Youngest age to get a job in the U.S?

Question

Specifically in California? I'm nearing 15 years old an I'm in need of a job. Most places don't hire until 16. But is there any, legal, businesses that hire?

I'm not one for fast food.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Federal child labor law says that minors ages 14 or 15 can work in any non-manufacturing, non-production, non-distribution, non-transportation, non-warehousing employment. That essentially leaves things like child care, retail, food service, janitorial, etc., open to you. In addition to the occupation restrictions, federal law also limits the hours 14 and 15 year olds can work to those not before 7:00 a.m., not after 7:00 p.m. (except June 1 through Labor Day, you can work until 9:00 p.m.), no more than 3 hours a day on days when school is in session and no more than 18 hours a week during weeks when school is in session, and no more than 8 hours a day on days when school is not in session and no more than 40 hours a week during weeks when school is not in session.

For more specific information on federal child labor laws, look at Title 29 of the US Code of Federal Regulations, Part 570, or contact the US Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, at www.dol.gov or 1-866-4US-WAGE.

Of course, your state might have child labor laws that are more restrictive. To find out, call your state labor department or contact your Lieutenant Governor's office (the numbers should be in the blue (or government) pages of your telephone book).

Also, note that just because a business legally could hire you at 15, doesn't mean they *have* to. Many times insurance companies will not insure businesses with employees under the age of 16, and there could be many more valid business-related reasons why an employer chooses to have a minimum age for employment that is higher/older than the one set by law.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

16

Answer 3

Cleaning, kitchenwork, packing, running errands, gardening, babysitting, newspaper delivery are some of the jobs available. These jobs will be posted in local newspapers and billboards.Many businesses hesitate to employ minors because of the legal restrictions on working hours and documentation required. A better option is to work from home on your computer-write articles,sell on eBay,make a website,take surveys. In some cases,you may have to set up an account in your parents or guardians name,and ask them to pay you,after they get the money for your work. More details are available at http://www.pcworkathome.net/jobsforminors.html

Answer 4

I got one at 15.

Answer 5

Sixteen with a work permit.