The minimum legal age to work in Washington State is 14 years old. Show
If any employer hires a minor under 14, they must first obtain permission from a superior court judge in the county where the minor lives. There are a few exceptions. ExceptionsCertain agricultural jobs12-13 year-olds can hand-harvest berries, bulbs, cucumbers, and spinach during weeks that school is not in session. Harvest of any other crops is not allowed, and mechanical harvesting is prohibited. This exemption is strictly defined. Family farm exemptionImmediate family members of farm owners are exempt from age requirements and child labor laws when working on their family farm. Theatrical jobsMinors under 14 who are employed as actors or performers in film, video, audio, or theatrical productions do not need a superior court’s permission. Employers must apply for a theatrical variance (F700-186-000) from L&I if the minor needs to work more than the allowed hours or during school hours. Soccer refereesMinors under 14 who are employed by a national youth soccer organization can work as a certified referee. All hours of work and other child labor restrictions apply. For full details, see our Sports Teams and Youth Workers Publication (F700-130-909). State, local, and tribal entitiesWashington State law exempts the state, municipalities, school districts, tribal governments, and tribal businesses from state child labor laws, minor work permit, and superior court permission requirements. These employers are still subject to any applicable federal child labor laws. Casual laborers, newspaper carriers, and volunteersYouth may be exempt from minimum wage, child labor, minor work permit, and superior court permission requirements if they are:
RequirementsAll businesses not otherwise exempted above who are hiring minors under 14, must have:
How to get superior court permissionYou must get permission from a superior court judge in the county where the child lives. Check with the appropriate court regarding its procedures and filing fees. To file with the court, submit the following forms along with any court-required fees:
These forms are available in the L&I publication Employing Children Under Age 14 (F700-118-000). Get Approval from L&IOnce you have a signed permission from the court, send a copy of it with a completed Parent/School Authorization Form to:
Get a minor work permitBefore you hire a minor under 14, you must have and post a current minor work permit. See the how to hire a minor page for full details on how to apply. If your business doesn’t have a minor work permit, get a Minor Work Permit endorsement on your Washington Business License. If your business already has a minor work permit, you must update it with L&I if this endorsement does not include employees under 14. Once you have obtained and posted your permit, remember these important requirements:
Questions?
Updated July 2020 Can You Get a Job at 14-Years-Old?Your professional journey starts with your very first job. Although it might differ from whatever you choose as your lifelong career, all job experience looks great on future resumes. Finding a job may seem difficult for young workers, but some companies do hire applicants as young as 14-years-old. However, it’s important to be aware of job requirements, restrictions and what you can do to interview well. Where Can 14-Year-Olds Work?Looking for a job at 14-years-old requires a good deal of searching for employers who accept applications from underage candidates. While some states permit 14-year-olds to work, others don’t allow companies to hire people under the age of 16. Thankfully, some states encourage young workers to get out and start gaining valuable job experience. Companies Hiring 14-Year-OldsHave an idea of what kind of job you want? At 14, keeping your mind and options open can help create more possibilities for you to join the workforce. These fast-food restaurants, grocery stores, retail shops and entertainment venues may consider motivated 14-year-olds who submit applications:
These are only a few examples of jobs that hire 14-year-olds. Some individual franchises may also accept applications from young adults under 16, though this depends on state laws and local school district rules. To find out if a company hires at age 14, review the details of the job posting or contact the hiring manager. Other Jobs for 14-Year-OldsWhen looking for jobs that hire 14-year-olds, applicants may need to think outside the box. You could start your own small business by offering services like babysitting, floral arranging, dog walking or lawn work. As a bonus, these roles can count toward your experience in the workforce and help you get the job you want in the future. Some small businesses in your area may also hire young teenagers. They might let a 14-year-old help them with everyday tasks that aren’t dangerous and don’t require any special skills. Consider inquiring at a local book store and see if they would hire you to stock shelves or arrange book displays. Other possible positions a 14-year-old hopeful could look into include:
Online Jobs for 14 Year OldsA quick internet search reveals an abundance of online jobs for people of all ages. Tech-savvy 14-year-olds might find interest in website development, design, and management. While this usually involves formal education, paid and free online tutorials can help give teenagers an early start. Also, those who enjoy writing might start their own blogs or do freelance work for large companies. Teens who enjoy online gaming and communicating with an audience might enjoy video game streaming. These outlets and services make it possible for young teens to play online, gain followers and earn money. Hobbies like creating YouTube videos and podcasts can also become profitable once content creators attract a large number of viewers and advertisers. Requirements for Underage EmployeesDifferent states have their own laws about workers under a certain age. Once an underage employee receives permission to work, there are guidelines they and their employers must follow. On weekdays, 14-year-olds can only work a maximum of three hours, and their shift must end by 7:00 