The age required to work as a cashier is determined by a layered system of federal and state labor laws. These regulations protect young workers by balancing educational priorities with the opportunity to gain work experience. Understanding these age standards, hour restrictions, and duty limitations is the first step toward securing legal employment. While the minimum age is established at the federal level, state-specific rules often introduce additional complexities that employers must follow.
Federal Minimum Age Requirements
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes the minimum age for non-agricultural work, including most cashier positions, at 14 years old. No employer covered by the FLSA can legally hire a worker younger than 14. Employment for 14- and 15-year-olds is permitted, but it is subject to substantial limitations regarding hours and job duties.
The FLSA sets the minimum age for unrestricted, non-hazardous work at 16 years old. Sixteen and 17-year-olds can work any number of hours in any job not declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor. Workers aged 16 and 17 have significantly more flexibility in the workplace than 14- and 15-year-olds, whose schedules are heavily regulated.
State Law Variations and Exceptions
While federal law sets the minimum age, individual states can establish stricter child labor laws. If a state law conflicts with the federal FLSA, the rule providing the most protection to the minor must be followed. This means the minimum age to work in a specific industry or during school hours may be set higher than the federal standard.
Some states may require a minor to be 16 to work in certain sectors or during school hours. Aspiring young workers must verify the specific child labor statutes in their state of residence and where the job is located. Failing to check local statutes can lead to employment that violates state law, even if it complies with federal guidelines.
Restrictions Based on Job Duties
Even if a minor meets the minimum age, they may be prohibited from performing certain cashier functions due to federal and state hazardous occupation orders. A significant restriction involves the sale of age-restricted products like alcohol and tobacco. Most states prohibit minors under 18 from handling, dispensing, or selling alcoholic beverages, and similar rules often apply to tobacco products.
Cashiers in retail outlets may also be prohibited from operating certain equipment. Minors under 18 are federally prohibited from operating hazardous power-driven equipment, including paper balers, compactors, and meat slicers found in back rooms. Fourteen- and 15-year-olds are generally banned from operating most power-driven machinery, restricting them to lighter work like bagging and carrying out customer orders.
Limits on Working Hours for Minors
The federal FLSA places strict limitations on the hours 14- and 15-year-olds can work to ensure employment does not interfere with their education. During school weeks, these minors are limited to a maximum of three hours per day and 18 hours per week, and they can only work outside of school hours. They cannot work before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. on school nights.
These hour restrictions are relaxed during non-school periods, such as summer vacation. From June 1 through Labor Day, 14- and 15-year-olds may work up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week, with their evening cut-off time extended to 9:00 p.m. Workers aged 16 and 17 face fewer federal restrictions on hours, but many states impose their own limits on daily and weekly hours, particularly when school is in session.
Required Documentation and Permits
Before a minor can legally begin working, many states require specific administrative documentation, often called a work permit, working papers, or an employment certificate. While the federal government does not mandate these permits, most states require them for workers under 18.
The process involves the minor, a parent or guardian, and the prospective employer filling out a form submitted to the school or state labor department. This documentation verifies the minor’s age and ensures the employer is aware of legal restrictions on work duties and hours. The employer must keep a copy of this valid permit on file for the duration of the minor’s employment.
Finding Cashier Jobs for Young Workers
Businesses most likely to hire younger workers for cashier roles have high customer traffic and simple transaction processes. Common employers for minors starting at age 14 or 16 include fast food restaurants, local grocery stores, department stores, and movie theaters. These environments often provide the necessary training and supervision to comply with child labor laws.
Young workers should be prepared to discuss their school schedule honestly during the application process, as employers must adhere to strict time-of-day and hour limits. Emphasizing soft skills like a positive attitude, reliability, and customer service potential can be advantageous, as the cashier role is frequently an entry-level position. Targeting seasonal hiring periods, such as the lead-up to the holidays, can increase the chances of securing a position.