In the fast-paced 21st century, job hunting is appreciated and viewed as a serious skill. A skill that not everyone can master, or even practice congruously. With the rise in inflation and unfortunate unemployment rates, teens often feel discouraged and distance themselves from the job market. Simultaneously, they have a very different perception of working. Here, let’s know How Old Do You Have To Be To Get a Job?
Some may argue that jobs should belong to experienced individuals, at the same time, people are advocating for freshers or learning individuals to be able to get a job. The majority of these learning individuals are teens, who may be confused about the current job situation. Surveys have shown that workplaces with individuals in their mid and late teens are the major contributors to their company’s success.
Are you in your early teens thinking of applying to jobs while wondering “Am I old enough to get the job?” or are you just a curious adult who is wondering “How old does one have to be to land a job?” Worry not, we have covered the minimum age of work and other relevant topics related to it in this article.
How old do you have to be to get A Job?
The minimum age for employment is set at 14 years according to the Fair Labours Standards Act (FLSA). Various restrictions have been imposed on teens to safeguard their rights and prevent their exploitation.
- The minimum age for non-farm jobs is 14.
- Individuals under 16 years of age can only work for a certain period (lesser on a school day)
- Individuals under 18 years are prevented from working hazardous jobs.
- Individuals under 20 years of age have the right to minimum wage. Regardless of their position as a worker, student, apprentice, or person with a disability.
The age may vary from state to state, with Illinois being the state with the lowest minimum age for a job at the age of 12 (with written parental consent). Wisconsin is the state that has imposed the highest minimum age at 18 years. All the mentioned ages are for non-agricultural work.
History of Age Requirements
The minimum age for work may entirely depend on the job, the requirements, and the capability of the person. Throughout the years, the minimum age has been fluctuating. In the 50s and 60s, there was no minimum age for work, minors were allowed to work in the factories, it was the norm in those times. Situations changed with the dawn of the 80s and people were concerned and questioned the ethical aspects of child labor. Most of it was being abolished and employers were being fined for appointing young workers in factories and other life-threatening places.
In today’s time, young individuals are only allowed to work for a certain period. They can find employment in Coffee Shops, Arcades, Book Stores, and much more.
How Long can Minor Workers Work?
FLSA (Federal Labour Standards Act) states that individuals belonging in the age range of 14-15 are not allowed to work for over 8 hours a day, this is on a school day. Minors can not work before 7 in the morning and after 7 in the evening. A minor is not allowed to work for over 40 hours a week during vacations and 18 hours a week during normal school days.
Since there aren’t any laws catering to individuals falling in the age range of 16-18, they can work full-time in some states. There are state laws regarding the employment of minors and how much they can work in a week. The laws can differ from one state to another. The strict laws prevent the exploitation of minors and young adults.
Jobs for Minor Workers
A source of income is always is helpful regardless of age, but it is essential especially for teenagers (Minor Workers). This helps you achieve financial independence. The jobs for minor workers may be critical in their future endeavors. Some various industries and companies offer jobs to minors. We have compiled an extensive list of jobs below:
- Dog Walker
The goal is simple, you just have to walk a dog or multiple dogs depending on your schedule. Some people may not have enough time to spend with their fur babies and take them out for walks, and they often pay a hefty sum for people who are willing to walk their dogs.
The pay varies on your location and the number of dogs that you walk per day. Some dog owners can pay a generous tip over the base salary of $15-20 an hour. Although the duration of the walks entirely varies on the dog’s breed and the owner’s instructions.
- Server
As a server, you are handed various responsibilities which you have to carry out daily at the restaurant. You have to make sure that the tables along with the dishes on them are clean. You also have to make sure to offer excellent service to the customers. In some places, servers serve the menu and greet the customers as well. Servers can also suggest food based on their customer’s prior choices.
Along with all the above duties, you have to adhere to health guidelines which are important especially in the trying times of the pandemic. As a server you get paid $7.93 per hour as average wage in most states, though, with tips and bonuses, it can be much more.
- Virtual Assistant
Due to the pandemic, people prefer working from the comfort of their homes. You can also try doing that by becoming a virtual assistant for companies, brands, or even individuals. Your job includes scheduling and creating meetings, arranging travel necessities, replying to emails, creating documents, making phone calls, managing emails, posting on social media, and much more.
You will be working remotely which can be very essential since there is flexibility and you can devote other time to your studies. The average hourly pay for a Virtual Assistant starts from $15 per hour but may go up to $50 if the workload is high and if you have the appropriate skills and experience for it.
