Teen Worker Rights
Practical plain-language legal guidance for students and communities.
Written to help students and families understand legal topics that affect everyday life.
If you have a part-time job as a teenager, federal and state laws protect you. You have rights when it comes to your wages, your work hours, the types of tasks you can be asked to do, and how you are treated.
The main federal law protecting young workers is the Fair Labor Standards Act, or FLSA. Most states also have their own laws, and when state law offers stronger protections than federal law, the state law applies. Laws can vary depending on where you live.
QUICK FACTS
What You Should Know First
Minimum Wage Applies to You
The federal minimum wage applies to teen workers. Many states have higher minimum wages. Check your state's rate because you are entitled to whichever is higher.
Hour Limits During School Year
Under federal law, 14 and 15 year olds cannot work more than 3 hours on a school day or 18 hours in a school week. Limits are different on non-school days.
Hazardous Jobs Are Off Limits
Workers under 18 generally cannot be assigned to legally hazardous occupations as defined by the Department of Labor, including operating heavy machinery or working in certain food service equipment.
You Must Be Paid for All Hours
Employers must pay you for every hour you work, including setup and cleanup time. Off-the-books arrangements are illegal.
Work Permits May Be Required
Many states require minors to obtain a work permit (employment certificate) before starting a job. Your school guidance counselor can usually help with this.
REAL SITUATIONS
What This Looks Like in Real Life
Q.My boss asked me to stay late and said they would 'cover me' off the books.
A.You are legally entitled to be paid for every hour you work. Off-the-books arrangements are illegal and leave you with no protections. Insist on being paid on the record and receiving a proper pay stub.
Q.My boss is deducting money from my paycheck for a uniform that was never discussed.
A.Deductions that bring your pay below minimum wage are generally illegal. You should receive a pay stub explaining all deductions in advance. Unauthorized deductions can be reported to your state's labor department.
Q.I am 15 and my job is asking me to operate a deep fryer. Is that allowed?
A.No. The FLSA restricts hazardous work for minors under 18. Operating certain cooking equipment, including deep fryers, is prohibited for workers under 16. You can decline this assignment and report it to the Department of Labor.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Steps to Protect Yourself
Know Your State's Rules
Federal law sets a minimum standard, but your state may have stronger protections for teen workers. Search your state's department of labor website for specific teen worker rules.
Get Your Work Permit
Many states require minors to have a work permit before starting employment. Ask your school guidance counselor or contact your state's labor department to get one.
Keep Records of Your Hours
Track your start and end times every day and compare them to your pay stubs. Keeping records helps you catch underpayment quickly.
Report Wage Issues
If you believe you are being underpaid, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division at no cost to you.
Know the Hazardous Job List
The Department of Labor publishes a list of occupations too dangerous for workers under 18. Know what is on that list at dol.gov before accepting any unusual task.
MYTHS VS. FACTS
Common Misconceptions
MYTH
Teens do not have the same rights as adult workers.
FACT
Teen workers have the same wage and workplace safety protections as adults, plus additional protections that restrict hours and hazardous work.
MYTH
My employer can pay me less than minimum wage because I am a teenager.
FACT
Federal law allows a 'youth minimum wage' of $4.25/hour for workers under 20 during their first 90 consecutive days of employment. After that, you must be paid at least the regular minimum wage. Many states prohibit the youth minimum wage entirely.
MYTH
I cannot complain about my job or I will get fired.
FACT
It is illegal for employers to retaliate against you for filing a wage complaint or reporting unsafe conditions. Retaliation is itself a violation of federal law.
MYTH
Tips count as my full wage so my employer does not have to pay much.
FACT
Tipped workers have specific rules. Even with a lower tipped wage base, your tips plus base pay must add up to at least the full minimum wage for every hour you work.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Your Core Protections
Federal law gives teen workers these core protections from day one on the job.
You have the right to be paid at least minimum wage for every hour worked.
You have the right to safe working conditions regardless of your age.
You cannot legally be required to work more than the hour limits set by law for your age group during the school year.
You have the right to file a wage complaint without fear of illegal retaliation from your employer.
Workers under 18 cannot be assigned to occupations defined as hazardous by the Department of Labor.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The same federal overtime rules that apply to adult workers apply to teens. If you work more than 40 hours in a week, you are entitled to 1.5 times your regular pay for the extra hours. Hour restrictions during the school year often prevent this from happening, but the right still exists.
Only in specific situations, and never in a way that brings your pay below minimum wage. Deductions must be agreed to in advance and cannot be used as punishment.
A work permit is a document showing your employer that you have legal permission to work at your age. Most states require them for workers under 16 or 18. Your school guidance counselor can help you obtain one.
Generally no. During the school year, labor laws set strict limits on when and how many hours minors can work. Working during actual school hours is rarely permitted under state law.
You are entitled to workers' compensation coverage regardless of your age. Report any injury to your employer immediately. Workers' compensation covers medical costs for work-related injuries.
Being labeled an independent contractor does not automatically make you one. If your employer controls your hours, tells you what to do, and provides your equipment, you are likely an employee under the law and have full employee protections.
NEED HELP?
Helpful Resources
DOL: Youth Rules
The U.S. Department of Labor's dedicated resource on teen worker rights, hour limits, and hazardous occupations.
Visit ResourceDOL: Wage and Hour Division
File a wage complaint or learn more about your pay rights through the federal Wage and Hour Division.
Visit ResourceDOL: Child Labor Provisions
Federal rules on child labor under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Visit ResourceSOURCES
Citations and References
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
SHIELD Legal provides legal education and informational resources only and does not provide legal advice. Legal information changes over time and varies by jurisdiction. Nothing on this platform creates an attorney-client relationship. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a licensed attorney in your state. Always verify current law with a qualified professional before taking action.