When a 14-year-old seeks employment in Kansas, they enter an environment governed by specific regulations designed to ensure their safety and protect their education. State and federal laws recognize that employment can provide valuable experience, but it must not interfere with academic success or expose the minor to undue risk. Navigating the legal landscape requires understanding the dual jurisdiction of the Kansas Child Labor Act and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This framework determines the types of jobs available and the specific hours a minor can legally work.
The Basics of Kansas Child Labor Law
The employment of 14-year-olds in Kansas is regulated by two sets of legislation: the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Kansas Child Labor Act (K.S.A. 38-601 et seq.). Both laws establish the minimum age for most non-agricultural employment at 14 years old. When both state and federal laws cover the same employment situation, the employer must always comply with the standard that is more protective of the minor. The Kansas statutes explicitly state that a child under 14 years of age cannot be employed at any occupation or trade in a business or service, with only a few exceptions. Most restrictions apply specifically to the 14- and 15-year-old age group.
Legal Working Hours for 14-Year-Olds
The most detailed restrictions placed on 14-year-old workers involve the number of hours and the time of day they are permitted to work. These limits fluctuate significantly depending on whether school is in session. The primary goal of these regulations is to ensure that work remains secondary to a minor’s education.
When school is in session, a 14-year-old can work a maximum of three hours on any school day. The total work hours for the entire school week cannot exceed 18 hours. Work must be performed between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
These restrictions loosen considerably during periods when school is not in session, such as summer vacation and holidays. Minors can work up to eight hours per day and a maximum of 40 hours per week. The evening time restriction is also extended, allowing work between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. from June 1st through Labor Day.
Job Categories Open to 14-Year-Olds
Fourteen-year-olds are generally limited to employment in retail, food service, and office environments, provided the tasks do not involve hazardous equipment or activities. These permitted jobs focus on light, non-manufacturing work that allows for supervision. The specific duties performed within these establishments are regulated to ensure compliance with federal and state safety standards.
Retail and Service
Employment in retail and general service establishments involves a range of non-hazardous tasks supporting business operations. A 14-year-old can legally work as a cashier, handle customer transactions, bag groceries, stock shelves, and price merchandise. Light cleaning and general maintenance that does not involve power-driven machinery are also permitted activities.
Food Service
Restaurants and fast-food establishments are a common source of employment, but the work is limited to front-of-house or non-hazardous kitchen duties. Permitted tasks include waiting tables, setting and clearing tables, and operating non-power-driven equipment like milk shake blenders. Minors can perform cooking tasks that do not involve operating open-flame equipment, deep fryers, or power-driven food slicers and grinders. Dishwashing and general cleaning of the dining area and kitchen are also permitted tasks.
Office and Clerical Work
Office and clerical positions involve administrative support that is largely exempt from hazardous occupation restrictions. A 14-year-old can perform general office work such as filing, sorting mail, and running errands within the business premises. Light data entry and using standard office equipment, such as copiers and computers, are acceptable duties.
Yard Work and Light Maintenance
Certain outdoor or maintenance-related jobs are allowed, provided they remain low-risk and do not involve heavy machinery. Tasks such as raking leaves, sweeping sidewalks, and general yard clean-up are permitted. The work must strictly avoid the use of power-driven mowers, cutters, or any machinery considered hazardous by federal and state regulations. This category often applies to casual labor around a private home, which has fewer restrictions than a commercial business.
Work That Is Strictly Prohibited
Federal and Kansas laws prohibit 14-year-olds from being employed in any occupation designated as hazardous or injurious to their well-being. Forbidden occupations include all work in manufacturing, mining, and most construction jobs. Minors are not allowed to operate or assist in operating power-driven machinery, such as wood or metal working tools, hoisting apparatus, or meat processing equipment. Certain environments are also off-limits, including work in freezers, meat coolers, and any tasks involving roofing or excavation. Driving a motor vehicle on public roads as part of the job is also prohibited.
Required Work Permits and Documentation
Before a 14-year-old can legally begin employment, a formal process of documentation must be completed. In Kansas, this involves obtaining an Employment Certificate, sometimes referred to as an Age Certificate. The certificate verifies the minor’s age and confirms the employer’s compliance with labor laws. The requirement for an Employment Certificate is waived if the minor is already enrolled in or attending a secondary school within the state.
For those who need a permit, the process typically involves the prospective employer, the minor, and a school official or authorized representative. The employer must provide a written statement detailing the occupation and the intended hours of work. The minor must present proof of age, such as a birth certificate or state-issued identification. The issuing official reviews the documentation and may require parental consent before approving the certificate.
Exemptions to Standard Child Labor Rules
While the standard rules govern most commercial employment, certain types of work are explicitly exempt from the typical age and hour limitations. These exemptions acknowledge traditional, non-industrial forms of youth employment and family arrangements.
One major exemption applies to employment in a business exclusively owned and operated by the minor’s parents. In this case, most hour and time restrictions are waived, though the minor is still prohibited from working in any occupation deemed hazardous. Agricultural work performed outside of school hours is also largely exempt, although federal rules still prohibit certain hazardous farm jobs. Other statutory exemptions include casual babysitting, acting or modeling, and the delivery or distribution of newspapers or shopping news.