Finding formal employment as a 14-year-old in Texas is governed by precise rules designed to protect youth workers and prioritize their education. Employment is regulated by two overlapping legal frameworks: the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Texas Labor Code. Both teenagers seeking work and businesses considering hiring them must navigate these laws. Successfully entering the workforce requires understanding the minimum age requirements, strict limitations on working hours, and specific legally permitted duties.
The Legal Requirements for Employing 14-Year-Olds in Texas
The minimum age for most non-agricultural employment under Texas law is 14 years old, aligning with federal standards set by the FLSA. Employers must comply with both federal and state laws, adhering to the standard that offers the greater protection to the young worker. The Texas Labor Code establishes that all individuals under 18 are considered minors regarding labor.
It is illegal to employ a child under 14, except for specific exemptions such as performing arts or working directly for a parent in a non-hazardous role. This requirement ensures that teenage employment begins at an age where the minor can safely manage job responsibilities alongside their educational commitments.
Specific Restrictions on Working Hours and Times
Regulations place detailed restrictions on the number of hours a 14-year-old can work, with rules changing based on whether school is in session. During the school year, federal law limits work to a maximum of three hours on any school day and 18 hours per school week.
The time of day for employment is also strictly controlled. During the school year, a 14-year-old may only work between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. This limitation prevents late-night shifts that could interfere with sleep and school attendance. During summer break (June 1st through Labor Day), the evening restriction is extended to 9:00 p.m., and the maximum weekly hours increase to 40.
Examples of Jobs Permitted for 14-Year-Olds
Retail and Grocery
Fourteen-year-olds are permitted to perform a variety of tasks within retail and grocery environments, focusing on non-hazardous customer service and inventory duties. These roles commonly involve cashiering, selling merchandise, and assisting customers. They are also allowed to engage in pricing, tagging goods, and restocking shelves with inventory. Clean-up work, such as using vacuum cleaners and sweeping, is also permitted.
Food Service
In the food service industry, permissible work centers on light kitchen tasks and direct customer interaction. Duties often include serving food, bussing tables, and washing dishes, as well as operating machines like toasters and milkshake blenders. They are prohibited from engaging in cooking or baking activities or working with power-driven equipment such as meat slicers, food choppers, or vertical dough mixers.
Office and Clerical Work
Office environments offer administrative support opportunities. Permitted tasks include filing, operating standard office machines such as photocopiers and computers, and running errands. This work focuses on desk-based activities and light organizational tasks that do not involve hazardous machinery or materials.
Entertainment and Recreation
The entertainment and recreation sectors hire 14-year-olds for roles that do not involve operating heavy or complex equipment. Common jobs include working as an usher at a movie theater, ticket taking, or assisting with cleanup and maintenance at amusement parks. These positions must exclude operating passenger rides or heavy-duty machinery used for groundskeeping.
Occupations Strictly Prohibited for Minors
Federal and state child labor laws prohibit 14-year-olds from employment in any occupation deemed hazardous. This includes all work in manufacturing or mining operations. The use of power-driven machinery is forbidden, extending beyond food preparation equipment to include lawn mowers, cutters, and trimmers.
Minors this age cannot be employed in construction, roofing, or excavation work. Prohibited tasks also include:
- Working on ladders or scaffolds.
- Operating motor vehicles.
- Serving as an outside helper on a vehicle.
These restrictions are established under federal Hazardous Occupations Orders.
Documentation and the Formal Hiring Process
Texas simplifies the hiring process by not requiring a state-issued work permit for 14-year-olds engaged in non-agricultural work. However, employers must still ensure they have proper documentation to verify the young worker’s age and eligibility.
Businesses are legally required to keep proof of age on file, satisfied with documents such as a birth certificate or a driver’s license. Many employers utilize a parental consent form, signed by the parent or legal guardian, to acknowledge the minor’s employment and agreed-upon hours. This paperwork serves as the administrative foundation for legal employment.
Alternative Ways to Earn Income
Formal employment subject to state and federal labor laws is not the only way for a 14-year-old to earn money. Many informal income-generating activities fall outside the scope of traditional child labor regulations. These jobs are generally exempt from hour and time restrictions, provided a parent or guardian has consented to the work.
Examples of these alternatives include providing neighborhood services like babysitting, mowing lawns, or performing yard work for private residents. Other popular options are pet sitting, dog walking, running errands for neighbors, or tutoring younger students. These activities offer flexibility without the administrative requirements of a formal job.