdles To Working At a Gas Station
Although working at a gas station is not forbidden by child labor laws, it can be difficult to get hired there. Firstly, many gas stations are open 24 hours and expect you to work nights or require you to work alone. These are both forbidden under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for under 16-year-olds.
Secondly, many gas stations sell alcohol that under 18-year-olds are prohibited from selling. However, despite these hurdles, many gas station companies do hire under 18-year-olds.
Read more: Sheetz Holiday Hours
How To Get Hired At a Gas Station?
Due to the hurdles listed above, it is recommended that you target your job search to larger companies or larger stations which require more than one employee on shift at a time. You can find jobs advertised online or in your local newspaper, but one of the best ways for finding a job is to go to the establishment and ask the manager directly.
Wages At a Gas Station
Like all jobs, the wages for working in a gas station can vary depending on your city, state, or the company you work for. As an under 20-year-old, your employer can pay you $4.25 an hour for the first 90 days of working there; this is known as the Youth Minimum.
After 90 days, you qualify for the minimum wage, which is $7.25. However, as a gas station attendant, you can make a lot more money, the average per hour is $11.93, but it can reach $15.82 if you are based in cities such as Seattle, Washington.
Risks of Working at A Gas Station
All workplaces should provide the necessary training to reduce the chances of injury or harassment during your work. However, there are some risks associated with gas station work specifically. As Gasoline is highly flammable, safety precautions must be taken to reduce the risk of fuel explosions. This means no cell phones nor cigarettes anywhere near the fuel pumps.
Balancing Work And School
Balancing work and school can be stressful, but there are ways to help lessen this stress. Firstly, make sure you communicate clearly with your boss about your prior commitments. This could be exams, extracurricular activities, or just necessary rest periods.
Together, you should develop a schedule that lets you keep on top of your schoolwork whilst giving yourself precious self-care time. Here are some more tips to help you create a balance between your work, school, and personal life!
- Work smarter and do not leave tasks to the last minute; get organized! Do your homework as soon as possible or between classes to free up time after school.
- Keep a diary of all your important dates, such as exams, assignment due dates, and working hours. Each time you get an assignment, you can schedule the necessary time you need to complete it; that way, you will not have to cram last minute to get it done.
- Learn to say no. Unfortunately, you cannot do it all, but you can start being more selective about your social and extracurricular activities. Only say yes to activities that you are excited about, rather than what you think you should attend.
- Ward off stress. Balancing work and school can be stressful, so you must keep a healthy mind and body. Prioritize self-care time and exercise as part of your daily routine. Make sure you eat healthily and drink plenty of water. Finally, despite the promises of energy from coffee, limit your caffeine intake to avoid energy crashes.
Read more: $15 An Hour Is How Much A Year?
Looking To Perfect Your Resume Skills?
Well, firstly, I’ve put together various gas stations for you to have a look at, such as my Chevron Application, my Loves Application, Stripes Application, my 76 Gas Station Applications Online, or how about my Sheetz Application, Speedway Application, RaceTrac Application, and finally my Murphy USA Application.
Want to stand out from the crowd and land that interview? Then check out the CVs, Resumes, and LinkedIn: A Guide to Professional English, and the Marketing Yourself in the Age of Digital: CVs, Applications, Interviews, Social Media, LinkedIn, as well as the English for Academic CVs, Resumes, and Online Profiles, Land Your Dream Job: Join the 2% Who Make it Past Resumé Screening, and the Resume Formats book available online in 2023.
We also found Optimize Your Resume: DOs and DON’Ts the SamNova Way, or even the Resume Writing: 10 Ridiculously Simple Tips, the Resume Format Guide, and lastly, How to Write an Amazing IT Resume for helpful info and advice.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of positives about taking on a part-time job at school, but you must be responsible with your time. Having a good work-school balance can be difficult to manage but not impossible.
A job at a gas station is far from being a boring job; with the vast array of customers, no shift will ever be the same! So now that you know the answer to “Can a 15 Year Old Work at a Gas Station”, give it a go; it will definitely be a good addition to your CV.
All the very best with your first gas station job!
I need hired Gas station to earn money and coin please. I am 15 year old