A 15-year-old can legally hold a job, but employment for minors is heavily regulated at both the federal and state levels to protect their well-being and education. Employers must adhere to specific rules governing hours, job duties, and required paperwork before hiring a young worker. Understanding these regulations ensures a successful and legally compliant first job experience.
Understanding Federal Child Labor Laws
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the foundational federal statute governing child labor standards in the United States. This law establishes baseline protections for minors in non-agricultural employment, covering minimum age requirements, wages, and restrictions on work type and hours. The FLSA mandates that 14 is the minimum age for most non-agricultural work, placing 15-year-olds under specific rules designed to prevent interference with schooling.
The FLSA sets the lowest permissible standards, meaning states must meet or exceed these federal requirements. Federal law dictates that minors under 16 may not work during school hours, nor can they be employed in manufacturing, mining, or hazardous occupations. Employers must comply with these federal standards and any stricter state or local laws that apply.
State-Specific Rules and Obtaining a Work Permit
State labor laws frequently impose stricter limitations on the employment of 15-year-olds than the federal FLSA, particularly regarding maximum daily and weekly hours or job types. When federal and state laws address the same employment condition, the rule offering the greater protection to the minor must be followed.
In most states, a 15-year-old must secure an Employment Certificate, commonly called a “Work Permit” or “Working Papers,” before beginning any job. This legal document affirms the minor’s age and verifies that their employment complies with state and federal child labor laws. The permit is typically issued by an authorized official, such as a school administrator or a representative from the state’s labor department.
The process requires documentation from multiple parties. The minor needs to present proof of age, such as a birth certificate, along with a statement of intent to employ completed by the prospective employer. Parental or guardian consent is mandatory. The issuing authority may also require a certificate of physical fitness or a review of school grades to ensure the job will not negatively impact the minor’s health or academic standing.
What Jobs Are Allowed and Which Are Prohibited
Federal law restricts 15-year-olds to a defined list of non-hazardous, non-manufacturing, and non-mining jobs. Permissible employment includes many positions in the retail industry, such as stocking shelves, cashiering, and bagging groceries, as well as office and clerical work. In food service, they can work as waiters, bus personnel, or dishwashers, and perform limited duties in the kitchen involving food preparation.
The law strictly prohibits 15-year-olds from engaging in any of the 17 Hazardous Occupations (HOs) deemed too dangerous for young workers. These forbidden jobs involve environments or equipment that pose a serious risk of injury or harm. Examples of prohibited work include operating most power-driven machinery, such as woodworking tools or meat slicers, and working in occupations that involve exposure to radioactive substances or explosives.
Minors are generally excluded from roofing work, excavation, and any job requiring the operation of motor vehicles, except for certain limited exceptions like farm-related tasks. The prohibition extends to processing and manufacturing activities, along with public messenger service and most construction work. These occupational restrictions are in place year-round.
Restrictions on Working Hours
The FLSA imposes precise restrictions on the number of hours and times of day a 15-year-old can work, differentiating between school weeks and non-school weeks. During any week when school is in session, a minor is limited to working a maximum of 3 hours on any school day. The total hours worked during a school week cannot exceed 18 hours.
These school week restrictions also limit the time of day work can occur, generally prohibiting employment before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. These limits ensure the minor has sufficient time for school, homework, and rest. Additionally, 15-year-olds are not allowed to work during school hours.
The rules become less restrictive when school is not in session, such as during summer vacation or a scheduled break. During these non-school weeks, a 15-year-old may work up to 8 hours per day, with a maximum of 40 hours for the entire week. The evening restriction is extended from June 1 through Labor Day, allowing the minor to work until 9:00 p.m.
Practical Steps for Finding a Job at 15
The job search often begins by targeting businesses known for entry-level positions that align with FLSA and state restrictions. Local establishments, such as small retail stores, independently owned restaurants, and neighborhood service businesses, often offer flexible, age-appropriate work. Informal neighborhood jobs like pet sitting, babysitting, yard work, and tutoring are also excellent ways to gain initial experience.
When approaching an employer, a 15-year-old should prepare a simple resume that highlights soft skills and educational achievements. Emphasizing attributes like responsibility, promptness, and a willingness to learn demonstrates a positive work ethic. Interviews should focus on articulating enthusiasm and showing a clear understanding of the need to balance work with school commitments.
Financial and Tax Considerations
The federal youth minimum wage allows employers to pay workers under 20 a rate of $4.25 per hour during their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. After this introductory period, the employee must be paid at least the federal minimum wage or the applicable state or local minimum wage, whichever is highest. Many state and local laws mandate that minors receive the same minimum wage as adult workers, overriding the federal youth provision.
A working minor must complete a W-4 form when starting a job, which dictates how much federal income tax should be withheld from their paycheck. Since a minor’s income may fall below the standard deduction threshold, they can often claim exemption from income tax withholding on the W-4 if they had no tax liability the previous year and expect none in the current year. Any tips received must be reported to the employer if they total $20 or more in a calendar month, as these earnings are also subject to tax withholding.