Understanding the legal working age across states is essential for teens, parents, and employers alike. Each state has specific laws that set minimum ages for employment, designed to protect young workers while allowing them to gain valuable experience. These laws often vary, so knowing the requirements in your state can help ensure a safe, legal start to a young person’s work journey.
Minimum Working Age Under 14
Georgia allows minors as young as 12 years old to work jobs that do not fall under the Fair Labor Standards Act. These jobs include babysitting, newspaper delivery, and businesses with fewer than two employees.
If you thought Georgia’s minimum working age was low, you’d be wrong. In fact, Texas and Florida allow children that are 10 years old to hold a job doing a newspaper delivery route.
Minimum Working Age of 14 and Federal Minimum Wage
Out of the 50 states in America, 14 allow minors of ages 14 and older to work and be paid the federal minimum wage. The only workers who may not receive the current minimum wage are employees who receive the bulk of their wages in tips.
The states that have their minimum wage set at the federal minimum wage are:
- Alabama
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Wisconsin
Understanding the legal working age in the United States is crucial for teens, parents, and employers. Each state has its unique regulations that outline when and how minors can work. These rules help protect young people by setting limits on the hours they work and the types of jobs they can perform. Knowing these laws ensures a safe start for young workers.
Why Working Age Laws Vary by State
In the United States, each state sets its regulations for the legal working age to meet its specific needs. The differences reflect each state’s approach to protecting minors while encouraging early work experiences. State laws generally align with federal guidelines, although some may set stricter rules based on local industries, school policies, or concerns about youth well-being. Some states allow younger teens to work with restrictions, while others require workers to be older to start certain types of jobs.
General Federal Guidelines for Youth Employment
While state laws vary, federal laws provide a baseline that states can build upon. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets nationwide rules for youth employment. According to FLSA guidelines, children under 14 generally cannot work, except in specific jobs like family businesses or babysitting.
For teens aged 14 and 15, federal laws allow part-time work in non-hazardous roles, often with hour limits. Those aged 16 and older have more flexibility, although hazardous jobs remain restricted until age 18. The FLSA aims to safeguard young people’s education and safety by limiting the type and timing of work they can perform.
Typical Working Age Requirements by State
Each state enforces its working age laws differently. While most states set the minimum age for part-time work at 14, others may allow exceptions for farm work or certain family-run businesses. For instance, states like Massachusetts and New York have detailed labor laws, requiring work permits for minors. States also set rules regarding the hours minors can work, often based on whether it’s a school day or school vacation period.
Some states have stricter limitations for younger teens, capping the number of hours they can work on weekdays and weekends. In contrast, states with a large agricultural sector may allow younger teens to work in family farms or similar settings, recognizing the nature of agricultural work in those communities.
State-Specific Rules for Youth Employment
Understanding each state’s unique rules can help young workers, their families, and employers navigate job opportunities legally and safely. Here’s a look at a few key variations among states:
- California: California has strict labor laws for minors. Children under 12 cannot work, except in special cases like entertainment, and teens aged 14-17 need work permits.
- Florida: In Florida, teens aged 14 and 15 can work up to 15 hours weekly during school terms, but hours increase during breaks. Teens aged 16 and above face fewer restrictions.
- Texas: Texas follows federal guidelines but allows younger teens to work limited hours in certain jobs like retail. Teens aged 14 and 15 can work up to 8 hours daily when school is out.
- Ohio: In Ohio, work permits are required for teens aged 14 to 17, with specific regulations for school days, weekends, and vacations.
These examples show the diversity in working age laws across the U.S. Familiarity with state-specific requirements helps ensure legal and safe employment for minors.
Why Work Permits Are Necessary
In many states, minors need work permits to secure jobs, especially if they are under 16 or 17. These permits help states ensure that teens aren’t working too many hours or engaging in hazardous tasks.
Schools or state labor departments often issue these permits, verifying a student’s age, school attendance, and academic standing. This process helps balance school responsibilities with work hours, promoting a healthier approach to both education and employment. Work permits give parents and employers peace of mind, confirming that young workers are in safe, age-appropriate roles.
Explore the Legal Working Age In Your State
The legal working age varies across the United States, reflecting each state’s approach to youth employment. Knowing these rules is essential for teens, parents, and employers, as it ensures safe and lawful work practices for young employees.
By understanding both federal and state guidelines, everyone involved can support young workers in gaining valuable job experience while safeguarding their well-being and education.