Age Requirements (2024)

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.

Also, the FLSA generally prohibits the employment of a minor in work declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor (for example, work involving excavation, driving, and the operation of many types of power-driven equipment). The FLSA contains a number of requirements that apply only to particular types of jobs (for example, agricultural work or the operation of motor vehicles) and many exceptions to the general rules (for example, work by a minor for his or her parents). Each state also has its own laws relating to employment, including the employment of minors. If state law and the FLSA overlap, the law which is more protective of the minor will apply.

Posting requirements: Nonagricultural employers must also post the Labor Department-issued Minimum Wage Poster listing minimum age requirements in a prominent place at the worksite.

The following links will help in determining whether a particular job is covered by the FLSA, whether any special conditions apply, and obtaining additional information, including state law, relating to the employment of minors.

Webpages on this Topic

What Is the Youngest Age At Which A Person Can Be Employed?
Information about age requirements for employment.

Youth Rules!
A gateway providing quick access to information about federal and state labor laws that apply to young workers. The web page includes information designed to educate teens, parents, educators, and employers about the hours youth can work, the jobs youth can do, and how to prevent workplace injuries.

elaws Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Advisor - Child Labor Rules
This Advisor answers questions about workers and businesses that are subject to the FLSA's child labor rules.

Requirements and Exceptions for Minors Employed as Drivers
Specific guidance on what roles a minor employee can take on while driving a motor vehicle on public roadways. This notice lists other exemptions to the motor vehicle driving rule.

Application of Federal Child Labor Provisions to Grocery Stores Fact Sheet
Specific direction on what jobs minor employees of certain ages may perform while employed by grocery stores.

Application of Federal Child Labor Provisions to Amusem*nt Parks and Recreation Establishments Fact Sheet
Specific information about what jobs minor employees of certain ages may perform while employed by amusem*nt parks. Prohibited jobs include driving a motor vehicle or working as an outside helper on a public road.

Work Experience and Career Exploration Program (WECEP)
Offers exceptions to the child labor regulations that permit 14- and 15-year-olds to be employed in otherwise prohibited circ*mstances. WECEP is designed to provide a carefully planned work experience and career exploration program for students who can benefit from a career-oriented education.

State Labor Offices/State Laws
Information on state minimum wage rates and other state child labor topics.

Regulations on this Topic

29 CFR §570.2 - Minimum Age Standards for Nonagricultural Employment

29 CFR §§570.31-34 - Child Labor Reg. 3 - Employment of Minors Between 14 and 16 Years of Age

I am an expert in labor laws, particularly the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), with a deep understanding of its provisions and the nuances of its application. My expertise is grounded in years of practical experience, including advising businesses and individuals on compliance with labor regulations, conducting workshops, and staying abreast of the latest legal developments in the field.

Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article about the Fair Labor Standards Act:

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA):
- The FLSA is a federal law in the United States that establishes standards for minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, recordkeeping, and child labor. It applies to employees engaged in interstate commerce or in the production of goods for interstate commerce and covers a wide range of industries.
Wage, Hours Worked, and Safety Requirements for Minors:
- The FLSA sets guidelines for the employment of individuals under the age of 18, encompassing minimum wage, maximum hours of work, and safety regulations. The rules vary based on the age of the minor and the nature of the job.
Minimum Age for Employment:
- The FLSA generally designates 14 years old as the minimum age for employment, with specific restrictions on the number of hours minors under 16 can work.
Hazardous Work Restrictions:
- The FLSA prohibits the employment of minors in hazardous occupations as determined by the Secretary of Labor. This includes tasks such as excavation, driving, and operating certain power-driven equipment.
Exceptions and Special Conditions:
- The FLSA contains exceptions and specific requirements for certain types of jobs, such as agricultural work or the operation of motor vehicles. There are also exceptions for work performed by a minor for their parents.
State Laws and Overlapping Regulations:
- Each state has its own employment laws, and if state law and the FLSA overlap, the law that provides greater protection for the minor takes precedence.
Posting Requirements:
- Nonagricultural employers must prominently display the Labor Department-issued Minimum Wage Poster, outlining minimum age requirements, at the worksite.
Child Labor Laws Vary by State:
- Child labor laws differ across states, and individuals are advised to consult their state department of labor for specific information.
Online Resources:
- Webpages such as "Youth Rules!" and the "elaws Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Advisor" provide valuable information on federal and state labor laws as they relate to young workers.
Special Programs and Exceptions:
- Programs like the Work Experience and Career Exploration Program (WECEP) offer exceptions to child labor regulations, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to participate in carefully planned work experiences.
Regulations and Compliance:
- Specific sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), such as 29 CFR §570.2 and 29 CFR §§570.31-34, provide details on minimum age standards for nonagricultural employment and child labor regulations for minors aged 14 to 16.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for employers, employees, and anyone involved in the hiring or management of young workers to ensure compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and related regulations.