- Lifeguard
Being a lifeguard is no easy job, they have various responsibilities handed to them, they are found at both public and private pools. As a lifeguard you have to constantly be in surveillance of the pool, ensuring the safety of all the people, educating people on water safety, preventing hazards and accidents, providing appropriate care, and taking measures in emergencies like saving someone from drowning or providing CPR.
The average hourly pay for a lifeguard starts from $12.93. This job is extremely physically demanding and may not be suitable for all. Without proper guidance and precautions, this may become life-threatening.
- Tutor
As a private tutor, you have to ensure that your children grasp what they do not understand at school. You may plan on coaching one student or maybe a group of students together. Typically, the job of the tutor is to focus on one single subject where the student might be lacking.
On average, private tutors get paid $25 an hour, but this rate may be lower if you are teaching young children.
- Babysitter
Your duties as a babysitter may vary due to the requirements of the parents. Some parents might be working throughout the day, they’d want you to pick their child up from school. Bringing them home safely and feeding them. You may be also paid extra for assisting the child in their school activities and projects. You must have experience in babysitting as most parents are willing to pay extra money for an experienced babysitter as they would not have to worry about their child much.
As mentioned above, babysitters are paid according to their experience and skills. On average a rookie babysitter can earn $18.68 to $56.32 per hour.
Can You Be Too Young For Employment?
Employers often think that younger employees may lack maturity and a sense of responsibility, this is not always true. Young workers can transform the workplace into a productive medium, dedicating their energy and time to it. Age discrimination is still very prevalent in today’s time. The employers are not allowed to enquire about your age, as it is against the law.
Though some jobs such as construction work, personal fitness training, brick mason, stonemason, etc. may demand physically active people, such as adults to carry out the work. Teens may find it tough to carry so much weight which can be potentially threatening at a young age. But barring the above physically demanding jobs, you can never be too young for a job. The employer must notify the capability and caliber of the individual rather than their age.
Jobs that Young Workers Aren’t Allowed
Below is the extensive list of jobs that minors aren’t allowed. This could be mandated by the law or simply not allowed by the employer.
- Mining Jobs.
- Driving or ridesharing jobs.
- Bricklaying or general work near a roof.
- Forklift operation.
- Firefighting
- Forestry
- Slaughtering or working in the meat manufacturing or poultry industry
- Working in the trenches or the processes of excavation.
Such jobs aren’t allowed for minors due to the Federal Labour Standards Act. (FLSA) which emphasizes protecting the rights of minors. Individuals 18 and over can work such jobs but only with proper protective gear under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Conclusion
The minimum age is set to 14 to land a job in most states. You may be employed part-time so it does not interfere with your academic activities. At most, you can work 18 hours per week on school days.
The minimum hiring age is set in place to protect minors from potential exploitation. The minimum age for jobs varies from one state to another. Various jobs demand physical activity, which can be hazardous for minors or they may not be allowed to carry out those jobs at all. The minimum age was set in place after a history of occupational hazards and accidents which have proved fatal. Though there is largely no upper limit for a job, the lower limit has been a subject of controversy and debate.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) about Job Hiring Age
We have covered a lot in this extensive article, everything from typical age requirements to laws, but sometimes the readers may still have some queries left. We have tried to answer some of the most common questions when it comes to job hiring ages.
Q. I am currently 17 but I will be 18 in a month, can I still apply to jobs that require adults?
A. It may depend largely on the employer, some employers have strict laws about the minimum hiring age, but some employees may make an exception or hire you a month after the application.
Q. Will, I need to pay taxes if I start earning at 16?
A. Usually you do not have to pay any taxes, but in special cases, you may have to. For example, if you earn over $12,200 annually at the age of 16, then you are liable to pay tax.
Q. Will working at a fast-food chain at 15 affect my future academic prospects?
A. Of Course not, it will only enhance your communication skills and increase your chances of getting a better job in the same sector.
Q. Since I am a minor, will I be paid less compared to my adult coworkers?
A. Typically, you get paid equally, unless the adult has a job position that needs special skills or certification or is promoted to that level.
Q. I am 15 years old, will I be forced to work more due to my young age?
A. Majority of employers adhere to the federal laws and do not engage in any sort of malpractices, exploiting a minor can lead to legal consequences, laws are created to protect minor’s rights in the workplace. So, no you won’t be forced to work more, you may report to the local authorities if you are facing such an issue.
Q. Do I have to work part-time as a 17-year-old?
A. This depends on the state you’re based in. Some states may not allow minors to work for more than 18 hours a week.
