The age requirement for a "secretary" varies significantly depending on the specific role being considered. The term can refer to a general administrative assistant or, in a governmental context, a high-ranking official like a Secretary of State.
Age Requirements for an Administrative Secretary
For the common administrative role of a secretary or administrative assistant, there are generally no specific age requirements beyond the standard legal working age. In the United States, individuals can typically begin working at age 16, though certain restrictions may apply regarding work hours and types of tasks for minors. For full-time employment without such restrictions, the general minimum age is usually 18. These roles are primarily governed by general labor laws and the hiring policies of individual employers, rather than specific age mandates for the position itself.
Age Requirements for a Secretary of State
When referring to a Secretary of State, a prominent elected or appointed official in state governments, specific age qualifications are often mandated by state law. These requirements vary considerably from one state to another. Below are examples of age requirements for the Secretary of State position in several U.S. states:
| State | Secretary of State Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| California | 18* |
| Colorado | 25 |
| Connecticut | None |
| Delaware | None |
This table illustrates that some states, such as Colorado, impose a specific minimum age for their Secretary of State. In contrast, other states, like Connecticut and Delaware, do not explicitly state an age requirement for this position within their candidacy laws, implying that general eligibility for holding public office (typically being of legal age and a citizen) would apply.
