The minimum legal age for employment in Wisconsin is 14 years old, allowing young people to enter the workforce and gain experience. State law establishes clear boundaries to protect a minor’s well-being and academic success. This guide outlines the specific opportunities and legal requirements for 14-year-olds seeking work across the state.
The Mandatory Requirement for an Employment Permit
Before a 14-year-old can legally begin working in most occupations, a formal Employment of Minors Permit (Work Permit) must be obtained from the state. This administrative step is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). The permit establishes the minor’s age and the legal parameters of their employment, ensuring all parties are aware of applicable labor laws.
The minor must first secure a firm job offer, as the permit is specific to that job and location. Parental or guardian consent is required for the application, which is submitted to the DWD. A $10 fee must be paid upfront by the parent or guardian. State law mandates that the employer must reimburse this $10 fee to the minor by their first paycheck.
The employer is legally obligated to keep a copy of the permit on file at the workplace. Certain types of employment are exempt from this requirement, including work in agriculture and general domestic service performed in a private home, such as babysitting or yard work. The permit system tracks youth employment and ensures compliance with child labor standards.
Eligible Industries and Job Types
Fourteen-year-olds are eligible for employment in non-hazardous, service-based occupations. The law permits light work that does not interfere with the minor’s schooling or pose a safety risk. Opportunities are often found in environments where supervision is readily available and tasks are clearly defined.
Retail and Clerical Positions
Many retail establishments hire 14-year-olds for routine tasks supporting daily operations. These roles frequently involve stocking shelves, organizing merchandise, and performing light custodial duties. Common duties include working at a checkout counter, bagging purchases, or assisting with inventory pricing. In a clerical capacity, a minor might assist with filing, preparing mailings, or other general office tasks that do not involve operating power-driven equipment other than standard office machines.
Food Service and Restaurants
Employment in the food service sector is common for young workers, but strict safety limitations apply. Fourteen-year-olds can work as bussers, dishwashers, and counter attendants, taking orders and serving food. They may perform kitchen work preparing food and beverages, such as using dishwashers, toasters, and automatic coffee machines. However, they are restricted from operating deep fryers, grills, or other high-temperature cooking equipment, and they may not use heavy machinery like meat slicers or commercial bakery equipment.
Recreational and Entertainment Venues
Recreational facilities often present seasonal or part-time work options. Roles typically involve customer service and support, such as working as an usher at a movie theater or sporting event, or taking tickets at a local pool or park. Golf courses hire 14-year-olds as caddies, provided they do not operate motorized golf carts. Working as a camp counselor-in-training or an aide at a day camp is also a suitable option, focusing on supervision and assistance.
Agricultural and Farm Labor
State labor laws offer specific exemptions for agricultural work. Work on a farm is one category for which a work permit is not required. Minors can be employed in a range of farm labor activities. However, they are prohibited from operating most power-driven farm machinery, such as tractors and combines, unless they have received specific training through an approved program like 4-H.
Delivery and Domestic Work
Traditional work like newspaper delivery, classified as “street trades,” is permitted and has different rules regarding the maximum number of days a minor can work per week. Domestic work, including household tasks like babysitting, housekeeping, and yard work performed in a private home, is also exempt from the work permit requirement. These jobs must not be connected to the employer’s business or trade.
Strict Limitations on Hours and Time
Wisconsin law restricts the hours and times a 14-year-old can work to prioritize education and rest. These limits differ based on whether school is in session. During the school year, minors may only work a maximum of three hours on any school day. Total working hours for a school week are limited to 18 hours.
The time of day is also regulated, with work permitted only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. from Labor Day through May 31. This ensures employment does not interfere with school attendance or late evening rest. During the summer break (June 1 through Labor Day), the daily maximum remains eight hours, but the weekly limit increases to 40 hours. The evening restriction is extended to 9:00 p.m. during this non-school period.
Minors are generally limited to working no more than six days per week, though newspaper delivery and agricultural work have exceptions. All minors must receive a duty-free meal break of at least 30 minutes if their shift extends beyond six consecutive hours. These restrictions apply even if the minor works for more than one employer.
Jobs and Duties That Are Strictly Prohibited
State and federal laws prohibit 14-year-olds from engaging in occupations deemed hazardous or detrimental to their health and safety. These restrictions apply regardless of the industry. Any occupation in manufacturing, mining, or processing establishments is off-limits, including performing duties in workrooms where goods are manufactured or processed.
The operation of nearly all power-driven machinery is forbidden, except for standard office equipment. This prohibition extends to power-driven lawn mowers, wood-working equipment, and construction tools. Work in construction, including excavations deeper than four feet, is prohibited. Minors may not be employed in occupations involving work on a ladder, scaffold, or similar device more than six feet high.
Fourteen-year-olds cannot work in environments that expose them to dangerous chemicals, radioactive substances, or explosive materials. Operating motor vehicles, loading or unloading trucks, and working in connection with cars (such as in a service pit or with a lifting apparatus) are also prohibited duties.
Employer Responsibilities and Compliance
Employers who hire 14-year-olds assume specific legal obligations to ensure compliance with state regulations. The employer must ensure a valid Employment of Minors Permit has been obtained and is kept on file at the workplace before the minor begins work. This permit proves the employer has acknowledged the legal restrictions applying to the minor.
Businesses are responsible for maintaining accurate records of the minor’s daily and weekly hours worked, demonstrating compliance with the time and hour limitations. They must also ensure the minor is paid at least the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked. If an employer violates the established hour or time-of-day limitations, they are liable to the minor for an amount equal to twice the regular rate of pay for all hours worked in violation.