How old do you have to be to work? Age limits explained

Minimum age requirements for work depend on federal, state, and job-specific rules that focus on young workers’ safety and rights. Teens can start working at 14, but restrictions remain in place until 18, depending on the specific type of job.

By Douglas Wade, Attorney

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Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Legal minimum age to work

2. Age limitations for particular occupational categories

3. Programs for educational work and internships

4. Employment prospects abroad

How important it is to adhere to age limits

Additional information kids and parents should be aware of

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

If you’re raising a tween or teen eager to explore job opportunities, you’ve probably wondered: How old do you have to be to work legally? The answer isn’t always straightforward. The minimum working age is subject to state and national laws, although generally speaking, there are limitations.

1. Legal minimum age to work

So, how old do you have to be to work in the U.S.? The youngest age that a person can lawfully work is known as the minimum permitted working age. In the majority of nations, state or national laws govern this.

Child labor regulations in the US are enforced by the DOL (Dept. of Labor). For instance, the Fair Labor Standards Act mandates that most non-agricultural jobs have an average minimum working age of 14. States differ in their regulations, though.

The DOL also forbids juveniles under the age of 18 from working in jobs classified as dangerous and restricts the working hours of children aged 16 and below.

It’s important to remember that the DOL permits certain jobs, like babysitting and newspaper delivery, for people 13 years of age or younger. Always watch the DOL’s Youth Guidelines initiative as these regulations are subject to change.

2. Age limitations for particular occupational categories

Although 14 to 16 years old is the minimum statutory working age, there are limitations (and some exceptions) on the kinds of jobs that minors can perform at different ages. As an illustration:

Between the ages of 14 and 15, they are permitted to work up to three hours during the school day and eight hours on the weekend in a restricted variety of non-hazardous work, such as retail or office work.
16–17-year-olds: Less restrictive, but still unable to work in dangerous fields like manufacturing or mining.
Child actors and performers: Subject to stringent guidelines and parental approval, they may be permitted to work at any age.
Volunteering: Nonprofit organizations may allow minors to serve as volunteers without being constrained by minimum working age regulations. However, as federal and state laws are subject to change, always verify them first.
Children of any age may perform household tasks or work in their family’s business.
Driving a car is not permitted for minors as a component of their employment. Under close supervision, 17-year-olds might be permitted to drive in particular situations.

Still wondering how old do you have to be to work in your specific situation? Always verify with local labor authorities or your child’s school administration.

3. Programs for educational work and internships

There are employment programs offered by several high schools that let students obtain real-world experience while receiving academic credit. These programs give students the chance to look into possible career choices and frequently collaborate with nearby companies. In these situations, the school may oversee the relaxation of the age limitations, enabling children to work within school hours.

If you’re asking: How old do you have to be to work through one of these programs? Check that it complies with both state and federal child labor laws before enrolling.

4. Employment prospects abroad

Young people who are interested in working overseas should be aware that age limitations may be very different from those in their native country. In order to protect the safety of minors working abroad, international programs like summer work trips or student exchanges can include extra rules and age restrictions. If you are thinking about participating in an international program, make sure to examine the regulations of both the host and home nations.

How important it is to adhere to age limits

Employment age limitations are in place to safeguard young workers’ health and safety. Employers and parents should abide by these rules, and young employees should be conscious of their privileges at work. Businesses that disregard age restrictions risk legal repercussions and hefty fines. The rights of young workers must be understood, and any infractions must be reported.

Still thinking: How old do you have to be to work in your area? Your state labor board or the U.S. Department of Labor website is a good place to start.

Additional information kids and parents should be aware of

To begin their first job, children may be required by some states to get a work permit.
Recognizing working hours: Make sure your teen isn’t contracted to work after school hours or during times that aren’t appropriate for their development.
For your own safety, your teen has the right to open up and inform their employer if they are unhappy with a duty at work. The first priority ought to be safety.
Training in health and safety: Employers are legally obligated to offer a legally secure working environment and to give young employees the necessary training so they can manage emergencies and avoid work-related accidents.
Fair labor standards: To make sure your kid is receiving at least the minimum wage, be informed about the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act), which establishes guidelines for pay and hours performed. A wonderful technique to help assure compliance is to assist teenagers in understanding the pay slips and verifying that their salary is accurate.
Resume building: Teenagers who start working early have a fantastic opportunity to start developing their resumes. In order to help their teenagers with future educational or employment applications and evaluations, parents should encourage their teenagers to maintain a record of their duties, acquired abilities, and accomplishments or recognitions while working.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I begin working before I reach the legal minimum age to do so?

Except in specific situations like apprenticeships, family-owned farms, or family companies, it is illegal for employers to hire kids younger than the legal working age. For the protection of young workers’ safety and well-being, it is crucial to abide by all applicable state and federal laws as well as child labor standards.

2. Is there an upper limit on the working age?

The maximum age for employment is not predetermined. Nonetheless, it is against the law for companies to treat older employees or anybody else differently because of their age during recruitment and retention processes.

3. What kinds of professions are open to adolescents over 16 that aren’t accessible to younger teens?

Young people older than 16 frequently have greater access to a variety of job options, such as positions with greater responsibility or physical demands. They can work in retail, clerical, and food service jobs with less rigorous hour limitations than younger teens, but they are still not allowed to work in dangerous jobs.

4. What is the impact of labor laws on minors who work and their school hours?

Labor rules generally make sure that a minor’s education isn’t hampered by their employment. Employers may be required to provide time for schoolwork and study, and restrictions frequently include caps on the amount of hours performed on school weeks and days.

5. During school breaks, are minors permitted to pursue full-time jobs?

Yes, minors may be permitted to work full-time during school breaks, though this may differ depending on the local regulations and laws. It is frequently still difficult to guarantee the health and safety of youthful employees.

6. If an employer has any questions concerning age limitation legislation, what should they do?

Companies ought to speak with a labor lawyer or review the labor legislation and regulations in their area. Additionally, they can consult government websites and services that offer advice on hiring young people.

7. How can young people protect their fundamental liberties at work?

Children can safeguard their rights by learning about the labor laws that apply to them, recording their hours accurately, and speaking up to an adult or someone in authority about any concerns they may have.

8. Are minors required to have specific employment permits?

A permit to work or evidence of age certificate may be necessary for children to lawfully work in some areas. These are usually acquired through the area’s labor department or the student’s school.

9. What are the differences in age requirements for employment in different countries?

How old you have to be to work abroad may vary greatly. For exact details about the nation, one should consult international labor bodies or local rules.

Have a quick question? We answered nearly 2000 FAQs.

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How old do you have to be to work? Age limits explained

Introduction

1. Legal minimum age to work

2. Age limitations for particular occupational categories

3. Programs for educational work and internships

4. Employment prospects abroad

How important it is to adhere to age limits

Additional information kids and parents should be aware of

Frequently Asked Questions

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