Can you work at 14 or 15 years old? Yes, in some states the minimum age requirement to work is 14 years old. Even though you can legally work at 14, the federal government has strict laws about when and where you are allowed to work. These laws were created to protect you as an employee and make sure you are safe on the job. Here’s what you should know about working at 14 or 15 years old.

Note: Get Schooled is here to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to land your first job. While we do not offer direct job placement services and cannot search for jobs on behalf of youth, we’re always here to support! Learn more here and text #Jobs to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our Jobs Text Advisors to make a plan. If you’re using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!

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If you find a job, all work must be performed outside of school hours

This means:

• You can work a maximum of 3 hours on a school day, including Fridays.
• You can work a maximum of 18 hours per week when school is in session.
• You can work up to 8 hours per day when school is not in session.
• You can work up to 40 hours during a non-school week (like spring break or during the summer if you are not taking classes).
• You can only work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on any day. However, these hours are extended to 9 p.m. between June 1st and Labor Day (the first Monday of September).

You may need a sign off from your parent/guardian, school, or both before you work!

The federal government sets some basic rules for working as a 14- or 15-year-old. These rules keep youth safe and make sure their education is coming first! Each state, however, can also set their own work requirements for teens. Some states require a parent or guardian to sign off on a work permit. Other states require schools to sign off on work permits. Some states may require both or neither! Check out our map of U.S. labor laws for teens below and make sure that you check with any employer when you’re applying to learn more!

You are only allowed to do certain jobs

These certain jobs include working in retail settings, computer programming, teaching and tutoring, acting, running errands or delivering items by foot (walking), bicycle and public transportation, clean-up and yard work, working in food service by washing dishes, reheating food, cleaning equipment and limited cooking, to name a few. There are also certain jobs you can't do, like working on construction sites or in factories with hazardous machines or materials, such as meat processing plants.

You can’t use motorized or power-driven tools or operate heavy machinery

From flipping burgers on the grill at your local restaurant to using power tools on a construction site, if it’s considered hazardous, you can’t touch it if you are under the age of 18. This includes power-driven mowers, cutters, trimmers, edgers, motorized trash compactors, and power-driven bakery machines (like a large mixing bowl).

You can legally be paid less than the federal minimum wage

The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. This means, in most circumstances, you must be paid that hourly wage. However, if you are younger than 20 years old, your employer can legally pay you $4.25 per hour for the first 90 days of your employment. Be sure to speak with your employer about your pay before starting any job.

You can work more hours if you enroll in a certified Work Experience and Career Exploration Program

Workforce Experience and Career Exploration Programs are typically created, supervised, and managed by your school. Connect with your guidance counselor to see how you can join. Once you are accepted, you can work up to 23 hours a week while school is in session. Jobs will vary by school, but you will likely work in departments at your school such as the main office, library, cafeteria, or with a sports team.

When in doubt, ask!

Because there are so many laws to protect teens in the workplace, applying for jobs as a 14- or 15-year-old can be confusing! The best thing to do before applying anywhere is to get in touch with someone at the company you want to work at. If it is an in-person store or venue, show up in person and ask to speak with the hiring manager and ask if they consider hiring 14- or 15-year-olds! If not, move on down your list. Check out this list of employers that do hire younger teens to get started!

Have any questions about finding, applying for, or succeeding in your first job? Text #Jobs to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you’re using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!