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  • Can A Teenager Work Full-time?

Teens can work full-time. However, there are certain stipulations with respect to when they can work and their age. While employers are not bashful about hiring teen workers, they still have to meet the guidelines established by the federal government and state laws.  Therefore, the following topics are covered in the following article:

  • Work Hours for 14 and 15-Year-Olds
  • Specific Working Hours for 16-Year-Olds
  • General Work Hours to 16 to 18-Year-olds
  • What Jobs You Can Work Fulltime if You are 16 to 18 Years Old
  • Work Hours Can be Found Under “Job Requirements” in Employment Postings
  • Full Time Employment for 16+ Year Olds
  • Late Night Hours to 16-Year-Olds
  • Job Requirements for Full-time and Part-time Teen Work
  • Working Papers – Where They Can Be Obtained

Work Hours for 14 and 15-year-olds

To start, if you are between 14 and 18 years old, you have to refer to US laws with respect to the work to which you can apply. If you are at least 14 years of age, you can work in a job that is considered “non-agricultural.”

Fourteen and 15-year-olds can work full time during the summer or during school breaks that last for at least a week. However, during the school year, you can only work 23 hours total during the week (4 hours per day) if you are 14 or 15 years old. Should you take on a 40-hour work-week during the summertime and you are 14 or 15, you cannot work past 9 pm at night. During the school year, the limit is set at 7 pm in the evening.

Specific Working Hours for 16-year-olds

If you are at least 16 years old, you can work 40 hours. Some states, such as New York, allow you to work up to 48 hours. To make sure of the hourly requirements then, you need to refer to the rules in your state to see if they total 40 or 48 hours.

General Work Hours for 16 to 18-year-olds

For anyone 16 to 18 years of age, the law generally says that you can work full-time but not over eight hours per day or 40 hours each week. In addition, you need to set aside 12 hours of rest between each day you work full-time, or 48 hours of rest for each full-time week.

What Jobs You Can Work Full-time if You are 16 to 18 Years Old

If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you can work in certain jobs that the US Labor Department defines as hazardous. Anyone 18 years of age or older can take on agricultural or hazardous assignments and can work a full work week. However, a few jobs, such as those requiring heavy equipment operation, using power tools, or driving positions frequently require that applicants be at least 21 years of age.

That said, if you started your own business under your parents’ supervision and worked from home, you can work as much as your schedule allows.  If this sounds enticing to you, consider checking out this list of business ideas for teens to begin.

Work Hours Can be Found Under “Job Requirements” in Employment Postings

You will find, when you apply for employment, that employers normally establish the age requirements for the employees they hire. If you go online to apply, you can locate the minimum age shown under the section, “Job Requirements.”

Full-time Employment for 16+ Year Olds

If you are at least 16 years of age, you can find full-time employment at the following establishments, unless otherwise noted:

  • JC Penney
  • AMC Entertainment
  • Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
  • Burger King
  • Boston Market
  • Chick-fil-A
  • Jiffy Lube (at least 17 years old)
  • Steak ‘n Shake (all jobs, except supervisory or similarly higher-level roles)
  • Arby’s (all crew member jobs)

Late Night Hours for 16-Year-Olds

Sixteen year-olds cannot work between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am, unless they are employed at a racetrack or restaurant. Teens who are 16 can extend their hours to 12:00 midnight on Friday or Saturday, or when school is not in session.

Job Requirements for Full-time and Part-time Teen Work

Also, keep in mind that different jobs have varying age requirements for full-time or part-time employment. For example, if you are, at the minimum, 16, you may be able to fulfill a role as sales associate or cook, but cannot perform work as a cashier or a server.

Working Papers – Where They Can Be Obtained

In addition, if you are seeking full-time employment, be aware that some states want job applicants to possess age or employment certificates. These documents are also called working papers. The paperwork is normally required if you are under 18. You can obtain these papers from the labor department in your state or your school’s guidance department.

So, how do you feel about the working hours required for working as a teen? Would you like to work full-time? Or, would you rather maintain part-time hours throughout the year?

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