Securing a first job and earning independent income is an exciting milestone for a 14-year-old. It offers an opportunity to gain valuable professional experience, develop new skills, and manage personal finances. In Indiana, finding employment at this age involves navigating specific state regulations designed to ensure the student’s safety and prioritize their education. Understanding these legal limitations and administrative requirements is the necessary first step before beginning the job search.
Understanding Indiana Child Labor Laws
Indiana law governs the employment of minors to protect their well-being and academic progress. For 14-year-olds, the state heavily restricts the number of hours permitted during the school year, mandated under Indiana Code 20-33-3. During days when school is in session, a minor may only work a maximum of three hours.
The weekly limit on work hours during a school week is capped at 18 hours. This schedule expands significantly during non-school periods, such as summer vacation, where a 14-year-old may work up to eight hours daily. The maximum weekly hours are also extended to 40 hours during non-school weeks.
All work must be performed outside of school hours. The permitted window for working is generally between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. This curfew is extended during the summer months (June 1st through Labor Day), when 14-year-olds are permitted to work until 9:00 p.m.
Obtaining the Required Work Permit
Legal employment for a minor in Indiana requires a formal administrative process, though the traditional paper work permit has been phased out. Effective July 1, 2021, the state eliminated the requirement for a minor to obtain an individual employment certificate, shifting the administrative burden to the employer, who must now maintain specific records.
Employers who hire five or more minor employees must register and track each employee using the Indiana Department of Labor’s Youth Employment System (YES). This online system logs necessary information, including the minor’s age and employment details. Although the minor does not obtain a physical permit, they must provide necessary documentation to the employer, such as proof of age.
Proof of age documentation often includes a birth certificate, a valid Indiana driver’s license, or a baptismal certificate. The employer uses this information to ensure compliance with all hour and duty restrictions. The 14-year-old’s first step after being hired is to supply the employer with the required age verification so the company can fulfill its state reporting obligations.
Industries That Commonly Hire 14-Year-Olds
Businesses that commonly hire 14-year-olds offer entry-level positions involving light duties. These jobs are structured to align with the strict hour limitations set by the state. The focus is on supervised, routine tasks in safe environments.
Restaurants and Food Service
Many chain restaurants and local eateries hire 14-year-olds for tasks that do not involve food preparation or cooking. Permissible roles often include bus person, host or hostess, or counter help taking orders from customers. Minors are frequently employed as dishwashers and may also assist with general cleaning duties in the dining area.
Retail and Grocery Stores
The retail sector provides numerous opportunities for young workers focused on maintaining the store environment and assisting customers. These positions often involve:
- Shelf stocking
- Retrieving carts from the parking lot
- Bagging groceries at the checkout counter
- Light cleaning and organizing merchandise
- Performing basic customer service duties, such as directing shoppers to products
Entertainment and Recreation
Recreational facilities, such as movie theaters, amusement parks, and local community pools, are common employers of 14-year-olds, especially during the summer. Jobs include:
- Ushers to clean theaters and direct patrons
- Ride attendants
- Assisting with ticket sales
- Performing light custodial work around the grounds
Non-Traditional and Informal Jobs
Beyond formal businesses, many 14-year-olds begin their working life with neighborhood jobs that are often less regulated. These informal roles include services like babysitting, mowing lawns, general yard work, pet sitting, and dog walking, which allow for flexible scheduling. While these jobs may not require formal registration in the state system, they still provide the initial experience of responsibility and earning a wage.
Understanding Prohibited Occupations
Indiana law strictly prohibits 14-year-olds from engaging in occupations considered hazardous or unsafe. These restrictions are centered on the nature of the task and the environment, regardless of the number of hours worked. The prohibitions ensure minors are not exposed to dangerous equipment or conditions.
Minors are barred from working in manufacturing, mining, or processing occupations. They are forbidden from operating, cleaning, setting up, or repairing any power-driven machinery, including items like meat slicers, commercial mixers, or heavy cleaning equipment. This prohibition extends to kitchen work, where 14-year-olds cannot perform any cooking or baking duties.
Work environments such as freezers, meat coolers, boiler rooms, or engine rooms are off-limits due to safety concerns. Minors cannot be employed in occupations that involve operating a motor vehicle, including loading and unloading for transportation. Construction work, roofing, warehousing, or public messenger services are also prohibited for this age group.
Wages and Pay Structure for Young Workers
The financial compensation for young workers in Indiana is governed by the state’s minimum wage laws, which mirror the federal standard. The minimum hourly wage in Indiana is $7.25, which applies to most employees, including 14-year-olds.
There are specific exceptions that may affect the starting wage. Employers may pay a training minimum wage of $4.25 per hour to employees under the age of 20. This reduced rate can only be applied for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment.
If a 14-year-old is employed in a tipped position, such as a busser or host, the employer may utilize a tipped minimum wage of $2.13 per hour. If the combination of the hourly wage and the tips earned does not reach the standard minimum wage of $7.25, the employer is legally obligated to make up the difference.