pm. Only on non-school days can they clock in for up to eight hours. Employees who are 14 can work up to 18 hours during a school week. Days can begin no earlier than 7:00 am unless otherwise allowed by a state-sponsored work-study curriculum. Young workers must also receive a certain number of breaks at a specific duration, such as 15 minutes every few hours. What are Work Permits and How Do I Get One?Many employers that hire 14-year-olds ask young candidates to get a permit to work before they can start. Not all states require a work permit, so check with the Department of Labor office for further information. These documents certify the applicant’s age and verify that the requested position adheres to state law. Teenagers should be able to ask someone at their school’s main office to provide them with a work permit. Fill out the form as needed and provide any necessary documentation. In some cases, you might also need a physical from your doctor before starting the job. Additionally, some school districts may require students to earn acceptable grades and prove they can reliably attend class while working. What Restrictions Are There for 14-Year-Olds?Child labor laws protect underage workers from performing certain tasks and holding potentially dangerous roles. Those under the age of 18 cannot work in hazardous settings that involve mining, excavation, and power-driven tools. However, there are additional limitations specific to 14-year-olds looking to join the workforce. No matter the job, fourteen-year-olds cannot work with ladders, explosives, or radioactive materials. There may also be special procedures in place for young people employed by farms or kitchens. Additionally, young adults cannot hold jobs in the following industries:
How to Apply for Jobs that Hire at 14To find out if an employer hires people at 14-years-old, teens can either call the company phone number or go to the job site and ask a manager. Once they have explored jobs that hire at their age, 14-year-olds should get a work permit and applications for the places they wish to apply. Fill Out an ApplicationWhile filling out a job application, young adults should never lie. This is especially true when it comes to providing a false age since employers can easily find out the truth. Always complete applications honestly and thoroughly. For young adults, handing written forms to hiring managers is often the best way to apply to jobs. Return Applications in PersonGoing directly to the business and submitting an application yourself gives teenagers a chance to meet potential colleagues and make a good first impression. Supervisors want to see that a 14-year-old worker is ready to handle employment, so communicate maturely, make eye contact and maintain a friendly attitude. Interview Tips for Companies Hiring 14-Year-OldsIf a company that hires 14-year-olds has an interest in your application, the hiring manager will reach out to schedule an interview. The meeting might take place over the phone, through a video call or in-person at the job site. Managers understand that most 14-year-olds haven’t worked before, so expect your interaction to focus on how your age may impact your job performance and availability. During the interview, it’s important to tell the truth about your age and your ability to work. The hiring manager might ask you to explain why you want to work there and whether you can provide proof of age. Other common questions for young people involve your future goals and talking about yourself as a person and worker. COVID-19 and Effects on Jobs for 14-Year-OldsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, school closings and financial need caused many minors to look for jobs. Luckily, many companies that hire young employees are essential businesses that were able to remain open. Now, companies and retailers that reduced their staffing in the beginning are also looking to hire. However, you may be wondering what jobs you can get at 14 now that there are many extra health restrictions and regulations in place. Some businesses may be cautious when hiring because they want to ensure their workers will follow all the guidelines set by management and the state. Asserting that you are responsible and willing to adhere to all health and safety rules is more important than ever. If the employer still practices COVID-19 prevention, be prepared to follow any rules they put in place. The business might require face coverings, social distancing and even request proof of vaccination. While companies cannot require workers to get a COVID-19 vaccine, they might prefer vaccinated employees for public health reasons. McDonalds Grill Member Interview VideoTaco Bell Cashier Interview VideoWhat jobs can I do as a 13 year old?List of 13 great jobs for 13-year-olds. Babysitter. Babysitting is a fantastic job for 13-year-olds. ... . Lawn mower or gardener. If your 13-year-old loves spending time outside, working as a lawn mower or gardener is a fantastic option. ... . Dog walker. ... . House or pet sitter. ... . Tutor. ... . Car washer. ... . Junior camp counselor. ... . Newspaper deliverer.. Can a 13 year old get hired?Federal and state occupational restrictions are such that in most cases minors must be at least 14 years of age to begin working. Any minor who is at least 12 years of age may be issued a permit by school officials [EC 49111], however few occupations are available to them.
Where can a 13 year old work in Florida?For 13 Year Old jobs in FL. Chipotle Port Charlotte Hiring Crew $13.00. Chipotle Mexican Grill3.5. ... . Part-Time Sales Associate. Journeys3.5. ... . Crew Member. Dunkin Donuts | Radiant F&B3.4. ... . Crew Member. Wendy's3.4. ... . Team Member. ... . Group Home Caregiver. ... . Part Time Team Member Chick-fil-A Crestview. ... . Chick-fil-A Food Truck Team Member.. How old do you have to be to work at Target?before you apply
To apply for hourly positions at Target stores and our Distribution Centers: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Target store job. You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Target Distribution Center job.
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