Minimum Working Age by State (All 50 States)
Minimum working age laws can be confusing, especially since the rules vary from state to state. While federal law sets the baseline, each state can add its own requirements around how old someone needs to be to work, what jobs are allowed, and how many hours minors can work. If you’re trying to understand what applies in your situation, the differences can be hard to keep track of.
In this article, you’ll find:
- minimum working age by state
- how federal and state laws work together
- key restrictions on jobs and working hours
Whether you’re a young worker, a parent, or an employer, this breakdown will help you understand the rules and stay on the right side of the law.
What You Need to Know
- The federal minimum working age for most non-agricultural jobs is 14 years old.
- States can set stricter rules, including higher minimum ages, shorter work hours, or mandatory work permits.
- 14–15-year-olds are limited to safe, non-hazardous jobs like retail, office tasks, food service, and newspaper delivery.
- 16–17-year-olds can work more hours and in more industries but cannot perform hazardous work.
- Hazardous jobs are prohibited for all minors, including mining, roofing, heavy machinery, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Agricultural jobs have lower age thresholds, with exceptions for family farms and parental consent.
- Work hour limits differ for school days versus non-school days and during summer.
- Federal vs state law: always follow the stricter rule when there’s a conflict.
- Work permits are required in many states for minors under 18.
❗️ This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of March 2026, but labor laws can change and vary by state. Employers and workers should verify requirements with official state labor department websites or consult a qualified legal professional to ensure full compliance with applicable laws.
What Is the Minimum Working Age in the U.S.?
The minimum working age in the United States is set by federal law, but it’s not as simple as a single number. In most cases, 14 years old is the minimum age for working in non-hazardous jobs. This applies to common roles like retail, food service, or office support. However, there are important exceptions where younger children can legally work.
For example, minors under 14 may work in:
- family-owned businesses (as long as the job isn’t hazardous)
- agricultural settings, such as farms
- entertainment industries like film, television, or theater
Because of these exceptions—and additional state-level rules—the actual minimum working age can vary depending on the situation. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the federal baseline and understand how different types of work and state laws affect what’s allowed.
Federal Regulations for Youth Employment
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets nationwide rules for employing minors. These cover minimum age, work hours, and job restrictions.
Federal age requirements (Non-agricultural jobs)
| Age | Allowed Work | Restricted/Hazardous Work |
|---|---|---|
| 14–15 | Retail, office, clerical, light food service, certain assembly tasks | Operating machinery, construction, driving vehicles, power tools |
Notes:
- 14–15-year-olds are limited to non-hazardous jobs.
- Hazardous jobs are strictly prohibited for all minors under federal law.
Federal age requirements (Agricultural jobs)
| Age | Allowed Work | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12–13 | Farm work with parental consent | Restricted to non-hazardous tasks |
| Any age | On parent-owned farms | Work allowed regardless of age, with some hazardous task restrictions |
Federal work hour restrictions
| Age Group | School Days | Non-School Days | Weekly Limit (School Week) | Weekly Limit (Non-School Week) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | Max 3 hours | Max 8 hours | 18 hours | 40 hours |
| 16–17 | No federal limits | No federal limits | N/A | N/A |
Note: While federal law sets the baseline, each state can create its own rules for hiring minors. States adjust minimum working ages, permitted hours, and industry restrictions to reflect local priorities, like education requirements and child safety.
How state laws work with federal law
- Federal baseline: Sets minimum ages and limits for work hours in non-agricultural jobs.
- State laws: Can be stricter but never more lenient than federal law.
- Interaction: When a state sets stricter limits than federal law, the stricter standard applies.
