Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How old do I have to be to work? 

A: Federal law says that a minor under age 14 cannot work except as a newspaper carrier (must be at least 11 years old); in agriculture, if at least 12 years old and with parent or guardian consent; or as an actor/actress or model.

Q: I am 14 (or 15). Some people tell me I can’t work.

A: Yes, you can. But federal law says you cannot work during school hours. You can only work 3 hours a day after school and only until 7 p.m., Monday through Friday during the school year. You can work 8 hours a day on Saturday and Sunday, and you can work 8 hours a day and up to 40 hours a week during summer vacation. Most employers want someone who can work a shift that is at least 4 hours on 1 to 2 weeknights, so it is very hard for 14- and 15-year-olds to find work during the school year. Many summer job programs will take 14- and 15-year-olds.

Q: What documents do I need to work?

A: An ID or certificate with proof of your age and a social security card. If you are not a citizen, you will also need proof of eligibility to work in the U.S., like a green card, I-94 or Employment Authorization card.

Q: I’ve heard I need a work permit.” How do I get one?

A: Some states require all minors to obtain a work permit.  Minnesota minors who are 14 to 17 years old do not need to obtain a work permit. However, many job applications ask for one and employers may think Minnesota students need one, too. This is not true. Child actors and models will need permits. Agents who recruit and sponsor them will know how to get the appropriate permits.

Q: Are there other special rules for workers under age 18?

A: Yes. There are limits on how early and late minors can work and what kinds of machinery they can operate and what hazardous activities they can do, depending on the age. For more information, call the Minnesota Department of Labor Standards at 651-284-5070, 1-800-342-5354, or go to their website at www.doli.state.mn.us.

Q: I am under 21. Can I work at a place that serves alcohol?

A: Minnesota law says that people 17 years old and older may work at a place that serves alcohol. Youth under age 21 are still bound by law not to serve or consume alcohol.

Q: Some places say I have to be 18 to work there. Is this true?

A: Employers are not required to hire minors if they don’t want to.

Q: I know someone who gets off of school to go to a job. How can I do that?

A: Most schools expect students to focus on academics and will not release them from class for a job. A small number of students who have special educational contracts at school are eligible for work release or school credit for jobs. If you have an IEP, you might be eligible. If you don’t know what an IEP is, you don’t have one. Most students who want to work will need to do so after school and on weekends.

Q: I’ve applied for jobs and no one will hire me because I have no experience. How do I get experience if no one will hire me?

A: Some employers are willing to try someone without experience, if you can impress them with your maturity, responsibility and willingness to work hard. Some employers will hire the sons and daughters of responsible employees or friends, if their parents introduce them and promise they will be responsible. Often, the best way to get your first experience is to volunteer or register for a special summer job program.

Q: How much can I expect to be paid? 

A: Minimum wage for large businesses is $6.15 per hour. Minimum wage for small businesses is $5.25 per hour. New employees under age 20 may be paid a training wage of $4.90 per hour for the first 90 consecutive days of employment. Some programs may pay people in a stipend, which is a lump sum every month or at the end of the work period, rather than an hourly wage. A stipend program usually pays less than minimum wage. Some employers don’t pay hourly wages but pay for each project that is completed. What you earn depends on your experience, what kind of job you are doing and what the employer can afford to pay employees. If you do well on the job, you can ask your boss to give you a raise after you’ve been working there for 6 months to a year. Many businesses have clear rules about who is eligible for raises and what employees must do to earn them.

Q: Who do I contact to get help finding a job, volunteer opportunities or a special summer job program?

A: Call Carol Aharoni at 651-999-5655 or e-mail her. She will help you determine if you are eligible for any HIRED programs and, if you are, will put you in contact with an employment counselor.