When Can I Get a Job?

It depends on the type of job. It’s against the law in the United States for anyone under the age of 14 to have most types of jobs. Some states even have child labor laws that require people to be older than 14 to get a job.

But there are exceptions to these rules. Babysitting, delivering newspapers, and working for a family business are all things that kids younger than 14 may be able to do. And there's no minimum age for working on TV, in the movies, or in theater productions.

What Should I Know About Getting a Job?

If you do get a job, your boss should follow all federal and local rules that help protect kids from working too much, especially during the school year. For instance, 14-year-olds shouldn't work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on school nights. During the school year, they also shouldn't work more than 18 hours a week, or more than 3 hours a day on a school day. Why? Because you need time to study, play, and sleep!