You may be ready to earn your own money, but a job application asks for your age—or a local employer says you are “too young.” So, how old do you have to get a job? In the United States, the short answer is usually 14 for many ordinary, nonagricultural jobs. However, your state, the type of work, the time of year, and whether school is in session can all affect the answer.
What is the minimum age to get a job?
Under federal law, 14 is generally the minimum age for employment in nonagricultural jobs covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. At ages 14 and 15, young people can perform certain safe, nonmanufacturing jobs outside school hours, but strict limits apply to their duties and schedules.
The rules become less restrictive at 16. Sixteen- and 17-year-olds can generally work longer hours under federal law and can perform a wider range of tasks. They still cannot do work that the U.S. Department of Labor classifies as hazardous. Federal youth-employment restrictions generally end at age 18.
- Under 14: Most regular nonagricultural employment is not allowed, although exceptions exist.
- Ages 14 and 15: Certain nonhazardous jobs are permitted with limits on hours and duties.
- Ages 16 and 17: More jobs and hours are available, but hazardous work remains prohibited.
- Age 18 and older: Federal youth-employment restrictions no longer apply.
These are federal standards, not a universal answer for every workplace. State laws may be more protective and may set additional requirements. When state and federal rules differ, employers generally must follow the rule that provides greater protection to the young worker.
What jobs can 14- and 15-year-olds do?
Young people in this age group may often work in retail stores, restaurants, offices, grocery stores, and other approved settings. Permitted duties may include cashiering, shelving merchandise, bagging groceries, office work, tutoring, creative work, and certain limited food-service tasks.
At the federal level, 14- and 15-year-olds generally cannot work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. During the period from June 1 through Labor Day, they may work until 9 p.m. They may work no more than three hours on a school day and 18 hours during a school week. When school is not in session, the limits are generally eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
The U.S. Department of Labor provides detailed information about federal child labor rules for nonagricultural jobs, including permitted hours, occupations, and restricted duties.
What changes when you turn 16?
Turning 16 usually opens the door to more opportunities. Federal law does not impose the same hour limits on 16- and 17-year-olds that apply to younger teens, although state law may still limit late-night work, weekly hours, or work during the school year.
Depending on local laws and employer policies, jobs may be available in retail, customer service, recreation, restaurants, offices, entertainment venues, and other industries. Teens who are ready to explore specific possibilities can review these job opportunities commonly available to 16-year-olds.
Being old enough under the law does not guarantee that every employer will hire at that age. A company may set its own minimum hiring age because of insurance requirements, scheduling needs, equipment used on the premises, or the duties included in a position.
Which jobs require you to be 18?
Federal law generally prohibits anyone under 18 from working in occupations declared hazardous. Examples can include operating forklifts and certain power-driven machines, most roofing and excavation work, using many meat-processing or cutting machines, and performing most jobs that involve driving on public roads.
A workplace can contain both permitted and prohibited duties. For example, a teenager might be allowed to work at a grocery store but not operate its cardboard compactor. A restaurant may hire a minor for approved customer-service or food-preparation tasks while prohibiting the use of certain powered equipment. The job title alone does not determine whether the work is legal; the actual duties matter.
Can someone under 14 earn money?
Children under 14 generally cannot hold standard nonagricultural jobs covered by federal law, but there are exceptions. Depending on the situation and applicable state rules, younger children may be able to:
- Deliver newspapers directly to customers.
- Work as actors or performers.
- Do casual babysitting.
- Complete minor chores around private homes.
- Work in a business owned entirely by their parents, subject to important restrictions.
Agricultural employment follows a different set of age and task rules. Family farms and other agricultural settings may have exceptions that do not apply to stores, restaurants, or offices. Before accepting farm work, families should check both federal agricultural rules and state law.
Do you need a work permit?
Federal law does not generally require a work permit, sometimes called working papers, but many states do. A school district, state labor department, or another designated agency may issue the document. The process can require proof of age, an employer’s statement, a parent or guardian’s approval, and confirmation that the job will not interfere with school.
Start by asking your school counselor or the employer whether a permit is required. Do this before the planned first day because an employer may not allow a minor to begin working until all documents are complete.
How to move from interest to an actual opportunity
Check the rules first
Look up your state’s youth-employment requirements and compare them with federal law. Confirm the permitted hours, duties, and paperwork for your age. If you are unsure, ask the employer to explain exactly what tasks you would perform.
Choose work that fits your schedule
Consider school, homework, transportation, activities, family responsibilities, and time to rest. A job should fit into daily life rather than make it difficult to attend class, complete assignments, or arrive on time.
Prepare a simple application
If you have no formal experience, include school activities, volunteer work, clubs, relevant classes, informal responsibilities, and useful skills. Babysitting, helping at community events, caring for pets, tutoring, and completing regular household responsibilities can demonstrate reliability.
Ask practical questions
Before accepting an offer, confirm the pay rate, schedule, expected duties, dress code, supervisor, break policy, and transportation plan. Never agree to perform a task that is prohibited for your age or that you have not been trained to do safely.
The bottom line
If you are wondering how old you have to get a job, 14 is the general federal starting age for many nonagricultural positions. Ages 14 and 15 come with substantial limits, age 16 brings broader opportunities, and some hazardous occupations remain off-limits until 18. Because state laws and employer policies vary, verify the rules where you live before applying. Starting with a legal, manageable position can help you build skills, references, confidence, and a stronger path toward future opportunities.
