A 14-year-old can generally hold a part-time job, but employment is heavily regulated by laws prioritizing education and safety. Federal and state statutes impose limits on the types of jobs, the number of hours, and the times of day a minor can be employed. Understanding these statutory boundaries is the first step for any young person entering the labor market.
Federal Guidelines for Employing Minors
The federal baseline for youth employment is established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets the minimum age for most non-agricultural work at 14 years old. The FLSA dictates that 14- and 15-year-olds can only work outside of school hours in a limited number of non-manufacturing and non-mining occupations.
The FLSA includes strict prohibitions on work deemed hazardous, which applies to all minors under the age of 18. These Hazardous Occupations Orders bar 14- and 15-year-olds from operating power-driven machinery, working in excavation, or performing tasks in meat processing or warehousing. This establishes a foundational standard of safety and occupational limitations that all employers must observe.
The Critical Role of State Child Labor Laws
The FLSA sets a federal minimum standard for child labor, but the law providing the greater protection for the minor always applies. State laws often govern the final employment conditions and frequently impose more stringent limitations than the federal floor. A state may establish a higher minimum age for employment or enact stricter limitations on daily or weekly hours.
Readers must check the specific rules in their state of residence and the state where the job is located, as local laws vary significantly. The principle that the more protective law prevails remains the standard employers must follow. These state-level statutes are typically enforced by the state’s department of labor.
Understanding Work Permits and Age Certificates
In most states, a 14-year-old must obtain a work permit, often called an Employment Certificate or Age Certificate, before starting a new job. This document proves the minor is eligible for employment and that the job meets all legal requirements. Obtaining a permit usually involves the minor, a parent or guardian, the employer, and a local issuing officer.
The issuing authority is typically the school district, such as a principal or guidance counselor, or a state’s labor department. The application generally requires proof of age, a promise of employment form signed by the prospective employer, and parental consent. The employer must keep the completed certificate on file for the duration of the employment.
Specific Job Options for 14-Year-Olds
Retail and Food Service
Non-hazardous roles in retail and food service are the most common employment options for 14-year-olds. Permissible tasks include cashiering, bagging groceries, stocking shelves, and selling merchandise. In food service, minors can work as waiters, bus persons, or hosts. They are generally prohibited from cooking, baking, operating deep fryers, or using power-driven food slicers.
Office and Clerical Work
Office and clerical positions are a safe category of employment, as the work is non-hazardous and does not involve prohibited machinery. Acceptable duties include general office work, such as filing, typing, running errands, and operating typical office machines like computers and copiers. This work is restricted to the office environment.
Entertainment and Modeling
Work in the entertainment industry, including acting, singing, and modeling, is often exempt from standard federal child labor provisions. These jobs are regulated by specific state laws that focus on setting aside a portion of the minor’s earnings and ensuring adequate supervision and educational provisions. The child must typically obtain a special entertainment work permit separate from a general employment certificate.
Yard Work and Delivery
Yard work and grounds maintenance are permitted, provided the minor does not use any power-driven equipment, such as power lawnmowers, weed trimmers, or leaf blowers. The delivery of newspapers to consumers is explicitly exempt from the FLSA’s child labor rules, allowing minors of any age to engage in this work. However, driving a motor vehicle for any delivery purpose is prohibited for all minors under 18.
Strict Regulations on Working Hours and Scheduling
Federal law imposes specific limitations on the number of hours a 14-year-old can work to protect their educational opportunities. When school is in session, the minor is limited to a maximum of 3 hours on any school day and no more than 18 hours for the entire week.
The daily and weekly hours are extended when school is not in session, such as during summer vacation or extended breaks. During these non-school periods, a 14-year-old may work up to 8 hours a day, with a maximum limit of 40 hours per week. Work must occur between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. year-round, except from June 1st through Labor Day, when the evening work hour is extended to 9:00 p.m.
Finding and Securing Your First Part-Time Job
The job search for a 14-year-old should highlight soft skills and age-appropriate experiences. Since work experience may be minimal, the resume should emphasize volunteer activities, school clubs, sports, and responsibilities the minor has managed. Skills such as punctuality, a positive attitude, and the ability to follow instructions are valued by employers hiring young workers.
Local businesses aware of child labor laws, such as small retail stores, restaurants, and summer camps, are often the best places to begin the search. Approaching managers in person shows initiative and professionalism. Interview preparation should include practicing answers that demonstrate responsibility and an understanding of legal limits on work hours.