Earning a first paycheck and gaining early professional experience is an exciting step for a 14-year-old. Employment at this age offers the opportunity to develop responsibility, learn valuable workplace skills, and contribute financially to personal goals. Finding a job must be balanced with legal requirements established to protect the health, safety, and education of young workers. Federal and state regulations govern where a minor can work, the tasks they can perform, and the number of hours they can be scheduled.
The Legal Framework for Teen Employment
The federal standard for youth employment is set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which establishes 14 as the minimum age for most non-agricultural employment. The FLSA dictates the baseline rules for wages, hours, and permissible occupations for workers under the age of 16. Its primary objective is to ensure that work does not interfere with the minor’s schooling, well-being, or physical development.
States often impose their own child labor laws, which can be more restrictive than the federal FLSA provisions. When state and federal laws differ, the employer must abide by the standard that provides the most protection to the minor employee. Employers must consult both federal and state regulations to ensure complete compliance, as state laws may further limit hours or prohibit additional types of work.
Specific Job Categories Open to 14-Year-Olds
Fourteen-year-olds are permitted to work in a variety of non-hazardous, non-manufacturing, and non-mining occupations. Allowable jobs typically focus on light, supervised work that does not involve heavy machinery or dangerous conditions.
Retail and Service Positions
Many opportunities exist within the retail and service industries, focusing on customer interaction and general store maintenance. Teens are permitted to perform tasks such as:
- Bagging groceries
- Shelving products and price tagging merchandise
- Working as cashiers
- Running errands within the business premises
- Organizing stockrooms, provided they do not use power-driven equipment
Office and Clerical Work
Employment in professional offices or administrative settings involves light, supportive duties. Permissible tasks include:
- Filing documents and performing general office assistance
- Operating simple machines like copiers or standard desktop computers
- Engaging in intellectual or creative tasks, such as computer programming or tutoring
Food Service and Restaurant Roles
The food service industry offers numerous roles, primarily in front-of-house or non-cooking areas. Minors can work as:
- Bussers
- Hosts who seat patrons
- Dishwashers (away from hot production areas)
- Preparing simple foods at a snack bar or counter, or reheating pre-cooked items
Operating deep fryers, grills, ovens, power-driven food slicers, or commercial mixers remains strictly prohibited.
Yard Work and Agricultural Exceptions
Certain types of outdoor maintenance and agricultural work are permitted under specific conditions. Light yard work, such as raking leaves, weeding gardens, and using non-power-driven hand tools like shovels or hand clippers, is allowed. A 14-year-old can be employed on any farm during non-school hours, but must be restricted to non-hazardous jobs.
Strict Rules Governing Work Hours and Scheduling
School Year Limits
The FLSA imposes strict limitations on the hours 14-year-olds can work, ensuring employment remains secondary to education. During the school year, a minor may only work a maximum of three hours on any school day, including Fridays. The weekly maximum work time when school is in session is set at 18 hours.
Non-School Year Limits
The daily and weekly work limits increase substantially when school is not in session, such as during summer vacation or official breaks. On non-school days, a minor can work up to eight hours, and the weekly maximum increases to 40 hours.
Time of Day Restrictions
Federal law also restricts the time of day a 14-year-old can be scheduled to work. Throughout the school year, minors may not work before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. This evening limit is extended during the summer period (June 1st through Labor Day), when the minor may work until 9:00 p.m. These restrictions apply regardless of whether the minor is home-schooled or attends a private school.
Types of Work That Are Always Prohibited
Fourteen-year-olds are prohibited from engaging in occupations deemed hazardous or detrimental to their health. Prohibited activities include:
- Operating most power-driven machinery, such as meat slicers, bakery mixers, or forklifts.
- Working in manufacturing, mining, or processing facilities.
- Performing tasks in or about boiler or engine rooms, or engaging in maintenance or repair of the establishment’s machines or equipment.
- Jobs requiring working from ladders or scaffolds.
- Exposure to toxic or radioactive substances.
- Certain food service tasks, such as working near deep fryers or operating high-speed cooking equipment.
The Process: Securing a Job and Necessary Paperwork
Application and Hiring
Securing a job begins with the traditional application process, which may include preparing a simple resume detailing relevant skills or volunteer experience. Once an employer is identified, the minor should prepare for a professional interview to demonstrate reliability and a willingness to learn. The employer often needs to provide a written commitment detailing the job duties and intended work schedule before the hiring process can move forward.
Obtaining a Work Permit
The most important administrative step involves obtaining a Work Permit, often called an Employment Certificate. While federal law does not require this permit, many states mandate it as a prerequisite for legal employment. The minor typically obtains the necessary forms from their school administration or the state’s department of labor.
Permit Requirements
Securing the permit requires signatures from the minor, a parent or guardian, and the prospective employer. The employer must detail the job’s nature and planned hours, which the issuing officer reviews to ensure compliance with child labor laws. This completed paperwork confirms the minor’s age, verifies parental consent, and documents that the minor is legally eligible to be employed.