What Age Can You Start Summer Jobs?

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What is the minimum age to start summer jobs in the U.S.?

Summer jobs are temporary paid positions often filled by young people during their school break. By federal law, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets 14 as the minimum age for most non-agricultural summer jobs. This means a 14-year-old can legally work in many entry-level positions, but children younger than 14 are generally not permitted to work in these jobs, except in specific family-run businesses or entertainment.

State and local laws can be stricter. For example, some states require teens to be 15 or 16 before working in certain jobs or need work permits or parental consent. Therefore, before applying, it is important to check your state’s specific labor department website for exact age requirements and permits.

Why does this matter? If a 13-year-old tries to work a summer job without meeting legal age requirements, the employer could face penalties, and the child would have to stop working. For example, a 14-year-old could work as a grocery store cashier, but a 13-year-old generally cannot legally hold that job.

How do age restrictions affect the types of summer jobs teens can take?

The age at which a teen starts working determines the jobs legally available to them. Federal child labor laws restrict hazardous occupations and certain tasks for teens under 18. For 14- and 15-year-olds, common summer jobs include cashier, bagger, office assistant, or lifeguard assistant (with proper certification). However, they cannot operate power-driven machinery or work in manufacturing or construction.

At 16 and 17, teens can work longer hours and perform more types of jobs, including some that involve machinery or driving, but still cannot engage in the most dangerous tasks (like roofing or mining).

For example, a 14-year-old might be hired to stock shelves or clean tables at a restaurant, but cannot cook on a grill using open flames. A 17-year-old could work as a lifeguard or drive a delivery vehicle with proper licensing. Always confirm with the employer that the job complies with child labor laws.

How do work hour limits relate to age during summer jobs?

Work hour restrictions protect young workers from excessive work that could interfere with health or education. For 14- and 15-year-olds, federal law limits work hours as follows during the school year:

• No more than 3 hours on a school day
• No more than 8 hours on a non-school day
• No more than 18 hours per week when school is in session
• No more than 40 hours in a week when school is not in session (like summer)
• Work only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day

During the summer break, 14- and 15-year-olds can work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. For 16- and 17-year-olds, there are no federal hour limits, but they are still restricted from hazardous jobs. Some states impose their own hour limits on 16- and 17-year-olds.

For example, if a 15-year-old works at a local bookstore over summer vacation, they can legally work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. up to five days a week. However, during the school year, the same teen could only work a maximum of 3 hours on school days.

Why does knowing the age for summer jobs matter for teens and parents?

Understanding age rules helps teens and parents find lawful, safe work, avoiding disruptions or illegal employment situations. It ensures teens balance work with school and rest, and protects them from unsafe tasks. Parents play a critical role in supporting their teens by helping research legal job options and monitoring working hours.

For example, a parent helping a 14-year-old apply for a summer job at a local ice cream shop should confirm the teen will not be asked to operate fryers or work late nights beyond allowed hours. This knowledge safeguards the teen’s well-being and ensures employers comply with the law.

What other terms related to summer jobs should people be aware of?

People often confuse summer jobs with internships, volunteering, or seasonal work. A summer job usually means a paid, temporary role during school break. Internships may be paid or unpaid and are designed for career learning. Volunteering is unpaid and usually for community service. Seasonal jobs include summer jobs but also holiday retail or other short-term positions.

For example, a high school student might have a paid summer job as a lifeguard, do an unpaid summer internship at a tech company, or volunteer at a local animal shelter. Each has different legal protections and requirements.

How can teens and parents find and apply for summer jobs legally?

Finding a summer job legally involves several clear steps:

1. Check your state’s labor laws: Visit your state labor department website or the U.S. Department of Labor to verify minimum working age, work permits, and hour restrictions.
2. Identify jobs appropriate for your age: Look for jobs that fit your age and skill level, such as retail assistant, cashier, or camp counselor.
3. Prepare a simple resume or work history: Include any volunteer experiences, skills, or school activities. For example, “Helped organize school events” or “Completed a babysitting course.”
4. Apply in person or online: Use clear, polite language such as “I am interested in applying for a summer position. I am 15 years old and available for up to 40 hours per week during summer.”
5. Ask about work hours and job duties: Confirm they comply with labor laws and avoid hazardous tasks. For example, “Can you confirm what hours I would work and if I will be asked to operate any equipment?”
6. Get parental consent or work permits if required: Some states require official permission for minors to work.
7. Keep track of hours worked and any concerns: If something feels unsafe or illegal, speak up or get help from a trusted adult or labor department.

These steps help ensure a positive and lawful summer job experience.

What should a young person do if they face problems with summer job age or labor laws?

If a teen encounters work conditions that seem illegal—such as working underage, excessive hours, or unsafe tasks—they should first discuss the issue with their employer, referencing age and hour limits explicitly. For instance, “I understand that workers my age cannot operate this machine.” If the employer does not resolve the issue, contact your state labor department or the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division for guidance or to file a complaint.

In serious cases, seek advice from legal aid or a labor rights organization. Reporting unsafe or illegal work not only protects the individual teen but also helps others. Keep records of schedules, pay stubs, and any communications as evidence.

Frequently asked questions

Can a 13-year-old get a summer job?

Generally, no. Most non-agricultural jobs require workers to be at least 14 years old. Exceptions exist for family businesses or entertainment, but these are limited and may require permits.

What kind of jobs can a 16-year-old legally do in summer?

A 16-year-old can work in many more job types than younger teens, such as retail, food service, or lifeguarding, with fewer hour restrictions. Hazardous jobs remain prohibited until 18, including roofing or operating heavy machinery.

How can parents help their teens find summer jobs?

Parents can research minimum age and hour laws, help create resumes, accompany teens to interviews, and confirm employer compliance with child labor laws. Parental consent may be needed depending on state rules.

What should a teen do if asked to work more hours than allowed?

The teen should politely inform the employer of legal hour limits for their age and refuse hours that exceed those limits. If the issue continues, report it to the labor department.

Are unpaid internships considered summer jobs?

No. Unpaid internships focus on learning and career experience without wages and have different legal rules. Summer jobs are paid positions with specific age and hour protections under labor laws.