Federal occupational restrictions
Some jobs are prohibited for minors of all ages, including:
- Operating heavy machinery
- Mining or logging
- Driving for business purposes
- Hazardous tasks declared by the Department of Labor
Minimum Working Age & Youth Employment Rules by State
| State | Min Age (Non-Ag) | Permit | Work Hours | Ag Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 14 | Yes | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal rules for farm work |
| Alaska | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 9 hrs/day; 23 hrs/week; 6-day week | Lower age allowed outside school hours; stricter rules during school periods |
| Arizona | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Agricultural work allowed younger outside school hours |
| Arkansas | 14 | Varies | 8/48, 10 hrs/day limit for 16 | Lower age allowed outside school; extended hours for older teens |
| California | 14 | Yes (under 18) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed from 12 outside school hours with permit |
| Colorado | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed from 12 with restrictions |
| Connecticut | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & varied by job | Generally follows federal baseline; permits required for younger minors |
| Delaware | 14 | Yes (under 18) | 8/40 & school limits | Agricultural work limited with specific exemptions |
| Florida | 14 | No statewide permits | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed younger with structured hour limits |
| Georgia | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal agricultural rules |
| Hawaii | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Special rules for crops like coffee and pineapple; younger ages allowed |
| Idaho | 14 | Not clearly listed | 9/54 & school limits | Fewer limits on farm hours compared to other states |
| Illinois | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Agricultural work allowed as young as 10 in limited cases |
| Indiana | 14 | Employer registration (no permit) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed from 12 outside school hours |
| Iowa | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & 28 during school | Younger minors may work in agriculture with approval |
| Kansas | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal agricultural rules |
| Kentucky | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal agricultural rules |
| Louisiana | 14 | Yes (under 18) | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal agricultural rules |
| Maine | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Younger minors allowed in planting and harvesting with limits |
| Maryland | 14 | Yes (under 18) | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal baseline |
| Massachusetts | 14 | Yes (under 18) | 8/48 & school limits | Farm work allowed with certification requirements |
| Michigan | 14 | Yes (under 18) | 10/48 & school limits | Expanded farm hours allowed with parental consent |
| Minnesota | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed from 12 outside school hours |
| Mississippi | 14 | No | 8/44 & school limits | Generally follows federal baseline |
| Missouri | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed younger outside school hours |
| Montana | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal baseline |
| Nebraska | 14 | Varies | 8/48 & school limits | Generally follows federal baseline |
| Nevada | 14 | Not widely specified | 8/48 & school limits | Agriculture largely exempt from state restrictions |
| New Hampshire | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/48 & school limits | Farm work allowed from 12 outside school hours |
| New Jersey | 14 | Yes (under 18) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed from 12 outside school hours |
| New Mexico | 14 | Often yes | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal baseline with some flexibility |
| New York | 14 | Yes (under 18) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed from 12; additional rules for specific crops |
| North Carolina | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal baseline |
| North Dakota | 14 | Often yes | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal baseline |
| Ohio | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed younger outside school hours |
| Oklahoma | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal baseline |
| Oregon | 14 | Yes (varies) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed from 12 (younger for certain crops) |
| Pennsylvania | 14 | Yes (under 18) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed but restricted for younger minors |
| Rhode Island | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal baseline |
| South Carolina | 14 | Optional | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed from 12 with parental approval |
| South Dakota | 14 | Varies | 8/40 & school limits | Parental consent allows younger farm work in some cases |
| Tennessee | 14 | No state permits | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal baseline |
| Texas | 14 | No state permit | 8/48 & school limits | Generally follows federal baseline |
| Utah | 14 | No permit listed | 8/40 & school limits | No strict minimum age with parental consent in agriculture |
| Vermont | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed from 14 (younger with permit) |
| Virginia | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed from 12 with parental approval |
| Washington | 14 | Yes (under 18) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed from 12; stricter hour tracking rules |
| West Virginia | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Generally follows federal baseline |
| Wisconsin | 14 | Yes (under 16) | 8/40 & school limits | Farm work allowed from 12 outside school hours |
| Wyoming | 14 | No permit listed | 8/day & 40/week | Generally follows federal baseline |
| District of Columbia | 14 | Yes (under 18) | 8/48 & school limits | Follows federal baseline |
Notes
- “Work Hours” here use the federal baseline hours unless state tables specify otherwise; detailed daily/nightwork limits exist in state law summaries.
- Agricultural exceptions vary widely by state and job type; where specific state data wasn’t found, federal agriculture jobs rules apply.
- States like Minnesota, South Dakota, and Illinois may allow younger minors with parental consent or under special conditions.
Jobs Minors Can and Cannot Do
When it comes to work, not every job is open to minors. There are rules that let young workers gain experience safely while keeping school and personal development a priority. Here’s what you need to know.
Allowed jobs for 14–15-year-olds
Teens in this age group can take on a variety of safe, entry-level jobs. Common options include:
- office tasks like filing or clerical work
- cashiering or sales in retail stores
- food service roles such as bussing tables or washing dishes
- newspaper delivery
- certain agricultural tasks with restrictions
These jobs are considered non-hazardous and suitable for early work experience.
