The minimum age to work in the United States is generally 14 years old for non-agricultural jobs, as set by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Understanding US Youth Employment Laws
While 14 is the foundational minimum for many roles, federal and state laws impose specific restrictions based on a minor's age, the type of job, and the hours worked. These regulations aim to protect young workers' health, safety, and educational opportunities.
Key Provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
The FLSA is the primary federal law governing child labor. It establishes rules concerning employment for individuals under 18 years of age.
Here's a breakdown of the general provisions:
- Age 14 and 15:
- Permitted to work in many non-hazardous occupations, such as office work, retail, food service, and some amusement park jobs.
- Restrictions apply to working hours:
- Outside school hours.
- No more than 3 hours on a school day.
- No more than 18 hours in a school week.
- No more than 8 hours on a non-school day.
- No more than 40 hours in a non-school week.
- Work generally not permitted before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day).
- Age 16 and 17:
- No federal restrictions on the number of hours worked or the time of day, but they are still prohibited from working in occupations declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor.
- Examples of federally prohibited hazardous occupations include manufacturing and storing explosives, most mining jobs, occupations involving exposure to radioactive substances, and most power-driven machinery operations.
- Age 18 and Older:
- Once an individual turns 18, federal child labor provisions no longer apply to their employment, meaning they can perform any job for any number of hours.
It's crucial to remember that state laws can set higher standards than federal law. If a state has a stricter minimum age, more restrictive hours, or additional prohibited occupations, the law that provides the most protection to the young worker will apply.
Important Considerations for Young Workers and Employers
Navigating youth employment requires awareness from both young individuals seeking work and the businesses hiring them.
- Work Permits: Many states require minors to obtain a work permit or employment certificate before starting a job. This usually involves paperwork signed by parents, the school, and the employer.
- Permitted Jobs for Under 16s: Generally, jobs that are office-based, retail, food service (wait staff, bus persons, dishwashers), cashiering, newspaper delivery, and specific recreational and amusement work are allowed. Certain agricultural jobs have different rules.
- Prohibited Occupations: Beyond age-specific hour restrictions, the FLSA prohibits minors from working in jobs deemed hazardous due to the nature of the machinery or environment. These can include:
- Operating power-driven machinery (e.g., meat slicers, bakery machinery, woodworking machinery).
- Working in mining or manufacturing.
- Operating motor vehicles.
- Jobs involving roofing, excavation, or exposure to dangerous chemicals.
- Educational Protection: The primary goal of child labor laws is to ensure that work does not interfere with a minor's education, health, or well-being.
For detailed information and specific guidelines, both employers and young job seekers should consult the official resources provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and their respective state labor departments.
