Employment for 14-year-olds operates within a defined legal framework designed to protect minors and prioritize education. Navigating this landscape requires understanding specific rules that restrict both the hours worked and the types of duties performed. These regulations guide employers and teens toward appropriate and safe work environments.
Understanding Federal Child Labor Laws
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum working age for non-agricultural jobs at 14, establishing strict limits on hours and duration. These federal restrictions are divided based on whether school is in session, ensuring work schedules do not interfere with educational responsibilities.
During weeks when school is in session, a minor’s work hours are sharply limited to a maximum of three hours on any school day, including Fridays. The total weekly limit is capped at 18 hours, providing a clear boundary for balancing academics and employment. Work is permissible only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
When school is not in session, such as during summer vacation, the hours are extended to allow for more substantial employment. The daily maximum increases to eight hours, and the weekly total rises to 40 hours. This period also allows for a later evening cutoff time, extending the work window until 9:00 p.m. from June 1st through Labor Day.
The Role of State Laws and Work Permits
While the FLSA establishes a federal floor for child labor standards, state laws also govern the employment of minors. Employers must comply with both federal and state regulations, and the most protective standard—the one that is stricter or more restrictive—is the one that must be followed. This means that a state law may impose a lower maximum daily hour limit or an earlier evening curfew than the federal standard.
Many states require a work permit, often called an employment certificate, for all minors under the age of 16. The process requires a prospective employer to agree to hire the minor. The minor then obtains a form from their school, which is completed by all parties before an authorized official issues the final work permit.
These work permits serve to ensure that the job duties and hours comply with local laws and that the minor’s educational standing is not jeopardized. For home-schooled students or those from out-of-state, the permit is generally issued by the local public school district where the minor resides or will be employed. The permit must be kept on file by the employer for the duration of the minor’s employment.
Jobs and Tasks That Are Never Allowed
Federal law strictly prohibits 14-year-olds from working in occupations deemed hazardous or detrimental to their health or well-being. These rules, established through Hazardous Occupations Orders, ban employment in manufacturing, mining, and processing operations. The restriction also extends to certain industries, such as communications, public utilities, transportation, and most construction or repair work.
Operating or assisting to operate power-driven machinery, beyond standard office equipment, is also prohibited. This includes power-driven mowers, cutters, trimmers, food slicers, choppers, and meat processing machines. Furthermore, minors cannot perform tasks that require working from ladders, scaffolds, or in high-risk environments like freezers, meat coolers, or in the vicinity of explosives.
Even within otherwise permitted industries, specific duties are forbidden. For instance, in food service, 14-year-olds are prohibited from cooking, except at soda fountains or lunch bars. They also cannot operate deep fryers or high-temperature grills.
Industries That Commonly Hire 14-Year-Olds
The jobs legally available to 14-year-olds are generally limited to retail, food service, office environments, and intellectual or creative work. These roles focus on light, non-hazardous duties that can be performed under supervision and outside of school hours. The nature of the work provides entry-level experience in customer service and basic organizational skills.
Retail and Grocery Stores
Many grocery and retail chains offer positions that align with federal and state child labor laws. Roles frequently involve customer-facing duties and support tasks that do not require operating heavy machinery. Stores like Kroger and Publix often utilize young workers for these positions.
Permissible duties include:
Bagging and carrying out customer orders.
Cashiering, pricing, and tagging goods.
Shelving merchandise and stocking items (without using ladders).
General clean-up work, such as using a vacuum or floor waxer.
Food Service (Counter and Prep Only)
The food service industry is a frequent employer of 14-year-olds, but the tasks are highly restricted to non-cooking and non-hazardous preparation. Acceptable duties include busing tables, washing dishes, and cleaning equipment and the general dining area. Limited food preparation, such as cleaning vegetables and fruits or reheating pre-cooked food, is also allowed.
Restaurants, particularly fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Wendy’s, and ice cream shops like Baskin-Robbins, often hire for these entry-level positions. The focus is on counter service, taking orders, and general maintenance of the dining room.
Entertainment and Recreational Services
Recreational settings offer seasonal and part-time opportunities that fit the minor work schedule. Movie theaters, such as AMC, may hire 14-year-olds for roles like ushering, selling tickets and concessions, and general theater clean-up. These jobs are often available during evening and weekend hours, which aligns with federal time restrictions.
Outside roles include working as a golf caddy, which is often exempt from FLSA hour restrictions, or as an attendant at amusement parks for tasks not involving ride operation. Some community centers or city parks departments hire for roles like front desk support or assisting with youth programs.
Office and Clerical Work
Traditional office environments can utilize 14-year-olds for clerical and organizational tasks. These roles typically involve filing documents, running errands on foot or by bicycle, and performing basic computer work. The work is non-hazardous and often takes place during the early afternoon or on weekends.
Non-Traditional Roles
Self-employment roles are common avenues for 14-year-olds to earn money. Roles such as babysitting, dog walking, and lawn care are often considered outside the scope of federal labor laws when performed for private homeowners. While these duties are typically exempt from FLSA hour and task restrictions, local state laws may still apply, particularly regarding yard work and the use of power equipment.
Steps for Finding Your First Job
Securing a first job requires preparing a simple resume detailing school achievements, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. This document highlights transferable skills and demonstrates responsibility. The next step involves identifying local businesses known to hire teens and asking directly for an application.
Seeking employment through local channels, such as community centers, neighborhood businesses, and referrals, is highly effective. Once an application is submitted, practicing for an interview is necessary to convey maturity and commitment. Throughout the process, the support and involvement of a parent or guardian are important, especially when dealing with the legal paperwork and logistical requirements of the first job.