The legal age for youth employment is determined by federal and state child labor laws. These regulations protect a minor’s education, health, and well-being while allowing for employment experience. The standards vary significantly depending on whether a young worker is under 14, between 14 and 15, or between 16 and 17 years old. Since state laws can impose stricter requirements than federal law, the job’s location influences the final rules an employer must follow.
The Federal Standard: Minimum Age and the FLSA
The baseline for child employment is established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the primary federal law governing non-agricultural youth employment. The FLSA sets a general minimum age of 14 for most non-farm work. This regulation aims to protect minors from working conditions that could interfere with their schooling or safety.
The FLSA creates distinct regulatory tiers based on age. It places limitations on the hours and occupations for 14- and 15-year-olds, but largely removes hour restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds. However, all minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from occupations the Secretary of Labor has declared hazardous.
The Importance of State and Local Child Labor Laws
While the FLSA sets a national minimum standard, state and local child labor laws frequently impose more demanding requirements. States can establish a higher minimum working age, more restrictive maximum hours, or a longer list of prohibited occupations than those defined federally. The governing principle is that when both federal and state laws apply, the law with the stricter standard must be obeyed.
States vary considerably in their specific labor requirements. A business operating across state lines must comply with the unique and often more protective laws of each jurisdiction where their minor employees work.
Working Rules for 14- and 15-Year-Olds
Minors aged 14 or 15 face the most stringent federal limitations, ensuring employment remains secondary to education. Their work must be outside of school hours and is restricted to non-manufacturing, non-mining, and non-hazardous occupations. These rules apply regardless of enrollment status, as they are subject to the hours the local public school system is in session.
Permissible Hours During School Weeks
During school weeks, federal law limits 14- and 15-year-olds to a maximum of 18 total hours. On any single school day, they may work no more than three hours. Work is prohibited before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m.
Permissible Hours During Non-School Weeks
When school is not in session, such as during summer vacation, the federal hourly limits are extended. During non-school weeks, 14- and 15-year-olds may work up to 8 hours per day, with a maximum weekly limit of 40 hours. The evening restriction is eased, allowing work until 9:00 p.m. between June 1st and Labor Day.
Permissible Occupations
Federal regulations strictly limit the types of jobs 14- and 15-year-olds can hold, restricting them primarily to roles in retail, food service, and office environments. Permissible duties include:
- Bagging groceries
- Stocking shelves
- Cashiering
- Office and clerical work
They may perform limited kitchen work, such as food preparation, but are prohibited from using power-driven machinery, including food slicers and commercial mixers. They are explicitly barred from manufacturing, mining, and any occupation deemed hazardous.
Working Rules for 16- and 17-Year-Olds
Once a minor reaches age 16, the federal government removes most hour and time-of-day restrictions. Minors aged 16 and 17 may be employed for an unlimited number of hours per day or per week under federal law, regardless of whether school is in session.
The most significant restriction for this age group remains the prohibition on hazardous occupations. The Department of Labor has designated 17 specific occupations as too dangerous for minors under 18. Examples include operating forklifts, working in roofing or excavation, and driving a motor vehicle as part of the job. These restrictions protect minors until they reach age 18.
Special Exemptions: Jobs Under Age 14
Federal law generally prohibits non-agricultural employment for children under age 14, but several specific jobs are exempt. These exemptions recognize traditional youth roles or those deemed non-detrimental to the child’s welfare.
Exemptions include:
- Working for a parent who solely owns a business (excluding mining, manufacturing, or hazardous occupations).
- Delivering newspapers to consumers.
- Working as an actor or performer in motion pictures, television, radio, or theatrical productions.
- Performing casual work like babysitting or minor chores around a private home.
Certain types of agricultural work also permit employment for children under 14, governed by their own distinct rules.
Required Documentation: Obtaining a Work Permit
Obtaining a work permit, also known as an employment or age certificate, is a mandatory requirement in most states for minors aged 14 to 17. Although federal law does not require them, states mandate permits to verify the minor’s age and ensure the proposed employment complies with child labor laws, including hours and occupational restrictions.
The process usually involves the minor, a parent, and the prospective employer completing a joint application detailing the job duties and work schedule. This application is submitted to the local school district or the state’s labor department for approval. Once issued, the employer must keep the original document on file for the duration of the minor’s employment, serving as official proof of eligibility.