How2Day: Labor Laws on Teenagers Working

Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor has regulations to ensure that teenagers work within certain guidelines. Each state has its own labor laws in addition to the FLSA, and employers must obey the law that gives minors the most protection.

The minimum age for workers under the FLSA is 14, except for agricultural jobs. For certain jobs--such as delivering newspapers, entertainment productions, babysitting, minor chores such as mowing the lawn, and parent-owned business--there are no age restrictions. When working in a parent-owned business, children are prohibited from working in hazardous jobs such as manufacturing or mining.

The number of hours worked depends on the child's age. Children 14 and 15 are legally limited to working only non-school hours. This is further limited to three hours on a school day and 18 hours total during a school week. During weeks where school is not in session, children 14 to 15 are able to work eight hours a day and up to 40 hours a week. Workers 16 and older, according to the FLSA, are not limited to the number of hours or what time of day that they are able to work.

Workers under the age of 20, according to FLSA, must be paid at least the federal minimum wage. However, within the first 90 days of employment, children may be paid a special minimum wage, which was $4.25 per hour for 2010. After 90 days, pay must be minimum wage or higher.

Child labor laws also regulate the types of jobs teens may perform. This is most often determined by age. Minors may work only non-hazardous jobs. Workers 18 and older may legally perform any job regardless of risk.

In agriculture, labor laws for teenagers are different than other areas of employment. According to the Department of Labor, if the teen's parents--or any person who is standing in for the parent--owns or operates a farm, the teenagers are permitted to work on the farm regardless of age. The type of work that teens are able to perform, however, depends on age, although it is more relaxed than other occupations. Teens 16 and older can perform any agricultural job regardless of risk. Teens that 14 or 15 can only work non-hazardous jobs. Unlike other occupations, children as young as 12 may work in agriculture; however, they must work only non-hazardous jobs and if not working on a parent's farm, they must have written permission to do so. Children under 12 may also work on a farm, but only on a small farm that is not required to pay the federal minimum wage.

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