The aroma of fresh bread and the promise of customer interaction make a bakery an appealing first job environment. Young people often look to these local businesses for an entry point into the workforce. Age requirements for working in a bakery are complex, governed by a combination of federal and state laws designed to protect minors’ education and well-being. Understanding this tiered system of legal constraints is the first step for any young person hoping to secure a job.
Federal Minimum Age Requirements
The foundational law governing youth employment in the United States is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This federal act establishes 14 years old as the general minimum age for most non-agricultural employment, including bakery jobs. The FLSA limits the hours and types of work young people can perform to ensure their safety and protect their educational opportunities.
Minors aged 14 and 15 are limited to working outside of school hours in non-manufacturing and non-hazardous occupations. The law strictly prohibits anyone under 18 from working in any of the 17 occupations declared “hazardous” by the Secretary of Labor. This hazardous occupations list is particularly relevant in a bakery, as it restricts the use of certain types of power-driven equipment often found in food production.
State Labor Laws and Exceptions
While the FLSA sets a nationwide floor, state labor laws often impose stricter rules for the employment of minors. Employers must always comply with the law that offers the most protection to the young worker; the stricter of the federal or state rules will apply. A state might mandate a higher minimum age for certain jobs or place more restrictive limits on daily or weekly work hours.
Many states require minors to obtain a work permit or age certificate before starting a job. This documentation process typically involves the minor, the employer, the parent or guardian, and the local school administration. These permits verify the minor’s age and confirm that the proposed job duties and work schedule comply with all applicable child labor laws. Aspiring bakery employees should check their local or state Department of Labor websites to confirm the specific documentation and age requirements.
Job Roles Based on Age
Ages 14 and 15: Restricted Duties
Younger minors are generally restricted to customer service and non-production roles within the bakery. Permitted duties include cashiering, bagging finished products, stocking shelves, taking customer orders, and general cleanup tasks like sweeping and wiping down tables. They may also perform limited food preparation, such as cleaning and preparing fruits and vegetables, and some simple cooking tasks.
The FLSA explicitly prohibits 14- and 15-year-olds from performing actual baking activities, such as mixing ingredients or operating ovens. They are strictly barred from operating power-driven machinery, including commercial mixers, dough sheeters, meat slicers, and power-driven cutters. Furthermore, they are not allowed to work in freezers or meat coolers, though momentary entry to retrieve items is usually permitted.
Ages 16 and 17: Expanded Opportunities
Upon reaching 16, a minor can work in most jobs for unlimited hours, provided the occupation is not on the federal list of hazardous occupations. In a bakery, this age group can operate most equipment, but they are still prohibited from using certain high-risk machines. Specifically, 16- and 17-year-olds are not allowed to operate, feed, set up, adjust, repair, or clean power-driven bakery machines, such as certain commercial dough mixers or slicers.
This age group can take on nearly all other production and cooking tasks, including using commercial ovens and conducting most food preparation duties. Employers must be diligent about which tools they allow 16- and 17-year-old employees to handle, maintaining a prohibition on the most dangerous tasks.
Age 18 and Over: No Restrictions
Once an individual reaches 18 years of age, all federal child labor laws cease to apply to their employment. The worker is considered an adult under labor law and is no longer subject to restrictions on hours or hazardous occupations. An 18-year-old employee can operate any piece of equipment, work any shift, and perform any task required in a bakery, from running the largest commercial mixer to driving a delivery vehicle.
Restrictions on Work Hours for Minors
Federal rules place tight controls on the scheduling of 14- and 15-year-olds to protect their time for school. When school is in session, these minors are limited to working no more than three hours on a school day and a total of 18 hours per week. Their work shift must also fall between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
When school is not in session, the daily limit for 14- and 15-year-olds increases to eight hours per day, with a weekly maximum of 40 hours. The evening restriction extends, allowing them to work until 9 p.m. from June 1st through Labor Day. In contrast, 16- and 17-year-olds have no federal restrictions on the number of hours they can work, though many states impose their own limits on this age group.
Finding and Applying for a Bakery Job
Young job seekers should approach a bakery application focusing on their availability and enthusiasm for customer service. Even without prior experience, creating a simple resume that highlights school involvement, volunteer work, and soft skills like punctuality and a positive attitude is beneficial. For minors, knowing the exact requirements for a work permit and having the necessary paperwork prepared is a significant advantage in the hiring process.
When interviewing, emphasize your flexibility, particularly availability during non-school hours, weekends, or the summer. Bakers value employees who demonstrate a strong work ethic and an eagerness to learn about food preparation and retail operations. Highlighting your understanding of the legal work hour restrictions shows the employer you are serious about compliance.