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What age can I start working at certain places?
What age can I start working at certain places
2 answers

James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Jazmyn!
Minimum Age for Employment in the United States
In the United States, the minimum age to start working varies depending on the type of job and the specific regulations of each state. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets certain guidelines that are applicable nationwide, but individual states may have their own laws that can be more restrictive.
1. General Minimum Age
Under the FLSA, the general minimum age for non-agricultural employment is 14 years old. However, there are restrictions on the number of hours and types of jobs that minors can perform:
Ages 14-15:
Can work outside school hours.
Limited to a maximum of 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days.
Cannot work more than 18 hours in a week during school weeks.
Prohibited from working in hazardous occupations.
Ages 16-17:
Can work longer hours and are allowed to work in a wider variety of jobs, although they still cannot perform hazardous work.
2. Specific Job Types
Certain industries have specific age requirements:
Retail Jobs: Many retail establishments hire workers as young as 16, though some may hire at 14 with parental consent.
Food Service: Fast food restaurants often employ individuals starting at age 14, while other dining establishments may require employees to be at least 16 or older.
Agricultural Work: The FLSA allows children as young as 12 to work in agriculture under certain conditions, but those under 14 can only do so with parental consent and must adhere to strict hour limitations.
Entertainment Industry: Minors can work in entertainment (like acting or modeling) at various ages, but they typically need special permits and must comply with child labor laws specific to their state.
3. State-Specific Regulations
Each state has its own labor laws that may impose stricter requirements than federal law. For example:
In California, minors can begin working at age 12, but there are strict regulations regarding working hours and types of jobs.
In New York, minors can start working at age 14, but again with limitations on hours and job types.
It’s crucial for potential young workers to check their state’s labor department website or consult local regulations for precise information regarding employment opportunities available to them based on their age.
Conclusion
In summary, you can generally start working at age 14, but this is subject to restrictions based on job type and state laws. Always verify local regulations for the most accurate information regarding employment eligibility.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
The DOL provides comprehensive guidelines about labor laws including child labor provisions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH offers insights into occupational safety standards which include information relevant to youth employment in various industries.
State Labor Departments (e.g., California Department of Industrial Relations)
These departments provide specific regulations regarding youth employment within each state, ensuring compliance with both state and federal laws.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Minimum Age for Employment in the United States
In the United States, the minimum age to start working varies depending on the type of job and the specific regulations of each state. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets certain guidelines that are applicable nationwide, but individual states may have their own laws that can be more restrictive.
1. General Minimum Age
Under the FLSA, the general minimum age for non-agricultural employment is 14 years old. However, there are restrictions on the number of hours and types of jobs that minors can perform:
Ages 14-15:
Can work outside school hours.
Limited to a maximum of 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days.
Cannot work more than 18 hours in a week during school weeks.
Prohibited from working in hazardous occupations.
Ages 16-17:
Can work longer hours and are allowed to work in a wider variety of jobs, although they still cannot perform hazardous work.
2. Specific Job Types
Certain industries have specific age requirements:
Retail Jobs: Many retail establishments hire workers as young as 16, though some may hire at 14 with parental consent.
Food Service: Fast food restaurants often employ individuals starting at age 14, while other dining establishments may require employees to be at least 16 or older.
Agricultural Work: The FLSA allows children as young as 12 to work in agriculture under certain conditions, but those under 14 can only do so with parental consent and must adhere to strict hour limitations.
Entertainment Industry: Minors can work in entertainment (like acting or modeling) at various ages, but they typically need special permits and must comply with child labor laws specific to their state.
3. State-Specific Regulations
Each state has its own labor laws that may impose stricter requirements than federal law. For example:
In California, minors can begin working at age 12, but there are strict regulations regarding working hours and types of jobs.
In New York, minors can start working at age 14, but again with limitations on hours and job types.
It’s crucial for potential young workers to check their state’s labor department website or consult local regulations for precise information regarding employment opportunities available to them based on their age.
Conclusion
In summary, you can generally start working at age 14, but this is subject to restrictions based on job type and state laws. Always verify local regulations for the most accurate information regarding employment eligibility.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
The DOL provides comprehensive guidelines about labor laws including child labor provisions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH offers insights into occupational safety standards which include information relevant to youth employment in various industries.
State Labor Departments (e.g., California Department of Industrial Relations)
These departments provide specific regulations regarding youth employment within each state, ensuring compliance with both state and federal laws.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Updated
Sylvia’s Answer
It depends what City/State you live in, but most are like 15 years old.
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