Formal employment for a 13-year-old is heavily constrained by federal and state regulations. This article outlines the strict legal limitations, clarifies the few permissible job categories, and details the necessary administrative steps and realistic income-generating alternatives. Navigating these constraints requires a clear understanding of the law and a focus on informal, self-directed work opportunities.
The Legal Framework for Employing 13-Year-Olds
Federal law establishes a high minimum age for formal employment in most non-agricultural industries. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum age for most non-farm work at 14 years old. This regulation is designed to protect the education and well-being of young people, limiting them to non-hazardous roles that do not interfere with schooling.
There are a few specific exceptions to the 14-year-old minimum age, which represent the only avenues for a 13-year-old to hold a job. Exceptions include working for a parent in a solely owned business, provided the work is non-mining, non-manufacturing, and non-hazardous. Other exempted roles involve the arts, such as acting and performing, and traditional casual labor like babysitting, minor chores in a private home, or newspaper delivery.
These exceptions still operate under strict hour limitations designed for minors under 16. The federal standard for 14- and 15-year-olds restricts work to a maximum of three hours on a school day and 18 hours during a school week. Working hours are limited to between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., with an extension until 9:00 p.m. during the summer months. State and local child labor laws frequently impose stricter rules than the federal FLSA, and the rule providing the most protection to the minor must be followed.
Types of Work Legally Permitted at Age 13
The types of work a 13-year-old can perform are strictly defined by the FLSA exceptions and generally fall under non-hazardous, casual labor. Newspaper delivery is one common role. This work is historically exempt from minimum age requirements and is typically performed outside of school hours.
Work performed directly for parents in their wholly-owned business is another category, provided the job does not involve mining, manufacturing, or any Hazardous Occupations defined by the Department of Labor. This might include light clerical tasks or administrative duties in a family-run office or small retail shop.
Casual labor performed in a private home is also permitted, including informal jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, or minor household chores. The entertainment industry is a separate exception, allowing minors to work as actors or performers, but this requires specialized permits and is subject to different regulations.
Companies Known to Hire Young Workers
Finding formal employment with a large company at age 13 is highly uncommon because the federal minimum age for most non-agricultural roles is 14. Compliance with strict labor laws leads most national chains to set their minimum hiring age at 14 or 15. Companies in the food service and grocery industries are the most common first formal employers for teenagers who meet the minimum age requirement.
Fast-food establishments like Chick-fil-A, Culver’s, Baskin-Robbins, and Wendy’s, along with grocery stores such as Kroger and Publix, frequently hire 14- and 15-year-olds for entry-level positions. These roles often involve tasks like taking orders, cleaning, or stocking shelves. Minors are strictly prohibited from using certain equipment or working during school hours. Movie theaters, such as AMC, also sometimes hire at age 14 for roles like ushers or concession workers.
For a 13-year-old, opportunities with these companies are non-existent unless the job falls under a specific local waiver or the rare exception of a family-owned franchise operating under the parent’s direct ownership. Therefore, any formal employment search must focus on the allowed exceptions or wait until the 14th birthday.
The Essential Requirement: Obtaining a Work Permit
For any formal employment, even in the few legally permitted roles, most states require a work permit. This administrative document is mandatory for minors under the age of 16 and serves as proof that the minor’s employment complies with all child labor laws regarding hours and occupation.
The process typically begins with obtaining an application from an issuing officer, usually located at the local high school’s guidance office or the state labor department. Standard requirements for issuance include proof of age, such as a birth certificate, and a statement of intent to hire completed by the prospective employer. Parental consent is also required, necessitating a signature from a parent or legal guardian on the application.
The work permit ensures that the minor’s education is prioritized over their employment by officially limiting the number of hours and the times of day they are permitted to work. If a minor changes jobs, a new permit is usually required for the new employer. The employer must keep a copy on file to demonstrate compliance with labor regulations.
Alternative Income Generation for 13-Year-Olds
Due to restrictions on formal corporate employment, the most practical path for a 13-year-old involves self-employment and informal work in the community. These casual services fall outside the traditional employer-employee structure and allow for greater flexibility.
Pet Care and Babysitting
Pet care is a consistently high-demand service, encompassing dog walking, pet sitting, and drop-in feeding for neighbors. To find clients, a young entrepreneur should create flyers to post in the local neighborhood, community centers, or on bulletin boards at local stores. Setting a rate for babysitting or pet sitting should generally start around $10 to $12 per hour. Rates can be higher depending on the local cost of living, the number of children or pets, and the specific duties requested.
Yard Work and Outdoor Chores
Yard work and outdoor chores represent another reliable source of income, including mowing lawns, raking leaves, shoveling snow, or washing cars. For these services, a project-based rate or a slightly higher hourly rate, such as $15 to $20 per hour, may be more appropriate, especially if the work requires using personal equipment.
Tutoring and Assistance
A 13-year-old who excels in a subject can offer tutoring services to younger students in the neighborhood. They may also find opportunities as an instructor’s assistant at a local community center.