The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets wage, hours worked, and safety requirements for minors (individuals under age 18) working in jobs covered by the statute. The rules vary depending upon the particular age of the minor and the particular job involved. As a general rule, the FLSA sets 14 years old as the minimum age for employment, and limits the number of hours worked by minors under the age of 16.
Some state child labor laws are inconsistent with the federal child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. 212(c), and its implementing regulations at 29 CFR Part 570. Where a state child labor law is less restrictive than the federal law, the federal law applies. Where a state child labor law is more restrictive than the federal law, the state law applies.
Working at Most Jobs
Does your teenager want to wait tables at a restaurant? Bag groceries at the local supermarket? What about a summer job working with a construction contractor? Before your teenager starts a job, please check whether your teenager can work at that job while under the age of 18.
Working on Ranches and Farms
Does your teenager want to work on a ranch or a farm, or do another agricultural job? Does harvesting blueberries, cutting hay, herding cattle, or being a farmhand interest your child? If so, check the dos and don’ts of working in agriculture if your child is under the age of 18.