Gaining employment at age 14 in Texas offers young people an opportunity to develop financial literacy and professional skills. The employment of minors is strictly governed by state and federal labor laws, which ensure work does not interfere with a minor’s safety, health, or education. Navigating the hiring landscape requires understanding which businesses are legally permitted to hire and the specific tasks a 14-year-old may perform. This framework establishes the boundaries for a compliant first employment experience in the state.
Texas Child Labor Laws for 14-Year-Olds
The legal framework for employing a 14-year-old in Texas is primarily determined by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Texas employers must follow the FLSA, as it provides the primary protections for minors in the state.
When school is in session, minors are limited to working a maximum of three hours on any school day, with a total work week not exceeding 18 hours. Work hours are restricted to between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. during the school year.
When school is not in session, such as during summer break, the daily work limit increases to eight hours, and the maximum weekly total is 40 hours. The evening restriction is extended, allowing 14-year-olds to work until 9:00 p.m. between June 1st and Labor Day. These federal restrictions apply to most employers in the state.
Although Texas does not mandate a state-issued work permit, employers must verify the age of all minor workers. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) offers a “Certificate of Age” that minors can obtain to provide formal proof of their birth date. All employed minors are entitled to be paid at least the federal minimum wage rate.
Types of Businesses That Commonly Hire Teens
Businesses focusing on retail, food service, and personal services are the most likely to hire 14-year-olds. These industries offer numerous roles that meet non-hazardous work requirements. Employers often seek minors for after-school, weekend, and summer shifts to cover peak business hours, focusing on light work, customer interaction, and general upkeep.
Food Service and Restaurants
Quick-service and casual dining restaurants frequently hire young workers for front-of-house and general support roles. Permitted duties include bussing tables, washing dishes, and maintaining the cleanliness of the dining area and service counters. Teens may also assist with preparing and serving food and beverages. They are prohibited from working with high-temperature equipment, such as deep fryers, grills, slicers, or commercial mixers, limiting their kitchen work to preparation and clean-up tasks.
Grocery and Retail Stores
Grocery stores and general retailers offer positions centered on stocking, customer assistance, and point-of-sale operations. Fourteen-year-olds can legally work as cashiers, assist with selling products, and perform tasks like price marking and tagging merchandise. Common duties include assembling customer orders, packing items, shelving products, bagging groceries, and carrying out customers’ orders.
Amusement and Recreation Centers
Local movie theaters, family entertainment venues, and community parks are sources of employment for young teens. Roles often involve working concession stands, taking tickets, and providing customer service. General cleanup and non-power-driven maintenance of the grounds are also appropriate tasks.
Office and Clerical Work
Light administrative work in an office setting is permitted under the FLSA, though it is less common than retail or food service. This includes general office and clerical tasks, such as filing documents and operating standard office machines. Errand and delivery work is also allowed, provided it is done by foot, bicycle, or public transportation, and not as part of a public messenger service.
Occupations Prohibited for 14-Year-Old Workers
To safeguard young workers, federal and Texas laws strictly forbid employment in occupations deemed hazardous. Fourteen-year-olds are prohibited from working in any manufacturing, mining, or processing occupation, including any workroom where goods are produced or processed.
Minors may not operate most power-driven machinery, such as meat processing equipment, woodworking tools, balers, or compactors. Operating motor vehicles, including company cars or golf carts, is forbidden, as is serving as a helper on a vehicle. Work requiring the use of ladders or scaffolds, or outside window washing from windowsills, is also strictly prohibited due to the risk of falls.
Navigating the Application and Hiring Process
Securing a job involves a formal process that begins with preparing the necessary documentation. Although a state work permit is not required, demonstrating age verification is an important step. The minor or their parent can apply to the Texas Workforce Commission for a Certificate of Age, which requires a completed application, a recent photograph, and proof of age such as a birth certificate.
The next step is presenting a professional image to potential employers. Preparing a simple resume that lists school activities, volunteer work, and special skills is beneficial even for entry-level jobs. During an interview, the teen should emphasize reliability and demonstrate an eagerness to learn. Employers prioritize a positive disposition and clear availability that adheres to the legal hour restrictions.
Effective Strategies for Finding a Teen Job
A successful job search involves a targeted approach focused on local businesses and personal networks. Teens should start by identifying common employers within their immediate community. Walking into local retail stores, restaurants, and recreation centers to inquire about employment is often more effective than relying on standard online applications.
Networking is a tool for young job seekers. Asking family members, neighbors, and teachers for leads can uncover opportunities that are not formally advertised. When searching online, focusing on local job boards or the career pages of specific local companies will yield better results than using national career sites.