Young people in South Carolina often seek work to earn money and gain early professional experience. Employment for 14-year-olds is governed by a combination of state and federal child labor laws. These regulations ensure that a minor’s health, well-being, and education remain the priority. The legal framework establishes clear boundaries regarding when, where, and how long a young person can work in the state.
Understanding South Carolina’s Minimum Age Requirements
The legal standard for non-agricultural work in South Carolina sets the minimum age at 14 years old. This standard aligns with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which establishes the baseline for youth employment and restrictions on working during school hours. The goal of these age restrictions is to ensure younger children prioritize their education and development. Exceptions exist for certain types of work outside the typical employer-employee relationship. For example, children of any age may work in show business or in a business exclusively owned and operated by their parents, provided the work is not manufacturing or hazardous.
Legal Employment Options for 14-Year-Olds
Fourteen-year-olds are permitted to work in a variety of industries, provided the specific tasks they perform are non-hazardous. Common areas for employment include retail, food service, and gasoline service establishments. In retail, acceptable duties include cashiering, price marking, stocking shelves, and bagging groceries. In food service, a minor can handle tasks such as serving food and beverages, bussing tables, or general cleanup work. They are prohibited from duties involving cooking, baking, or operating power-driven food preparation equipment like meat slicers or mixers.
Clerical and office work is also an approved option, allowing for tasks like running errands, filing, or general office cleanup. Other permissible jobs include car washing, operating gas pumps, and performing courtesy services at service stations. Delivery and errand work is allowed, but it must be done on foot, by bicycle, or using public transportation; minors cannot operate a motor vehicle for work purposes. Residential yard work, such as mowing lawns, is generally permitted when working directly for a residential client.
Strict Rules Governing Work Hours
The state places specific limitations on the hours a 14-year-old can work, depending on whether school is in session. During the school year, minors are restricted to a maximum of three hours on any school day, and the total weekly hours cannot exceed 18. On non-school days, the daily limit extends to eight hours. Furthermore, 14-year-olds are prohibited from working before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. during the school year. When school is not in session, such as during summer vacation, the weekly limit increases to 40 hours, and the evening restriction allows work until 9 p.m. between June 1st and Labor Day.
Essential Paperwork for Employment
South Carolina does not mandate a formal, state-issued work permit or employment certificate for minors. However, employers still have documentation responsibilities under federal law. Employers must obtain and keep on file proof of age for all employees under 18. Acceptable forms of age verification include:
- A birth certificate
- A driver’s license
- A state-issued identification card
- A passport
For minors under 16, employers must also maintain documentation of parental consent for the minor to be employed.
Jobs That Are Always Prohibited for Minors
Federal and state laws prohibit minors under the age of 16 from working in occupations deemed hazardous. A major category of prohibited work involves operating or assisting with power-driven machinery. This includes equipment such as meat slicers, commercial mixers, woodworking machines, and any power-driven hoisting apparatus. Minors cannot be employed in manufacturing, mining, or processing occupations.
Prohibited Duties
Other banned duties include:
- Construction work, though non-hazardous office work away from the site may be permissible.
- Working on scaffolds or ladders.
- Any work involving exposure to toxic or hazardous chemicals.
- Driving a motor vehicle for work.