Finding a first job at age 15 in Washington State requires navigating a clear framework of state and federal regulations. Employment for minors is governed by specific labor laws that dictate what jobs can be performed, when a teen can work, and what paperwork is necessary before beginning employment. These rules ensure that work does not interfere with a teen’s schooling, health, or well-being.
Understanding Washington State Child Labor Laws
The foundational legal structure for teen employment is enforced by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). This agency oversees compliance with state statutes, specifically the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 49.12 and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-125. The state establishes protective standards that govern the conditions, hours, and types of work permitted for young employees. When both federal and state child labor laws apply, the employer must adhere to the standard that offers the minor the greater level of protection. Washington’s regulations often take precedence when they are stricter than federal guidelines, imposing strict limits on working hours and prohibited duties for 15-year-olds.
Mandatory Requirements: Obtaining a Minor Work Permit
Before any 15-year-old can legally start a job in Washington, a specific procedural step must be completed involving multiple parties. The teen must obtain a valid Minor Work Permit, which is formally documented through a Parent/School Authorization form. The process requires authorization from three parties: the minor, their parent or legal guardian, and the school. During the school year, the school’s representative must sign the form to confirm that the proposed work schedule will not interfere with the teen’s education. The authorization process must be renewed annually, typically before September 30th, or whenever the minor changes employers, ensuring continuous oversight of the employment situation. Employers are responsible for obtaining a minor work permit endorsement on their business license from the Department of Revenue before hiring any employee under 18.
Where 15-Year-Olds Can Work (Permitted Industries)
Employment opportunities for 15-year-olds are generally restricted to occupations that are considered safe, non-hazardous, and do not compromise the minor’s health or schooling. The allowable work is largely defined by the tasks performed rather than the industry itself, focusing on duties that require minimal exposure to machinery or dangerous environments. Acceptable employment sectors are broad but the specific roles within them remain confined by state law.
Retail and Service
Jobs within the retail and general service sectors frequently employ 15-year-olds for light, customer-facing, and support roles. Teens can perform tasks such as stocking shelves, cashiering, bagging groceries, and general cleaning duties. The work is typically characterized by a low risk of injury and focuses on transactions and organization within the business premises.
Food Service
In the food service industry, 15-year-olds are commonly hired for tasks like bussing tables, washing dishes, and operating the counter or register. While they can work in these environments, they are generally prohibited from duties involving cooking over open flames, operating deep-fat fryers, or using power-driven food preparation equipment like meat slicers. The restriction is intended to minimize exposure to high heat, sharp objects, and heavy machinery found in commercial kitchens.
Office and Clerical Work
Office environments offer opportunities for 15-year-olds to perform various clerical and intellectual tasks. This can include duties such as filing, basic data entry, running errands on foot, and performing general organizational work. The nature of the work is sedentary and requires no operation of restricted machinery.
Agricultural Work
Agricultural work is permitted for 15-year-olds, though specific rules and exemptions apply, especially concerning the use of equipment. Teens can generally engage in tasks like hand-harvesting crops, weeding, and other light farm work. However, agricultural employment strictly prohibits operating tractors over 20 horsepower, working on high ladders, or handling dangerous pesticides.
Jobs That Are Strictly Prohibited for Minors
Washington law prohibits 15-year-olds from employment in specific occupations and environments deemed hazardous, regardless of the employer’s consent. These prohibitions are in place to prevent serious injury and protect the minor’s health. Prohibited duties include the operation of any power-driven machinery, such as meat slicers, dough mixers, or woodworking equipment. Work in construction, manufacturing, logging, and mining is also strictly forbidden due to the inherent dangers of these environments. Furthermore, teens cannot drive a motor vehicle for any commercial purpose, work on ladders or scaffolds, or handle dangerous chemicals or explosives. The law also prevents 15-year-olds from working in roles that involve exposure to bodily fluids or working as a nurses’ aide, unless they are enrolled in a certified training program.
Legal Limits on Working Hours and Scheduling
The maximum number of hours a 15-year-old can work is strictly regulated and depends on whether school is in session. During a school week, a minor is limited to working a maximum of three hours per day on a school day and a maximum of 16 hours per week. They are also prohibited from working during the hours when their local public school is in session. On non-school days, such as weekends or during school holidays, a 15-year-old can work up to eight hours per day. The maximum weekly limit increases to 40 hours during non-school weeks, such as summer vacation. Work must generally occur between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. during the school year. However, this end time is extended to 9:00 p.m. on non-school nights between June 1st and Labor Day.
Wages, Breaks, and Workplace Protections
Washington State mandates specific financial and welfare protections for all employees, including 15-year-olds. Minors aged 14 and 15 may be paid at a rate that is no less than 85% of the state’s standard minimum wage. For instance, based on the 2025 state minimum wage of $16.66 per hour, the minimum rate for a 15-year-old would be $14.16 per hour. In addition to compensation, the law requires employers to provide mandatory breaks. A 15-year-old must receive a paid rest break of at least ten minutes for every two hours worked, and these breaks cannot be scheduled near the beginning of the shift. Furthermore, they cannot work more than four hours without receiving an uninterrupted, unpaid meal break of at least 30 minutes, which is separate from rest breaks. Minors have the right to a safe work environment and are protected against discrimination, and they cannot waive their right to these mandatory rest or meal breaks.