Restrictions for 16–17-year-olds
Older teens have more flexibility but still face limits:
- they can work longer hours than 14–15-year-olds, but school days remain a factor
- they may enter more industries than younger teens
- however, they can’t be operating heavy machinery, power-driven equipment, or certain vehicles
Hazardous jobs prohibited for all minors
Certain jobs are considered too dangerous for anyone under 18. These include:
- mining and logging
- roofing and excavation
- manufacturing involving heavy machinery
- handling harmful chemicals
- driving on public roads for commercial purposes
- operating power-driven hoists or forklifts
How to Check Your State’s Laws
Minimum working age rules can vary widely from state to state, so it’s important to know where to look and which rules take priority.
State labor department websites
Each state has a labor or workforce department website where you can find official information on:
- Minimum age requirements
- Work permits and certificates
- Allowable work hours and restrictions
- Exceptions for certain industries or family businesses
Some examples of official state resources include:
- California – California Department of Industrial Relations
- Florida – Florida Department of Education: Child Labor Laws
- New York – New York State Department of Labor: Youth Employment
- Illinois – Illinois Department of Labor: Youth Employment
When federal vs state law applies
Federal rules set the baseline for youth employment, but states can implement stricter standards. If a state law differs from federal law, the stricter rule generally takes precedence. This means:
- Even if federal law allows a certain job or work hour, you must follow your state’s limits if they are more restrictive.
- Always check both federal and state regulations to avoid violations.
FAQ: Minimum Working Age by State
What is the minimum working age in the United States?
The federal minimum is 14 years old for most non-agricultural jobs. Some exceptions exist for agriculture, entertainment, or family-owned businesses, where younger children may work.
Can a 13-year-old work legally in the U.S.?
Generally, minors under 14 cannot work in non-agricultural jobs. Exceptions include newspaper delivery, acting, or family farm work in certain states.
Do minors need a work permit or age certificate?
Many states require minors under 18 to obtain a work permit or age certificate before starting employment. For example, Texas and California labor laws mandate work permits for all minors under 18, including part-time jobs.
How many hours can minors work per day or week?
- 14–15-year-olds: usually limited to 3 hours per school day and 18 hours per school week, with longer hours allowed during summer or school breaks.
- 16–17-year-olds: allowed longer hours, but still restricted during school days.
- Always check your state’s rules, as some are stricter than federal limits.
Are there hazardous jobs that minors cannot do?
Yes. All minors are prohibited from jobs like:
- mining, logging, and roofing
- operating heavy machinery or power-driven equipment
- handling hazardous chemicals
- commercial driving
Can minors work in agriculture?
Yes, but rules differ:
- 12–13 years old: may work on farms with parental consent in certain states
- 14–15 years old: allowed more agricultural tasks, excluding machinery
- 16–17 years old: may work in most farm jobs except hazardous operations
What if federal and state laws conflict?
Federal law sets the baseline, but stricter state laws take precedence. Always follow the most restrictive rules to ensure compliance.
Can minors work online or in gig jobs?
Teens aged 14–17 can do certain online or remote work, such as freelance tasks, but state regulations may still require work permits or restrict hours.
How can I find my state’s child labor laws?
Visit your official state labor department website for the most reliable information.
Are work hour restrictions different during summer?
Yes. Many states allow longer hours for minors when school is not in session. For example, 14–15-year-olds can often work up to 8 hours per day during summer.
Do family-owned businesses have special rules?
Some states allow minors to work at family businesses under relaxed rules, especially in agriculture or retail, but federal limits still apply for hazardous tasks.
Conclusion
Understanding minimum working age laws is essential for both young workers and employers. While federal rules set a baseline, state laws often add stricter age, hour, or permit requirements, making it important to check your state’s labor department website before hiring or starting work.
By following these rules, minors can gain valuable work experience safely while balancing school and personal development. Tools like Everhour‘s time tracker can also help employers track hours accurately, ensuring compliance with work hour restrictions and avoiding unintentional violations.
Always prioritize safety, education, and legal compliance when it comes to youth employment—it benefits both minors and employers in the long run.
Maria
A dedicated content enthusiast with extensive experience in international teams and projects of all sizes. Maria thrives on creativity and attention to detail, fueled by a love for fantasy novels, music, classic black-and-white films, and always finding ways to make things better.