As the summer approaches, some employers may be considering hiring student workers. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets rules around employing young people. The FLSA rules ensure that work does not jeopardize a young person’s health, well-being or education.
14-15 Years Old
Children who are 14 or 15 years old may be employed in non-manufacturing and non-hazardous jobs for limited time periods. The permitted occupations are identified in the Code of Federal Regulations.
Permitted jobs include:
For the full list, click here.
16-17 Years Old
Children age 16 and 17 may be employed for any number of hours in any occupation other than those that are considered hazardous by the Department of Labor.
18 Years Old
Upon reaching age 18, a child is no longer considered a youth for the federal employment provision requirements.
Violating the youth employment provisions may result in a fine of up to $11,000 for each youth subject to the violation. Penalties are increased if violations cause death or serious injury of a minor.
States may have additional restrictions on employing minors. For a link to state rules, click here.