The employment landscape for 14-year-olds is heavily regulated to ensure a balance between work, education, and safety. Federal and state laws establish specific boundaries regarding the types of work permitted, the machinery that can be used, and the total hours a minor can be employed. Understanding these statutory protections is the first step for both the minor and a potential employer. This article will break down the governing rules and identify common, legally permitted job categories for 14-year-olds.
The Federal Legal Framework for Employing Minors
The regulation of youth employment begins with the federal standard established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This act sets the minimum age for most non-agricultural employment at 14 years old. The FLSA’s provisions are designed to ensure that the work performed by minors does not interfere with their schooling or health.
The federal law specifically limits the type of work 14- and 15-year-olds can perform to certain occupations in the service and retail sectors. These limitations strictly prohibit employment in manufacturing, mining, or any occupation deemed hazardous by the Secretary of Labor. Permitted occupations generally fall under the categories of office work, sales, and certain food service activities that do not involve operating power-driven machinery. While the FLSA governs most employment, it maintains separate, less restrictive rules for agricultural employment.
Restrictions on Working Hours and Time of Day
The FLSA imposes strict limitations on the total number of hours a 14- or 15-year-old may work. During any week when school is in session, the law restricts minors to a maximum of three working hours per day to prioritize academic responsibilities. The total number of hours allowed during a school week is capped at 18 hours.
During non-school weeks, the weekly maximum is extended to 40 hours, allowing for full-time work during extended breaks. The time of day a minor can work is also tightly controlled, generally prohibiting employment before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. This evening restriction is extended to 9:00 p.m. only between June 1st and Labor Day, providing a brief window for later summer shifts.
Common Jobs Legally Permitted for 14- and 15-Year-Olds
Retail and Service Roles
Many 14-year-olds find initial employment within the retail sector. These roles often include bagging groceries at a supermarket checkout, assisting with stocking duties by shelving merchandise, or price tagging items. Minors may also be tasked with preparing displays or light cleaning of offices or retail spaces, including sweeping or vacuuming. These positions align with the “non-hazardous” requirement of the federal law.
Food Service Establishments
The food service industry offers numerous entry-level positions. Minors can be employed as cashiers, managing transactions at the register, or as dining room attendants responsible for bussing tables and maintaining cleanliness. They are also permitted to prepare food and drinks, such as assembling sandwiches or operating non-power-driven equipment like blenders. Serving customers is allowed, provided the work does not involve handling or serving alcoholic beverages, which is strictly prohibited.
Office and Clerical Work
Employment in an office setting presents another viable opportunity for 14-year-olds. These duties frequently involve organizing documents through filing, sorting mail, or performing basic data entry and computer work. Minors may also be responsible for running internal office messages or performing light photocopying and scanning tasks.
Specific Outdoor and Manual Labor
Certain types of manual labor are permitted. This includes yard work, such as raking leaves, weeding, or mowing lawns with push-type, non-power-driven mowers. Car washing is permissible when conducted by hand. Delivery work is also permitted, but it is restricted to walking or bicycling.
Jobs That Are Always Prohibited for Minors
Federal law establishes a definitive list of hazardous occupations (HOs) that are strictly prohibited for minors under the age of 18. This prohibition applies to any work involving the operation of power-driven machinery, including common equipment like meat slicers, dough mixers, and woodworking machines. Manufacturing and processing occupations are universally prohibited, meaning a 14-year-old cannot work in a factory setting.
The ban extends to industries such as mining, logging, and public utility work. Employment in excavation, wrecking, or demolition activities is forbidden. Construction work is also entirely off-limits, whether the task is highly skilled or simple manual labor.
The Critical Role of State Labor Laws
While the Fair Labor Standards Act provides the federal foundation for youth employment, state labor laws frequently exceed the federal requirements. Employers must comply with both federal and state regulations simultaneously. The governing principle is that an employer must always follow the law that provides the greater protection to the minor employee. For instance, if federal law allows work until 7:00 p.m. but a state law only permits work until 6:30 p.m., the employer must adhere to the stricter 6:30 p.m. state limit.
State laws may also expand the list of prohibited hazardous occupations or enforce later minimum starting ages for specific types of work.
Necessary Steps Before Starting Work
The most significant requirement in most states is obtaining a Work Permit or Employment Certificate. This document is typically issued by the local school district or state department of labor. The application requires presenting proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, and a confirmation of the employer’s intent to hire and the specific job duties. The employer is legally responsible for keeping the permit on file for the duration of the minor’s employment.
A Social Security card is needed for payroll and tax purposes, and the minor should be ready to provide a government-issued identification document to confirm their date of birth. Parental consent is also a practical and often mandatory requirement.