Entering the workforce at 15 years old in Texas is a regulated experience, balancing the desire for early work experience with the need to protect youth and prioritize their education. Employment for minors is governed by a combination of federal and state laws that define permissible jobs, working hours, and hiring conditions. Navigating these requirements allows young individuals to gain valuable professional skills and earn income in a safe, structured environment.
Understanding Child Labor Laws in Texas
The employment of minors is primarily regulated by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which establishes the minimum age for employment and sets baseline work restrictions. Texas state law generally aligns with these federal standards for 14- and 15-year-olds, but businesses must always adhere to the stricter set of regulations between the two. This dual legal framework means that employers covered by the FLSA must follow its rules, which typically impose the most restrictive limits on working hours and occupations. The FLSA’s provisions are designed to ensure that work does not interfere with a minor’s schooling, health, or well-being, making the federal standard the operative rule for most businesses.
Permissible Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
Fifteen-year-olds are permitted to work in service, retail, and office environments, provided the work is non-hazardous and does not interfere with their educational commitments. Permissible occupations are typically found in retail, food service, and gasoline service establishments.
Retail and Merchandising
Retail environments offer entry-level positions that comply with child labor laws. Acceptable tasks include:
Acceptable Retail Tasks
Stocking shelves, provided the minor does not use power-driven machinery or climb on ladders or scaffolding.
Performing cashiering duties and handling sales transactions.
Assisting with art work or window trimming in a non-hazardous capacity.
Price marking and tagging merchandise by hand or machine.
Assembling orders, packing products, and shelving inventory.
Food Service and Restaurants
Employment in the food service industry is open to 15-year-olds but excludes many common kitchen tasks deemed too dangerous. Permitted duties include busing tables, washing dishes, and serving food to customers. Minors may also work at the counter, preparing and serving drinks and food. They are restricted from certain cooking activities, such as operating deep fryers, power-driven food slicers, or bakery mixers. They may only use electric and gas grills that do not involve an open flame.
Office and Clerical Work
Office and clerical jobs provide a structured and safe environment for young workers. Duties can include operating office machines, such as computers and standard printers, filing documents, and general office assistance. Minors may also run errands on foot or using public transportation. These positions are often found in administrative departments, even those of construction or transportation companies, provided the work is performed away from the actual construction site or vehicle.
Entertainment and Recreation
The entertainment and recreation sectors offer employment opportunities for 15-year-olds. Examples include working as an usher at a movie theater or in non-hazardous attendant roles at an amusement park. A properly certified 15-year-old may work as a lifeguard at a traditional swimming pool or water amusement park. Lifeguarding at a natural environment, such as a lake or ocean beach, is prohibited due to increased safety risks.
Prohibited Occupations for Minors
Federal and state laws prohibit 15-year-olds from working in occupations considered hazardous or detrimental to their well-being. Minors cannot be employed in manufacturing, mining, or most processing occupations, nor can they work in any room where goods are manufactured or processed. Operating or tending to power-driven machinery, other than standard office equipment, is forbidden, including items like forklifts, meat slicers, and most hoisting apparatus. Jobs involving construction, roofing, scaffolding, or any work requiring the use of ladders are off-limits. Furthermore, minors cannot drive motor vehicles as part of their job, serve as a helper on a vehicle, or perform outside window washing from windowsills. Work in freezers or meat coolers is prohibited, though minors may briefly enter a freezer to retrieve an item.
Legal Limits on Working Hours
Working hours for 15-year-olds are heavily regulated to protect their time for education and rest. During the school year, a minor may not work during school hours. The workday is capped at three hours on a school day, and the total hours worked during a school week cannot exceed 18 hours. Work is generally permitted only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
These daily and weekly limits are extended when school is not in session, such as during summer vacation or on weekends. On non-school days, a 15-year-old may work up to eight hours, with a maximum of 40 hours during a non-school week. The evening limit is extended to 9:00 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day, providing flexibility for summer employment.
Essential Steps to Getting Hired
Prospective 15-year-old workers should begin by preparing a concise resume that highlights relevant volunteer experience, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities. Identifying employers known to hire minors, such as local retail stores, movie theaters, or chain restaurants, is an effective strategy for finding suitable job openings. While Texas does not require a formal work permit or employment certificate for 15-year-olds, the applicant must be prepared to provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate or state-issued identification. Finally, most employers require written parental consent before hiring a minor.