What to Know About Employing Young Workers
Summer is here, and you may be considering employing young workers for your business. For many Americans, a summer job represents the first time they enter the workforce. It is an exciting time for young workers as they learn the value of hard work and earning a paycheck, while employers play an important role in ensuring those experiences are safe and lawful. The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division is available to provide assistance and help you stay informed on what you need to know.
Here are some frequently asked questions. Click here for additional information including general provisions and requirements for employers and young workers as summer jobs begin. Please keep in mind that state laws may have stricter requirements.
- Are there limits to how many hours youth can work each day? There are no hours restrictions for employees who are 16- and 17-years old in any occupation, as long as it’s not a prohibited hazardous task (see more below). During summer months, children who are 14 and 15 years old may work a maximum of 40 hours in a week. Between June 1 and Labor Day, workers who are 14 and 15 years old may work until 9 p.m.
- Can I work as a lifeguard? Youth employment at swimming pools and amusement parks spikes in the summer. Teens who are 15 and older may work at pools and water amusement works when they have been trained and certified in aquatic safety by the American Red Cross Training Services or a similar organization. Teens age 16 and over can also work at rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and similar non-pool facilities.
- What’s this about hazardous occupations? There are 17 occupations deemed too hazardous for youth employment, mainly involving the operation of heavy machinery, use of dangerous material like explosives, coal-mining, or roofing. Additionally, most young people cannot drive as part of their job duties, with limited exceptions.
- Does this also apply to farm work? Agricultural employment and farm work have different youth employment standards. Employers may hire workers under the age of 14, for example, if they have parental consent to work on a farm where their parent or guardian is also employed. There are also different rules for the hours that young people can work on farms because a lot of farm work typically occurs early in the morning. There are other detailed rules involving everything from age certificates to vocational training, so employers who plan to hire young agricultural workers should read them carefully.
We also have plenty of resources to help employers understand best practices when employing young workers.
YouthRules.gov is a great resource for employers, parents, and young workers alike, with detailed fact sheets covering topics related to safe and legal youth employment. For employers who want additional information, our new Youth Employment Toolkit is built specifically with you in mind.
Follow the Wage and Hour Division here on LinkedIn for more employment guidance.
This article was orginally posted here.
