Working at age 14 is a possibility for many young people seeking to earn money and gain experience. The employment of minors is one of the most heavily regulated areas of labor law, governed by a strict framework of rules at both the federal and state levels. These laws dictate the total hours a young person can work and the specific job tasks they are allowed to perform.
The Federal Law Framework for Young Workers
The baseline for youth employment in the United States is established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets a minimum age of 14 for most non-agricultural work. This federal statute is designed to protect minors’ health and well-being while ensuring that work does not interfere with their education. The FLSA outlines appropriate jobs for 14- and 15-year-olds, generally limiting them to occupations in retail, food service, and office work.
The federal law establishes a floor, representing the minimum standard of protection that all employers must provide. States are free to enact their own child labor laws, which are often more restrictive than the FLSA. If a state law provides a greater degree of protection or has a lower maximum hour limit, the employer must always adhere to the stricter state standard.
Specific Restrictions on Work Duties for Young Teens
A 14-year-old is permitted to hold a cashier position because the role falls within the allowed categories of selling and operating office-type machines, such as a cash register. Permissible duties for this age group include bagging groceries, stocking shelves, price-marking goods, and cleaning tasks like vacuuming or sweeping floors. They are also allowed to perform delivery work on foot, bicycle, or using public transportation.
However, the laws strictly prohibit 14-year-olds from engaging in work that is considered hazardous or involves operating power-driven equipment. Prohibited tasks include:
- Operating meat slicers, dough mixers, deep fryers, or power-driven food choppers.
- Working in manufacturing, mining, or construction.
- Working in any workroom or workplace where goods are processed.
- Working in freezers or meat coolers, or performing tasks that require the use of ladders or scaffolds.
Mandatory Limitations on Hours and Time
The federal regulations impose limits on the hours a 14-year-old may work, with different rules applying when school is in session versus when it is not. During any week when school is in session, a minor is limited to working a maximum of 18 total hours. On a school day, including Fridays, they may work no more than three hours.
When school is not in session, the maximum weekly limit increases to 40 hours, with a daily limit of eight hours. Regardless of the school schedule, work must be performed only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The evening restriction is extended slightly during the summer, allowing work until 9:00 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.
Understanding State-Specific Child Labor Laws
While the FLSA sets a uniform national minimum standard, state child labor laws frequently impose stricter rules, which take precedence for employers operating within that state. These more restrictive state provisions might include lower maximum daily or weekly working hours, more limited evening cutoff times, or additional prohibitions on certain types of machinery or environments.
For this reason, both the young worker and the employer must consult the specific regulations published by the state’s Department of Labor or equivalent agency. These state offices provide the definitive guidance on local requirements, which may impact work schedules, break requirements, and the specific documentation needed to begin employment. Employers are responsible for following the most protective standard, whether it is federal or state.
Required Documentation and Permits
Before a 14-year-old can legally begin employment, a formal administrative step is typically required to ensure compliance with child labor laws. Most states mandate that minors obtain a Work Permit, Employment Certificate, or Age Certificate. These legal documents verify the minor’s age and affirm their eligibility for employment based on the established legal standards.
The process for obtaining this documentation usually involves the employer, the minor, and a parent or guardian, with the final certificate issued by a school district official or the state labor office. The application often requires a statement of intent from the employer detailing the nature of the job and sometimes a parent’s signature granting consent. The employer is required to keep the approved certificate on file for the duration of the minor’s employment.
Types of Employers Who Hire Young Teens
Young people seeking cashier or retail-related roles often find success with businesses that have a high volume of entry-level positions and operate during flexible hours. Local grocery stores are common employers, as they have constant needs for cashiers, baggers, and stockers who perform duties within the allowed non-hazardous work categories. Retail chains, particularly those focused on clothing or general merchandise, also frequently hire 14-year-olds for sales associate and cashier positions.
The food service industry provides numerous opportunities, with quick-service restaurants and local ice cream or coffee shops often seeking help. These environments require careful adherence to the prohibited duties, such as avoiding deep fryers. Parks, recreation centers, and movie theaters also represent viable options for summer or after-school employment.