A 14-year-old in Ohio can legally enter the workforce, but employment is heavily regulated by both the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 4109. These regulations ensure that work experience does not compromise the minor’s education, health, or well-being. Minors seeking paid employment must comply with these state and federal mandates, which govern the types of jobs allowed and the hours that can be worked.
Mandatory Requirement: The Ohio Work Permit
Employment for a 14-year-old cannot legally begin without obtaining an official “Age and Schooling Certificate,” commonly called a work permit. This document is mandatory for all minors under 16, even during summer break, and for all minors under 18 during the school year. The certificate confirms the minor’s age and the employer’s right to hire them for non-prohibited occupations.
The process begins with the superintendent of the school district where the student resides, or their designated representative. The minor must first secure a statement of intent to hire from a potential employer. This statement confirms the employer’s intention to hire the minor and outlines the nature of the work, as the permit is specific to the job and its duties.
The application requires several documents submitted to the school authority. Proof of age is necessary, often verified through school records or a birth certificate. A physical examination form, completed and signed by a physician, is also required to confirm the minor is physically fit for the work.
Once all required forms, including parental consent, are completed, the school superintendent’s office processes the application. The permit is then issued, and the employer is responsible for retaining a copy as part of the minor’s employment records. The employer is prohibited from employing the minor without this specific certificate.
Strict Limits on Working Hours
Ohio law imposes strict restrictions on the number of hours a 14-year-old can work, differentiating between school sessions and breaks. During the school year, minors aged 14 and 15 are limited to a maximum of 3 hours on any school day. This ensures their work schedule does not interfere with academic performance.
The weekly limit when school is in session is 18 hours per week. All work must be restricted to the hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Minors are also generally not permitted to work during school hours.
These restrictions ease during periods when school is not in session, such as summer vacation or holidays of five or more days. The daily limit increases to 8 hours per day, and the weekly limit extends to 40 hours per week.
The evening curfew is extended during the summer period (June 1st to September 1st) or during longer school holidays. During this time, a 14-year-old is permitted to work until 9 p.m., though they still cannot begin work before 7 a.m.
What Jobs Are Permitted and Prohibited
Permitted Occupations for 14- and 15-Year-Olds
Regulations permit 14- and 15-year-olds to work in non-hazardous and light duty occupations. These jobs are typically concentrated in the retail, office, and food service sectors. Acceptable positions include bagging groceries, stocking shelves, and performing general office or clerical work.
In the food service industry, minors may perform jobs like busing tables, washing dishes, and preparing food, but with limitations. Acceptable outdoor work includes certain park work and lawn care for private residences.
Federally and State Prohibited Occupations
To protect minors, federal and state laws prohibit employment in occupations deemed hazardous. These prohibitions center on avoiding exposure to dangerous machinery and environments. They are absolute and apply regardless of parental consent or employer supervision.
Prohibited occupations span industries including manufacturing, mining, and construction. Minors are forbidden from all work in transportation, storage, communications, and public utilities. They are also prohibited from operating power-driven machinery, such as meat slicers, paper product machines, and wood-working machines.
Restrictions extend to working in freezers or meat coolers, and any preparation of meat for sale, except for simple tasks like wrapping and labeling. Hazardous tasks like roofing, excavation, and outside window washing from scaffolding or ladders are also forbidden.
Practical Steps to Securing Your First Job
The first step for a 14-year-old seeking employment is to identify businesses that commonly hire young workers and offer non-hazardous roles. This includes local grocery stores, retail establishments, or fast-casual restaurants experienced with the permit process. A basic resume, even without formal work history, should focus on school involvement, volunteer experience, and relevant skills like teamwork or customer interaction.
Once a prospective employer is identified, the job seeker should approach them professionally and prepare for an interview. The interview is an opportunity to demonstrate reliability and a willingness to learn. Securing a verbal job offer is necessary before the formal work permit application can be completed.
After receiving the intent-to-hire statement, the minor must promptly begin obtaining the Age and Schooling Certificate from their school district. While the minor initiates the paperwork, the employer must ensure the minor has a valid permit before the first day of work.