Legal age to start working—how does it work?

I’m itching to start earning my own money. What’s the legal minimum age to get a job in most places? Are there any special rules I should know about for students under 18?

In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulates employment of minors. According to the FLSA, the minimum age for most non-agricultural work is typically 14. However, youth of any age can deliver newspapers, perform in radio, television, movie, or theatrical productions, work in businesses owned by their parents (except in mining, manufacturing or hazardous jobs), and perform babysitting or minor chores around a private home.

For 14 and 15 year-olds, there are specific regulations for when and how long you can work. Generally, you are limited to: no more than 3 hours on school days and 18 hours in a school week, no more than 8 hours on a non-school day and 40 hours in a non-school week, and work must occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (except from June 1 through Labor Day, when evening hours are extended until 9 p.m.).

When you turn 16, these hour limitations are lifted, but you're still banned from hazardous jobs, as per the FLSA, until you're 18. These jobs include certain types of factory work, mining, certain jobs in forestry, and certain jobs involving power equipment.

Remember, however, that these are federal rules and your state may have different or more specific regulations. Always check with your local Department of Labor for the most accurate guidance. Also, keep in mind that most employers may prefer applicants who are at least 16, due to fewer restrictions on their work hours.

An important note is to manage your time wisely – balance school, work, and extracurricular activities to ensure your academic success is not impacted by a part-time job.