The prospect of a first job offers 14-year-olds in Utah an opportunity to gain independence, learn professional skills, and earn money. Employment for this age group is strictly governed by state and federal regulations designed to ensure safety and prevent work from interfering with school responsibilities. These laws prioritize the minor’s education and well-being. Businesses hiring 14-year-olds must operate within these legal boundaries, offering appropriate and non-hazardous roles.
Understanding Utah’s Minor Labor Laws
Employment for young workers in Utah, starting at age 14, is primarily regulated by the state’s Employment of Minors law (Utah Code Ann. § 34-23) and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Both sets of laws apply, and employers must adhere to the standard that provides the greater protection for the minor. Utah law outlines the types of jobs 14-year-olds are permitted to hold, generally limiting them to non-hazardous occupations.
The law specifically prohibits minors under 18 from working in 17 hazardous occupations, including manufacturing, mining, logging, and operating most power-driven machinery. For 14-year-olds, permitted work is centered on service and light clerical roles, ensuring they are not exposed to dangerous environments or equipment. These legal restrictions create a framework that allows for a wide variety of entry-level jobs while maintaining a focus on the minor’s welfare.
Essential Restrictions on Working Hours
The limitations on when and how long a 14-year-old can work are a defining feature of Utah’s minor labor laws, ensuring school attendance remains the first priority. During a school week, a minor under 16 may not work more than three hours on any school day and is limited to a total of 18 hours per school week. They are also restricted from working before 7:00 AM or after 7:00 PM on school nights.
These restrictions ease during periods when school is not in session, such as summer vacation. During non-school weeks, 14-year-olds may work up to eight hours in a single day and a maximum of 40 hours per week. The evening restriction is also extended, allowing them to work until 9:00 PM from June 1 through Labor Day.
Industries and Employers That Commonly Hire 14-Year-Olds
Businesses that frequently hire 14-year-olds offer customer-facing or support roles that comply with non-hazardous work requirements. These employers provide valuable first-job experience. The roles are generally structured to accommodate school schedules and avoid tasks that involve heavy machinery or dangerous conditions.
Retail and Grocery Stores
Grocery stores and retail establishments are major employers for this age group, offering positions that involve light physical and customer service duties. Roles such as courtesy clerk or bagger are common entry points, allowing young employees to assist customers and manage product flow. Other tasks may include shelf stocking, retrieving carts from the parking lot, and general cleaning duties within the store environment.
Restaurants and Food Service (Non-Cooking Roles)
Many quick-service and casual dining restaurants hire 14-year-olds for specific front-of-house and dish room positions. Minors can work as bussers, expediters, dishwashers, or counter staff, taking orders and handling payments. The key distinction is the prohibition on operating power-driven equipment, such as deep fryers, meat slicers, or commercial mixers. These roles involve food preparation support and maintaining the cleanliness of the dining area.
Recreation and Entertainment
Facilities focused on recreation and entertainment often have seasonal or weekend openings suitable for young workers. Movie theaters may hire 14-year-olds as ushers or concession stand attendants, focusing on customer service and light cleanup. Amusement parks, like Lagoon, and local parks departments frequently employ minors for tasks such as ride line management, ticket taking, or general park assistance. These positions are often subject to high seasonal demand, especially during the summer months.
Office and Clerical Work
Some small businesses and professional offices, including medical or dental practices, hire 14-year-olds for basic office and clerical support. These roles typically involve data entry, filing, organizing paperwork, or running light errands. Work in this environment is generally non-hazardous and provides exposure to a professional setting. Tasks are usually limited to light computer work and administrative duties.
The Process of Getting Hired in Utah
Utah has a simplified procedure for minors seeking employment compared to states that require a formal government-issued work permit. The state does not require a minor under 18 to obtain a work permit or employment certificate to begin work. Instead, the legal responsibility falls on the employer to verify and document the minor’s age, a process known as age certification. To facilitate this, a 14-year-old should be prepared to provide potential employers with proof of age, such as a birth certificate, state-issued ID, or school records. While not legally required, providing written parental consent is often a standard practice for employers hiring minors.