Federal Minimum Age Requirements & Child Labor Laws

What is the Legal Age to Work Federally?

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal minimum age for non-agricultural employment is 14. However, there are restrictions on the types of jobs and the hours minors may work based on their age:

• 14- and 15-year-olds may work in certain approved occupations outside of school hours.
• 16- and 17-year-olds may work unlimited hours in non-hazardous jobs.
• 18 and older are not subject to federal child labor laws.

Are There Any Requirements or Permits for Employers to Hire Minors in The United States?

Federally, there is no requirement for employers to obtain work permits or age certificates. However, the Department of Labor (DOL) issues age certificates upon request, which may be used to show compliance with age regulations. Many states do require permits, and employers must also comply with state requirements if they are more restrictive than federal laws.

Are There Any Industries or Occupations That Have Different Minimum Age Requirements in The United States?

Yes, federal law prohibits minors under 18 from working in hazardous occupations. These include jobs such as:

• Operating heavy machinery
• Roofing
• Excavation
• Working with explosives
• Most jobs in mining and manufacturing
• Meatpacking and slaughterhouse operations

Agricultural employment has different standards. Children as young as 12 may work outside of school hours with parental consent on farms not subject to FLSA minimum wage requirements, and children of any age may work at any time on farms owned or operated by their parents.

Are There Hours of Work Requirements for Minors in The United States?

Yes, federal law restricts the number of hours that 14- and 15-year-olds may work:

• When school is in session:
  • Up to 3 hours on a school day
  • Up to 18 hours per week
• When school is not in session:
  • Up to 8 hours per day
  • Up to 40 hours per week
• Permitted hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day)

Minors aged 16 and 17 are not limited in the number of hours they may work under federal law, although state laws may impose further restrictions.

What Requirements Are There for Employment During School Hours in The United States?

Under federal law, minors under 16 are not permitted to work during school hours on days when school is in session. This is intended to prioritize educational attendance and performance.

What Other Requirements Are There for Employing Minors in The United States?

Additional federal requirements for employing minors include:

• Occupational restrictions: Enforcement of the Hazardous Occupations Orders for workers under 18.
• Recordkeeping: Employers must maintain records of minors’ ages and work hours.
• Equal application: All minors, regardless of citizenship status, are protected under FLSA child labor provisions.
• State compliance: Employers must follow both federal and applicable state laws, with the stricter rule taking precedence.

Employers are encouraged to consult both federal and state laws to ensure full compliance when hiring minors.

Conclusion

Federal child labor laws set clear standards to protect the education, safety, and well-being of minors in the workforce. While allowing youth employment starting at age 14, the Fair Labor Standards Act imposes strict limitations on hours and job types for younger workers. Employers must also be aware of and comply with any stricter state laws to ensure full legal compliance when hiring minors.