Teenagers are often eager to get their first job. But what jobs are younger teens allowed to have?
At age 13, options for teen jobs are limited. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, you can deliver newspapers, babysit or work at a farm or business that’s owned or operated by your parents. You can work as an actor, model or performer too, if you’re that lucky!
More jobs for teens open up a year later. Fourteen-year-olds can work in offices, grocery stores, retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, baseball and amusement parks and gas stations. Once you turn 16, you can work pretty much any job as long as it’s not considered hazardous. Hazardous jobs include those dealing with explosives, radioactive materials, power-driven machines and saws, demolition operations, coal mining and other dangerous activities. Sorry, we know we just took away all the fun stuff. Employers may also have their own age guidelines for teen jobs.
Think these rules seem unfair? Count your blessings. A hundred years ago, it was common for teenagers – even preteens aged 10 or 11 – to work full-time in factories, mills and mines. Some photos from the early 1900s show 5-year-olds shucking oysters and 7-year-olds selling newspapers on the street. Suddenly your summer job selling lemonade doesn’t seem so bad, does it?