Getting a first job is an important step toward independence, teaching responsibility, time management, and professional conduct. In Alabama, the employment of minors is governed by both the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Alabama Child Labor Law. Teenagers and parents must understand these rules to ensure the work experience is legal, safe, and supports educational priorities. This guidance details the necessary preparatory steps, permitted work environments, limitations on hours, and prohibited types of work in the state.
The Required Documentation for Employment
Before a 15-year-old can legally begin working, the employer must obtain a specific authorization from the state. This is the Child Labor Certificate (Class I Certificate for minors aged 14 and 15). The employer must secure this certificate from the Alabama Department of Labor and display it conspicuously at the worksite.
The minor must provide the employer with information, including acceptable proof of age, such as a birth certificate or state-issued identification card. The employer must also keep an Employee Information Form detailing the employee’s name, date of birth, school of attendance, and date of hire.
This documentation verifies compliance with state and federal age laws. The employer is legally obligated to maintain accurate time records showing the start and end times of work, total hours worked, and any break times for all employees under 18. This record-keeping ensures the minor’s work hours do not interfere with their schooling.
Where 15-Year-Olds Can Legally Work
Alabama law permits 15-year-olds to work in non-hazardous occupations outside of school hours, consistent with federal regulations. Work is restricted to service and office industries, as manufacturing, mining, or processing environments are prohibited. These rules allow for employment in various commercial settings that provide entry-level experience.
Retail and Grocery Stores
Retail and grocery stores are common entry points into the workforce for young people. A 15-year-old can be employed in roles involving cashiering, stocking shelves, marking prices, and general clean-up duties. They may also assist customers with bagging groceries. Minors are prohibited from operating or tending to any power-driven machinery, such as meat slicers, paper cutters, or balers.
Restaurants and Food Service
The food service industry frequently hires 15-year-olds for tasks supporting kitchen operations and customer areas. Permissible duties include waiting on tables, bussing dishes, washing dishes, and general cleaning. Minors can operate equipment like toasters, coffee makers, milkshake blenders, and warming lamps. Work is prohibited if it involves power-driven meat processing machines, commercial mixers, or cooking over an open flame, such as deep fryers or rotisseries.
Office and Clerical Work
Employment in professional offices and clerical settings is permitted for 15-year-olds, as these duties are low-risk. These jobs often involve administrative support, such as filing, organizing documents, running office errands, and general data entry tasks. Minors are allowed to operate standard office machines like computers, copiers, and fax machines. These roles help minors gain experience in a professional environment and develop organizational skills.
Recreational and Entertainment Facilities
Recreational businesses offer many roles suitable for young workers, especially during the summer months. This includes employment at movie theaters, amusement parks, sports venues, and youth camps. Typical positions involve selling tickets, working at concession stands, ushering, or serving as a lifeguard if the teen holds the proper certification. The work in these settings is generally service-oriented and non-hazardous.
Strict Limitations on Work Hours
The hours a 15-year-old can work are regulated by the Alabama Child Labor Law, which adopts the protective standards of the federal FLSA. The rules are segmented based on whether school is in session or on break, prioritizing the minor’s education. These limitations ensure that employment does not lead to exhaustion or a decline in school performance.
During the school year, a 15-year-old is limited to working a maximum of three hours on any scheduled school day. They may not work more than 18 hours in a total school week. Work is prohibited before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. on any day of the week, though the daily limit extends to eight hours on weekends or holidays.
The schedule changes during summer vacation (June 1 through Labor Day). During this non-school period, the minor can work up to eight hours per day, with a maximum of 40 hours per week. The evening restriction is relaxed, allowing work until 9:00 p.m., though the morning start time remains 7:00 a.m. A 15-year-old is never permitted to work more than six days in any single week.
Jobs and Tasks Absolutely Prohibited
Safety regulations prohibit 15-year-olds from engaging in occupations and tasks deemed hazardous, regardless of the work setting. These prohibitions are based on the FLSA Hazardous Occupations Orders and are enforced under Alabama law to protect minors from injury. Forbidden activities include work in manufacturing, mining, and most construction operations.
Minors are prohibited from operating or assisting in the operation of any power-driven machinery. This includes circular saws, band saws, hoisting equipment like cranes or derricks, and most bakery machines. In food service, this ban specifically covers commercial meat slicers, meat choppers, and commercial mixers. They also cannot work in any processing or manufacturing workroom where goods are produced.
Working with motor vehicles is forbidden; 15-year-olds cannot drive on public roads for work purposes or serve as an outside helper on a vehicle. Employment in any establishment that sells, serves, or dispenses alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises is also prohibited. These restrictions limit the minor’s employment to non-hazardous, service-oriented roles.
Understanding Compensation and Wages
When a 15-year-old begins working in Alabama, their compensation is tied to the federal minimum wage standard. Since Alabama does not have a separate state-mandated minimum wage, employers must adhere to the federal rate of \$7.25 per hour. This rate applies to all covered and non-exempt employees, including minors.
An exception exists under the federal “youth minimum wage” provision (FLSA Section 14(c)). This provision allows an employer to pay employees under 20 years of age a lower rate of \$4.25 per hour during the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. After this initial 90-day period, the employee must be paid at least the full federal minimum wage.
In food service roles where tipping is common, rules for tipped employees follow the federal standard. If an employer takes a tip credit, the minor’s direct cash wage can be lower than the minimum wage. However, their tips must bring their total earnings up to at least the federal minimum wage of \$7.25 per hour. The employer is responsible for ensuring the combined total meets the minimum standard for all hours worked.
Practical Tips for Securing a Job
Starting the job search requires a systematic approach, beginning with a simple, focused resume. Since a 15-year-old has limited paid work experience, the resume should highlight academic achievements, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. These details demonstrate responsibility, teamwork, and commitment, which are qualities employers value.
When applying, focus on businesses known to hire young workers, such as large chain retail stores, fast-casual restaurants, and local recreational centers. These employers are well-versed in child labor laws and have established compliance procedures. A successful application requires a professional presentation, including dressing neatly and being prepared to discuss availability during the interview.
The interview is an opportunity to show that your availability aligns with legal hour restrictions. Clearly state the hours you can work after school and your full availability during non-school weeks, demonstrating an understanding of the 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. curfew rules. Make a positive first impression by displaying maturity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn the specific tasks of the job.